How To Safely Remove Ubuntu Linux From Dual Boot Windows

Dual-booting Ubuntu and Windows can be a great way to explore Linux without fully committing to it. But if you’ve decided you no longer need Ubuntu, you can safely remove it and reclaim that disk space for Windows — without breaking your bootloader or losing your files.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to uninstall Ubuntu from a Windows dual-boot setup.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before doing anything, back up important files from both Ubuntu and Windows. Even though we won’t be touching your Windows partition, disk changes can go wrong.

• Use an external drive or cloud storage.
• If you have important files in Ubuntu, copy them to a USB stick or your Windows drive.

Step 2: Identify the Ubuntu Partitions

We need to find and delete Ubuntu’s partitions.

1. Boot into Windows.
2. Press Windows + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and hit Enter. This opens Disk Management.
3. Look for the partitions without a drive letter (often EXT4 format or labeled “Healthy (Primary Partition)” without NTFS/FAT32).
4. Typically, Ubuntu uses:
   • A main EXT4 partition
   • A swap partition (if created)
   • Sometimes a small boot partition

Tip: Be absolutely sure you’re selecting the right partitions before deleting them.

Step 3: Delete the Ubuntu Partitions

1. In Disk Management, right-click each Ubuntu partition and select Delete Volume.
2. They’ll now appear as Unallocated space.

Step 4: Reclaim the Space for Windows

You can now extend your Windows partition into the unallocated space:

1. Right-click your Windows partition (usually C:) and select Extend Volume.
2. Follow the wizard to add the unallocated space to Windows.

Step 5: Fix the Windows Bootloader

Ubuntu uses the GRUB bootloader, which will still appear when you restart — unless you restore Windows’ bootloader.

1. Create a Windows installation media (USB or DVD) if you don’t already have one. You can download it from Microsoft’s official site.
2. Boot from the installation media.
3. Choose your language and click Repair your computer.
4. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
5. Run the following commands one by one:
   bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
6. Restart your computer. GRUB should now be gone, and Windows will boot directly.

Step 6: Optional — Remove Ubuntu from the Boot Menu

If Windows still shows Ubuntu in the boot menu:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. Go to the Boot tab.
3. Select Ubuntu (if listed) and click Delete.
4. Apply and restart.

Final Safety Check

• Make sure Windows boots normally without errors.
• Verify your reclaimed space is now part of your Windows partition.
• Keep your backups for a few days, just in case.

Conclusion

Removing Ubuntu from a dual boot with Windows is straightforward if you:

• Back up first
• Delete only the correct partitions
• Restore the Windows bootloader

Done correctly, you’ll have your system back to a clean Windows-only state — and all that disk space back for your files, games, or projects.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!