Using Linux Ubuntu as a second OS is a convenient solution for work and all sorts of experiments. But if at some point you decide to leave only one operating system, then our guide will help you do this.
How to uninstall Linux Ubuntu
Save the necessary files
Before you begin deleting, it is important to prepare and ensure that all data stored in Ubuntu is backed up in a safe place. There are several ways to do this:
- Save important documents on an external storage device. You can use a portable hard drive or a regular memory card;
- Use cloud storage services like Google Drive , OneDrive , or Dropbox to sync important data.
- If you have sensitive data stored on your Linux partitions, back it up using Ubuntu’s built-in tools or third-party utilities.
It is also recommended to check that you have a bootable media with Windows. This can be a flash drive created using the Media Creation Tool utility .
Launch Windows
If you do not repair the Windows bootloader before removing Ubuntu, your device may not boot correctly. Follow these steps to repair the bootloader:
- Connect the flash drive to the computer, reboot the device and enter BIOS/UEFI. This is usually done using the F2, Del or Esc keys. Set the boot priority to the flash drive;
- Once booted, select System Restore, then Troubleshoot. Find and open Command Prompt.
Run the commands:
- bootrec /fixmbr to restore the master boot record;
- bootrec /fixboot to fix a damaged boot sector;
- bootrec /rebuildbcd to create a new boot record database.
These steps resolve conflicts related to GRUB, which is used by Ubuntu to select the operating system.
Delete Ubuntu partitions
After restoring the bootloader, you can proceed to deleting the partitions occupied by Ubuntu:
- Press Win + R, enter diskmgmt.msc and open the Disk Management utility.
- Look for Ubuntu-specific partitions in the list. These usually have an ext4 file system and are not displayed with letters like Windows partitions;
- Right-click the Ubuntu partition and select Delete Volume. Confirm deletion. If there are multiple such partitions, repeat the steps for each;
- Make sure all Linux partitions are deleted and unallocated space appears.
Redistribute free space
Now that the Linux partitions are removed, the freed space can be used to enlarge the existing Windows partition or create a new one.
To enlarge the Windows partition:
- Right-click on the C: partition and select Extend Volume;
- In the wizard that appears, specify how much free space to add to the partition and complete the process.
To create a new section:
- Right-click on the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume;
- Specify the size of the new partition, assign a letter to it, and format it as NTFS.
If the built-in Windows tools seem inconvenient, you can use programs such as MiniTool Partition Wizard , AOMEI Partition Assistant or GParted . These utilities allow you to:
- Delete Linux partitions through a simple interface;
- Redistribute freed space between sections;
- Back up your data before making changes;
Install the software of your choice, follow its instructions to remove Ubuntu partitions and redistribute space.
Conclusion
Restart your computer and make sure it boots directly into Windows without the OS selection menu appearing. If the device does not boot, repeat the bootloader repair steps. Performing all steps correctly ensures that Ubuntu is completely removed and Windows continues to function stably.