How to Delete Partitions on USB Drive on Windows 10/11: 3 Ways

How to delete partitions on your USB drive? Is it different to format a USB drive between removing all partitions on a USB? Read this blog to get clear answers.

Jonna

By Jonna Updated on March 20, 2024

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USB partitions mean dividing your hard drive into separate readable units, and they help you classify and organize your data according to its type, importance, and other criteria. However, sometimes, some users may want to delete partitions on USB drive due to various reasons.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the reasons behind the need to delete USB drive partitions and provide 3 effective methods to accomplish this task on Windows 10/11 easily.

Delete Partitions on USB

Why Need to Delete USB Drive Partitions?

Before diving into the methods, let's understand why clearing partitions on USB drive might be necessary:

  • Reclaim storage space: Over time, USB drives may accumulate unnecessary partitions, consuming valuable storage space. Deleting partitions allows users to reclaim this space for other purposes.
  • Optimize drive performance: Removing unnecessary partitions can optimize the performance of the USB drive, ensuring smoother operation and faster data transfer speeds.
  • Resolve compatibility issues: Corrupted or malfunctioning partitions on a USB drive can lead to data loss, file system errors, or inaccessible storage. Deleting problematic partitions can help resolve these issues and restore the drive's functionality.

How to Delete Partitions on USB Drive in Windows 10/11 in 3 Methods

Now, let's explore 3 effective solutions to remove partitions from USB drive in Windows 10/11.

Way 1. Delete All Partitions on USB Drive with Diskpart Command

DiskPart is a command-line utility in Windows operating systems that allows users to manage disk partitions on their computers. With DiskPart, you can perform various tasks related to disk management, such as creating, deleting, formatting, and resizing partitions. You can follow the steps below to learn how to delete all partitions on USB drive from CMD using DiskPart:

1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Windows Search box and select Run as administrator.

2. Type diskpart and press Enter to launch the Diskpart utility and run the following commands one by one:

  • list disk
  • select disk x (replace x with the disk number of your USB drive)
  • list partition
  • select partition n
  • delete partition

Diskpart Delete Partition

3. Then, type exit to close DiskPart and check if all Partitions on your USB are deleted.

Way 2. Use Disk Management to Remove Partitions from USB Drive

Disk Management is a graphical tool included in Windows operating systems that enables users to manage disk partitions and volumes on their computers. It's typically used by users who prefer a visual interface for disk management tasks, though it may not offer as much flexibility or advanced features as command-line utilities like DiskPart. Here is how to delete all partitions on USB drive with Disk Management:

1. Open Disk Management by pressing the Windows + X keys and selecting Disk Management from the list.

2. Locate your USB drive and the partition that needs to be removed.

3. Right-click on each partition and select "Delete Volume" to remove all partitions from the USB drive.

Delete Volume

4. Click Yes to confirm the deletion of your USB partition.

If you want to create a new partition on it, right-click on the USB drive's unallocated space and select "New Simple Volume" to format the drive.

Way 3. Remove Partitions on USB via Professional Disk Wipe Software

You can find that Diskpart and Disk Management do not allow you to delete all USB partitions at one time. And sometimes, you may encounter Diskpart delete partition not working. In this case, the professional disk eraser - AOMEI Backupper can be your excellent helper.

AOMEI Backupper
Easy Disk Wiping Software
  • It can erase an entire disk, select partitions, or unallocated space as needed, and the data will be unrecoverable after wiping.
  • It could wipe USB drives, hard drives, as well as SD cards. It supports all brands of disks, including Samsung, SanDisk, WD and others.
  • It offers secure wiping methods, such as DoD 52220.22-M or Gutmann.

Download and install this software on your computer and learn how to delete all partitions on USB with one click easily.

Step 1. Run AOMEI Backupper, and head to Tools > Disk Wipe.

Disk Wipe

Step 2. Choose Wipe disk to remove all partitions at once. Then click Next.

Wipe Disk

Step 3. Select your USB drive on the Select the disk to wipe screen. Tap Next to continue.

Wipe Data Select Disk

Step 4. Select a wiping method according to your need, and hit Start to delete partitions on USB drive.

Disk Wiping Methods

FAQs about Deleting USB Partitions

#1. Why I can't delete partition on my USB drive?

If you're unable to delete a partition on your USB drive, it may be due to various reasons such as write protection, disk errors, or partition restrictions. Ensure that the USB drive is not write-protected and try using different partition management tools to troubleshoot the issue.

#2. What is the fastest way to remove all partitions from a drive?

The fastest way to remove all partitions from USB drive is by using professional disk wipe utilities like AOMEI Backupper, which offer efficient partition management features and streamlined processes.

#3. Does formatting a drive remove all partitions?

Yes, formatting a drive typically removes all partitions and data stored on the drive. However, it's essential to note that formatting only affects the file system and does not necessarily erase the data permanently. For secure data removal, consider using disk wipe or data erasure tools.

In the End

Deleting partitions on a USB drive can help optimize storage space and drive performance, resolve compatibility issues, and streamline data management. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove partitions from their USB drives and ensure optimal functionality and performance.

With the professional and reliable disk eraser, AOMEI Backupper, you can not only remove USB partitions but also wipe C drive and other storage devices hassle-free. Also, you can use this tool to backup data on USB to local disk, external hard drive, cloud storage, and various locations.

Jonna
Jonna · Editor
Jonna joined AOMEI in 2021 and has become a professional in the areas of computer backup and restoration, disk cloning, file synchronization, etc. She maintains a keen eye for the latest technology trends, ensuring that the information provided is always in step with industry developments.