Removing a second Windows installation from your PC typically involves identifying the partition where the unwanted Windows is installed, deleting that partition, and then potentially fixing the boot manager to remove the extra boot entry. Based on the provided reference, some methods accomplish this process in just two steps, resulting in the complete removal of the second Windows installation.
Why Remove a Second Windows Installation?
Dual-booting or having multiple Windows versions installed can consume significant disk space. Removing an unnecessary second installation frees up storage and can simplify your boot process.
The General Process to Remove a Second Windows
While methods can vary slightly, the core process usually involves these steps. A simplified method, as suggested by the reference, can achieve the desired outcome with fewer actions.
Step 1: Backup Important Data
Before making any changes to your disk partitions, it is highly recommended to back up any important files from both Windows installations, especially the one you plan to keep. Errors during this process could lead to data loss.
Step 2: Identify the Windows Installation to Remove
Boot into the Windows installation you wish to keep. You need to be running the operating system that will remain on the computer.
Step 3: Access Disk Management
To manage disk partitions, use the built-in Windows tool:
- Press
Windows Key + Rto open the Run dialog. - Type
diskmgmt.mscand press Enter. This opens the Disk Management window.
Step 4: Delete the Partition
In Disk Management, you will see a graphical representation of your hard drives and their partitions.
- Carefully identify the partition containing the second Windows installation. Look at the drive letter, size, and file system (usually NTFS). Crucially, ensure you do not select the partition of the Windows installation you want to keep. If you are unsure, you can check the size or navigate to the drive in File Explorer first to confirm its contents.
- Right-click on the partition belonging to the second Windows installation.
- Select "Delete Volume" or "Delete Partition".
- Confirm the deletion when prompted. This will turn the space into "Unallocated" space.
Note: The reference mentions that after "these two steps" the second Windows will be gone. While the reference doesn't detail which specific two steps are involved, a common two-step approach could simplify the partition deletion and boot entry removal process.
Step 5: Update the Boot Manager
After deleting the partition, you might still see an option for the second Windows in the boot menu when starting your PC. You need to remove this boot entry.
A common way to do this is using the msconfig utility:
- Press
Windows Key + R, typemsconfig, and press Enter. - Go to the Boot tab.
- Select the entry for the Windows installation you just removed.
- Click the "Delete" button.
- Click "Apply" and then "OK".
- You may be prompted to restart your computer.
Alternatively, more advanced users can use the bcdedit command in Command Prompt (Run as administrator) to manage boot entries, but msconfig is usually sufficient for removing unwanted entries.
What the Reference Mentions
The provided reference, a segment from a video titled "How to delete/remove 2nd Windows from PC?", indicates that by following the steps demonstrated in the video, "After these two steps there will no second windows on your PC." This highlights that the process can be achieved efficiently, potentially simplifying the steps outlined above into a quick, two-action method to remove the unwanted Windows installation.
By deleting the partition and updating the boot configuration, you effectively remove the second Windows installation and its boot option from your computer.
