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Basically the title, but I already did some search and ESP is my main worry since it is related to boot files.

I'm doing a new fresh install of Windows on a notebook, and I'd like to delete everything that is not a requirement.

Mycroft
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1 Answers1

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A Windows 10 fresh install creates 3 partitions: UEFI partition, Recovery partition, and Data Partition.

(A) What is needed at the conclusion of the install:

You need the last one, very obviously.

Do NOT delete the UEFI partition as it is needed to start the computer.

I recommend not deleting the Recovery partition as you might need it (when you least expect to need it). It is small.

So keep the 3 partitions that Windows 10 creates. Windows 11 is very similar.

(B) What can be deleted prior to fresh install:

Now when doing a fresh install, yes, of course you can delete all partitions as Windows 10 will create them anew.

I recommend having a full backup before you delete partitions and start fresh.

If you have a top brand computer, get the Recovery USB as it will create the 3 partitions, one of which will the branded Recovery partition.