Solved When installing Windows 10/11, is it required to delete the existing parititions?


HPUser

Member
Local time
11:17 PM
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41
OS
Windows 11
A few months ago I did a clean install of Windows 10 on another laptop after a BSOD. I didn't delete any of the existing partitions, and only selected the primary one. I don't remember if the space was listed as unallocated. I now have received a BSOD on another laptop, and am in the process of performing a clean install of Windows 11.

When reading the ElevenForum tutorial, I noticed that it mentioned to delete the partitions until there is only one left that's labeled as unallocated, but I didn't remember having to do that when installing Windows 10.

So, I went to the TenForums tutorial for clean installing Windows 10, and found that it also says to delete the existing partitions.

However, it mentions to delete the partitions for the best results, so I'm wondering if it's required, or if it just ensures that no problems might occur during the installation.

I looked it up and found that on the Microsoft website, it says that it's not required.

Thank you!
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Laptop 17-cn1053cl
    Memory
    12 GB
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
I've always deleted all existing partitions and take the drive down to 'unallocated' when clean installing. If you do this then you are asked to create a new partition when installing because 'unallocated' means no partitions now exist.

Also be aware that if the CPU is an Intel11th generation then W11 will not be able to load the drivers required to initially allow you to continue with the install, it will report 'no drives can be found' and you have to add the driver yourself to the installation media.

All the info is out there to do that if that is applicable... its no big deal, just something to be aware of. Just check the CPU type and version first.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W11 Pro x64 24H2 Dev
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell 7760 Mobile Precision 17"
    CPU
    Intel i5
    Motherboard
    Unknown
    Memory
    8Gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Hard Drives
    2 x 256Gb SSD
    PSU
    Dell 240 watt
    Mouse
    Dell Premier Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Default Microsoft Security
UEFI-GPT drives has four system partitions:
- EFI - 100M Fat32
- MSR - 16M RAW
- C: - NTFS
- Recovery - +- 850M NTFS

uefi-partitions.png
These partitions should be erased and windows installed to the unallocated space created.

It is a good practice to create a medium size C: partition (80G) and create at the end of the drive on the remaining space a D: partition for data only. In case you need to do a clean install, you would delete the 4 system partitions, install Windows to the unallocated space created and your D: data partition will still be there.
ALWAYS have your data backed up on an external drive.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 7 HP 64 - Windows 11 Pro - Lubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom build
    CPU
    i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-Z170-HD3P
    Memory
    4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
    Graphics Card(s)
    IG - Intel 530
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 226BW
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    (1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
    (2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
    (3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
    (4) -1 BX500 SSD - 128G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
    Keyboard
    Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
  • Operating System
    Windows 7 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Q550LF
    CPU
    i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Q550LF
    Memory
    (4+4)G DDR3 1600
    Graphics card(s)
    IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
    & 1T HDD for data
    Internet Speed
    350 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64

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