Updated on April 24, 2024

The tools have observed that numerous Windows 11 users are facing an issue where the "Extend Volume" option is disabled, accompanied by an error involving a recovery partition between the system partition and unallocated space. How can one relocate the recovery partition to expand the drive? This article offers a detailed guide to address this problem.

How to Move the Recovery Partition in Windows 11?

To safely and quickly move the Windows 11 recovery partition, you should utilize a tool like Partition Master Professional. This software's "Move/Resize Partitions" feature enables users to relocate the Recovery partition to any position on the disk, ensuring that the target partition and unallocated space are adjacent.

Additionally, you can also use its cloning feature to move the recovery partition to a USB drive or other external device with one click. This way, you can directly delete the Windows 11 recovery partition to get more free space.

Download the tool Partition Master and move the Windows 11 recovery partition to an external device or another location on the local disk as per your requirements.

Guide 1: Move Recovery Partition in Windows 11 [on the Same Disk]

Here are the steps to relocate the Windows 11 Recovery Partition to a different location: 1. Create a System Repair Disc or USB: - Open the Control Panel and go to 'Create a System Repair Disc.' - If you don't have an optical drive, use a USB drive and select 'Create a system repair drive.' This will come in handy if any issues occur during the process. 2. Backup Important Data: - Before making any changes, ensure you backup all crucial files and data to an external storage device or cloud service. 3. Download Third-Party Partition Manager Software: - You'll need software like tools Partition Master, AOMEI Partition Assistant, or MiniTool Partition Wizard to manipulate partitions. - Download and install your preferred software. 4. Boot into the Partition Manager Software: - Restart your computer and access the software using the bootable media you created earlier. - You might need to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings to change the boot order. 5. Identify the Recovery Partition: - In the software's interface, locate the Recovery Partition (usually labeled as "Recovery," "OEM," or "Windows RE Tools"). Note its current drive letter and size. 6. Resize the Destination Partition: - Choose the partition where you want to move the Recovery Partition. - Resize it to free up enough space for the Recovery Partition. 7. Move the Recovery Partition: - Right-click on the Recovery Partition and select 'Move/Resize Partition.' - Drag the partition to the desired location or enter the new starting sector manually. Make sure there's enough unallocated space. 8. Apply Changes: - Review the pending changes and click 'Apply' or 'Execute' to initiate the process. - The software will warn you that the operation may take time. 9. Wait for the Process to Complete: - Do not interrupt the process; let it finish without turning off the computer. 10. Verify the Recovery Partition: - After the operation is complete, restart your computer and check if the Recovery Partition is in its new location. - You can use the 'msinfo32' command in the Command Prompt to verify the system partition details. Remember that manipulating system partitions carries a risk of data loss or system instability. Always have a backup and follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Locate and select the target drive/partition

Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant and go to Partition Manager, then select the target drive/partition to adjust its size, right-click on it and choose “Resize/Move Partition”.

Select the partition to be resized.

Step 2: Resize or move the partition

1.To shrink the partition, simply drag one of its ends to free up unallocated space. Once done, click “OK”.

Resize partition by dragging the mouse leftwards

2. To extend the partition, make sure there is unallocated space beside it (if not, follow the above steps to create some). Similarly, drag your mouse into the unallocated space. Click "OK".

Resize the partition by dragging the mouse leftwards

3. To move a partition, you need unallocated space next to the target partition. If not, first free up some unallocated space.

Right-click the target partition and select “Resize/Move”. Then drag the partition leftward or rightward to change its position. Click “OK” to confirm.

Resize partition by dragging the mouse leftwards

Step 3: Confirm the result and apply changes This step involves verifying the translation or the outcome of the process and making sure the changes are implemented correctly. It could refer to various situations, such as: 1. **Translation Confirmation**: If you're translating text, read through the translated content to ensure it accurately conveys the meaning of the original text. Check for grammar, syntax, and cultural appropriateness. 2. **Software or Setting Updates**: If you've made changes to a software setting or application, review the updated interface or functionality to confirm that it now operates as intended. 3. **Project Completion**: In a project context, verify that all tasks have been completed according to the plan, and the final product meets the desired specifications. 4. **Data Entry**: After inputting information into a system, confirm that the data is entered correctly and consistently with the source. 5. **Document Editing**: Review a document after editing to ensure all necessary changes have been made, and the content flows smoothly. 6. **Code Modification**: In programming, test the code after making modifications to confirm that it runs without errors and produces the expected results. Always double-check your work in this step to minimize errors and ensure the desired outcome is achieved.

Here, you'll see the new disk partition information and graphs.

disk partition information after resizing

To save the changes, click the "Execute Task" button and then "Apply".

Apply changes to the partition

Now you can see that the disk is not sufficiently spaced next to the unallocated space. You can expand the partition to use this adjacent unallocated space.

Guide 2: Move Windows 11 Recovery Partition to External Storage Device

If you really want to delete the recovery partition on Windows 11 but still have the recovery option, you can use Partition Master's clone feature to move the Windows 11 recovery partition to a USB flash drive/external hard drive and then delete the recovery partition. Here's how:

Step 1: Locate and select the target drive/partition

Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant and go to Partition Manager, then select the target drive/partition to adjust its size, right-click on it and choose "Resize/Move Partition".

Select the partition that you wish to resize or move, then click Resize/Move Partition.

Step 2: Resize or move the partition

1. To shrink the partition, simply drag one of its ends to free up unallocated space. When finished, click “OK”.

Resize partition by dragging the mouse leftwards

2. To extend the partition, make sure there is unallocated space beside it (if not, follow the above steps to create some). Similarly, drag the mouse into the unallocated space and click "OK".

Drag the mouse leftwards to resize the partition

3. To move a partition, you need to have unallocated space next to the target partition. If not, free up some unallocated space first.

Right-click the target partition and select "Resize/Move". Then drag the partition left or right to change its position. Click "OK" to confirm.

Resize partition by dragging the mouse leftwards

Step 3: Confirm the result and apply changes

Here, you'll see the new disk partition information and the graph.

disk partition information after resizing

To save the changes, click the "Execute Task" button and then "Apply".

Apply changes to the partition

By doing so, you've transferred the Windows 11 recovery partition and all crucial system files that facilitate restoring factory defaults to an external device. This enables you to safely delete the recovery partition on your device. If you're having trouble deleting the recovery partition, click the link for assistance: Can't delete the recovery partition.

Don't forget to share this article and let more users know about the recovery partition mover.

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What Is the Recovery Partition in Windows 11?

A Recovery partition is a section of your system that stores crucial files necessary for restoring your device to its factory default settings. This partition is automatically created when you install the operating system (such as Dell or HP) on your computer. In case the OS fails to start normally, you can access the recovery partition to revert the troubled computer back to its original state. Typically, this partition doesn't have an assigned drive letter to avoid accidental deletion. Hence, it won't be visible in the Windows 11 File Explorer, and you'll only find a "Help" option in Disk Management.

Users often need to relocate the Windows 11 recovery partition for the following central reasons:

The extended volume turns gray:

When you wish to extend the system partition, but the Windows 11 recovery partition is situated between the system partition and the unallocated space, the "Extend Volume" option becomes grayed out, and users require the Windows 11 recovery partition.

Insufficient disk space:

The recovery partition often takes up 100-450MB of disk space. Users can move or copy the recovery partition to an external storage device such as USB to free up more available space.

Conclusion

This article explains how to utilize a dependable recovery partition relocation tool to shift the recovery partition to a different location or an external storage device. Partition Master is a professional and secure partition manager that facilitates cloning, deletion, or the movement of recovery partitions, specifically for Windows 10/11.

"Move Windows 11 Recovery Partition" FAQs

Now, do you know how to move the recovery partition on Windows 11? Check the following questions and answers for more information.

**1. Can you move partitions in Windows 11?**

Sure, if you wish to move the Windows partition, you can do so using a third-party software like tools Partition Master. Its "Move/Resize Partition" feature enables you to relocate a partition or adjust its size without losing any data.

< strong >2. How do I move the recovery partition in Windows 11?

Here are the steps to move the recovery partition in Windows 11: 1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator: - Press `Win + X` keys together to open the Quick Access menu. - Click on "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)" if available. 2. Type the following command to list all the volumes on your system and press Enter: ``` diskpart list vol ``` 3. Identify the volume number of the recovery partition. It usually has a label like "Recovery," "System Reserved," or no label at all. Take note of the volume number. 4. Type the following command to start the DiskPart utility and press Enter: ``` diskpart ``` 5. Select the drive that contains the recovery partition by typing the following command, replacing `` with the actual volume number you noted earlier, and press Enter: ``` select vol ``` 6. Shrink the recovery partition to create free space. Replace `` with the amount of space you want to shrink it by in megabytes. For example, to shrink by 1 GB, use 1024 MB. Press Enter after typing: ``` shrink desired= ``` 7. Now, identify the volume number of the main system drive where you want to move the recovery partition. This is typically volume 1 or 2. 8. Select the system drive by replacing `` with the actual volume number, and press Enter: ``` select vol ``` 9. Extend the system partition to include the free space created from the recovery partition. Press Enter: ``` extend ``` 10. Exit DiskPart by typing: ``` exit ``` 11. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Please note that this process involves modifying system partitions, so make sure you have a backup of your important data before proceeding. Also, be cautious while manipulating system partitions, as incorrect actions may lead to data loss or system instability.

Step 1. Download and install Partition Master on your PC.

Step 2. Launch it and navigate to the "Partition Manager" sections and right click the recovery partition, and select "Resize/Move."

Step 3. Then, drag the entire partition left or right to adjust its position. Click OK to confirm.

Step 4. Click "Perform Task," and then click "Apply" to save the changes to the recovery partition location.

3. How do I unmount a recovery partition in Windows 11? To unmount a recovery partition in Windows 11, follow these steps: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Disk Management" from the context menu. 2. In the Disk Management window, locate the recovery partition. It usually has a label like "Recovery," "System Reserved," or "HP Recovery." 3. Right-click on the recovery partition and choose "Change Drive Letter and Paths." 4. In the new window, click on "Remove" and then confirm by clicking "Yes" when prompted with a warning message. 5. The recovery partition will now be unmounted. However, note that it won't be deleted, and you won't be able to use the space until you delete the partition entirely. Remember that altering system partitions can potentially cause issues. If you're unsure about any steps, consult official Microsoft documentation or seek assistance from a professional.

To unmount or delete the recovery partition on Windows 11, follow these steps:

    Here are the translations for the provided text:
  1. Open the Disk Management tool.
  2. In Disk Management, locate the recovery partition you wish to delete.
  3. Right-click on the recovery partition and choose Delete Volume.
  4. In the confirmation dialog, click Yes.

However, this will result in data loss. If you still need the recovery partition, you'll need to back it up to an external storage device, such as a USB drive.