Delete windows with ubuntu

Before you Start

Before you start fiddling with your partitions, you should make sure that you have ALL IMPORTANT data backed up, preferably on a secondary hard drive (internal or external), a USB flash drive, or a CD-R or DVD-R. Although it is not common for problems to happen during the partitioning process, it is still possible. Actually, the primary cause of data loss is you! Users sometimes get confused and end up deleting the wrong partition, or just forget to backup their family photos and favorite music before they delete partitions. If at any point during this process you get confused or concerned, STOP and ask for help. The best place for this is the Ubuntu Forums.

This guide is designed primarily for users who have a dual boot that now want to fully escape Windows and go purely Ubuntu.

A simple way to remove Windows (or any OS) is to use this little graphical tool: OS-Uninstaller.

Alternative: via gParted and GRUB update

There are other partition editors available, but GParted is this documentor’s favorite and is already available to you if you have an Ubuntu LiveCD. You can also use the GParted LiveCD.

Please note that although you can install GParted inside your Ubuntu installation, you will be unable to resize your root partition without a LiveCD since you cannot change a partition that is mounted.

Boot the Disc

Place the LiveCD into your CD/DVD drive, and reboot the computer. Each computer is different, but you may need to change your BIOS to have the system boot from the CD drive before the hard disk. Refer to your computer manufacturer’s documentation for this.

Run GParted and Locate Windows

On the Ubuntu LiveCD, go to System -> Administration -> Partition Editor. If you have more than one hard drive on your computer, choose the correct device from the drop down box in the upper right hand corner of the window. Your windows partition will most likely be formatted as NTFS and have a boot flag, which makes it easy to locate. Again, if you are unsure, don’t delete it!

For more details on partitioning, see HowtoPartition and its subpages.

Deleting the Windows Partition

Select the correct partition, either from the bar graph representation of your disk, or from the list, and press the Delete button at the top with the trash can icon, or right-click the partition from the list and choose Delete. Note that a Windows installation might use more than one partition; for example, Windows preinstalled on an Acer desktop might have a «hidden» (but not to GParted) recovery partition, a partition named «SYSTEM RESERVED», and one named «eMachines». In this case, you’ll have to select them all for deletion. Now if you are sure that you want to proceed, click the Edit -> Apply button to start the pending deletion operations.

Use the Newly Freed Space

After the deletion operation completes, you’ll have a section of unallocated space. Now, you can either format it as the filesystem type of your choice to use as a data partition (or something else), or you can resize an adjacent partition to use this space.

Resizing an Existing Partition

Right-click the partition that you want to expand into the empty space and select Resize/Move. You can use either the number sizing, or you can graphically drag the arrows on the visualization into the empty space (the numbers will adjust automatically). When you are finished, click the Resize/Move button, then Edit -> Apply in the GParted window. Again, read the prompt and click Edit -> Apply. The operation may take awhile, depending on the size of the partition, but DO NOT interrupt this process, or you risk losing everything on the partition you are resizing.

If your Linux installation lives on the extended partition (see HowtoPartition/OperatingSystemsAndPartitions), you will not be able to expand the main Linux partition into the space created by deleting the Windows partition. One solution is to

• create a new partition using the space left by the deleted primary partition (see Creating a New Partition below),
• if the new partition is smaller than the main Linux partition, resize the latter to fit the former (but only if the latter is not so full that data would be lost),

• copy the data of the old partition to the new one (click on the old partition; Ctrl-C; click on the new partition; Ctrl-V; click Edit -> Apply) (had it been possible, resizing the old partition would also have involved copying and would have taken just as long),

• reinstall GRUB2 to the new partition (see Grub2#Reinstalling GRUB2), and

• boot into the new partition (see Reboot below) and make sure everything works as normal.

Once you’re satisfied that this operation succeeded, use GParted again to delete the old partition and to create a new one in its place, or to expand the new main partition, or to just leave the unused disk space as it is, to be used later.

Creating a New Partition

If you choose to simply use the newly freed space as a new partition, select the unallocated space and click the New button (or right-click). Choose which filesystem you want, then click Add, then Apply, and Apply again.

Since you are not using Windows on this system anymore, ext4 is probably the best choice for your new filesystem. If you plan on sharing this drive with Windows (maybe you have Windows on another drive on this computer), NTFS or FAT32 would be better choices.

Further Operations

Edit GRUB

Once back in your install, you will probably want to remove Windows from your GRUB2 menu. Using root privileges and your favorite text editor, open /boot/grub/grub.cfg

In Ubuntu, run:

gksudo gedit /boot/grub/grub.cfg

In Kubuntu, run:

kdesu kate /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Or for a terminal interface, run:

sudo nano /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Now scroll down into the file to where it says something similar to

### END DEBIAN AUTOMAGIC KERNELS LIST

# This is a divider, added to separate the menu items below from the Debian
# ones.
title           Other operating systems:
root


# This entry automatically added by the Debian installer for a non-linux OS
# on /dev/sda1
title           Microsoft Windows XP Professional
root            (hd0,0)
savedefault
makeactive
chainloader     +1

You can place a # in front of each line to «comment out» these entries. If you are comfortable with deleting the entries, you can also do that. After you you save and close, these entries will no longer be available at the GRUB menu.

Edit /etc/fstab

If you made a data partition, you can have it automatically mount by adding the correct entry to fstab, which you can edit using root privileges.

In Ubuntu, run:

gksudo gedit /etc/fstab

In Kubuntu, run:

kdesu kate /etc/fstab

Or for a terminal interface, run:

sudo nano /etc/fstab

You may also need to change UUIDs in your fstab file if they changed (perhaps due to partition resizing). To see the UUIDs for your partitions, run one of these two commands:

sudo blkid
sudo ls -l /dev/disk/by-uuid

For more information regarding fstab, see Fstab.

Reboot

You can now reboot your system — go to System -> Quit -> Restart. Don’t forget to take out the LiveCD at the beginning of the boot sequence since you can’t remove it while the disc is being used and you don’t want to reload Ubuntu from it.

Other Resources

• Fstab

• Grub2

• HowtoPartition

• LiveCD

If you want to remove Windows and replace it with Ubuntu, choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu. All of the files on the disk will be deleted before Ubuntu is put on it, so make sure you have backup copies of anything you wanted to keep. For more complicated disk layouts, choose Something Else.

How do I completely remove Windows and install Linux?

Here is what you have to do :

1. Backup your data ! All of your data will be wiped with your Windows installation so do not miss this step.
2. Create a bootable USB Ubuntu installation.
3. Boot the Ubuntu installation USB drive and choose Install Ubuntu.
4. Follow the installation process.

How do I remove Windows 10 and keep Ubuntu?

Select your Windows partition (it will be of type NTFS and will probably have a pale green border). Delete it ( Partition > Delete ). Optionally, resize your Ubuntu partition to take up the freed space. You may be able to do this by selecting it (it’s of type ext4 ) and using Partition > Resize/Move .

How do I remove Windows 7 and install Ubuntu?

If you want to replace Windows 7 with Ubuntu, you will need to:

1. Format your C: drive (with the Linux Ext4 filesystem) as part of the Ubuntu setup. This will delete all your data on that particular hard disk or partition, so you must have a data backup in place first.
2. Install Ubuntu on the newly formatted partition.

Will installing Ubuntu erase Windows?

Yes, It will. If you don’t care during installation of Ubuntu, or if you make any mistake during partition in Ubuntu then it will corrupt or erase your current OS. But if you take little care then It will not erase your current OS and you are able to set up dual boot OS.

How do I remove Windows and install Ubuntu without losing data?

To do so, open GParted in live mode or if you select graphical install, after a couple of steps it will show a menu asking you to do the required partitioning. Select your Windows partition and then select the delete option. This will delete all your data only in your Windows partition.

How do I completely replace Windows with Ubuntu?

Download Ubuntu, create a bootable CD/DVD or a bootable USB flash drive. Boot form whichever one you create, and once you get to the installation type screen, choose replace Windows with Ubuntu.
5 Answers

1. Install Ubuntu alongside your existing Operating System(s)
2. Erase disk and install Ubuntu.
3. Something else.

How do I go back to Windows 10 after installing Ubuntu?

Replies (3) 

1. Create a bootable media and boot the PC using the media.
2. On the Install Windows screen, select Next > Repair your computer.
3. On the System Recovery Options screen, select Troubleshoot> Advanced options > Command Prompt.
4. Now type in the commands and hit enter: BOOTREC /FIXMBR. BOOTREC /FIXBOOT.
5. Restart the PC.

How do I remove Windows boot manager after installing Ubuntu?

1 Answer

1. Type sudo efibootmgr to see a list of what’s available.
2. Identify the Windows boot manager in the list.
3. Delete the Windows boot manager entry with efibootmgr ‘s -b #### and -B options, as in sudo efibootmgr -b 0003 -B to delete Boot0003 .

It is mostly under EFI/distro_name . Remove that directory and its contents by (PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE DELETING THE CORRECT DIRECTORY) sudo rm -r ubuntu .

How do I remove Ubuntu from dual boot?

Just boot into Windows and head to Control Panel > Programs and Features. Find Ubuntu in the list of installed programs, and then uninstall it like you would any other program. The uninstaller automatically removes the Ubuntu files and boot loader entry from your computer.

How do I remove a Linux partition from Windows?

Deleting the Windows Partition
Select the correct partition, either from the bar graph representation of your disk, or from the list, and press the Delete button at the top with the trash can icon, or right-click the partition from the list and choose Delete.

Can I remove Windows from dual boot?

How to Uninstall Windows 8 From a Dual-Booting PC

1. Boot into Windows 7.
2. Launch Msconfig by hitting Windows + R to get the run box, typing msconfig and clicking Ok.
3. Select the Boot tab.
4. Select Windows 8 and click Delete.
5. Click OK to exit msconfig.

Can I use both Windows and Ubuntu?

The short answer is, yes you can run both Windows and Ubuntu at the same time.Then you will install a program in Windows, such as Virtualbox, or VMPlayer (call it VM). When you launch this program you will be able to install another OS, say Ubuntu, inside the VM as a guest.

Is Ubuntu better than Windows?

Generally, developers and Tester prefer Ubuntu because it’s very robust, secure and fast for programming, while normal users who want to play games and they have work with MS office and Photoshop they will prefer Windows 10.

Can I install Ubuntu and Windows in same drive?

If you choose to install it to the same drive as Windows 10, Ubuntu will allow you to shrink that pre-existing Windows partition and make room for the new operating system.You can drag the divider left and right to choose how you want to divide your hard drive space between the two operating systems.

How do I install Ubuntu without formatting another drive?

You just have to select the manual partitioning method and tell the installer not to format any partition you want to use. However you’ll have to create at least an empty ext3 / ext4 partition where to install Ubuntu (you can choose also to create another empty partition of about 2Gb to be used as swapspace ).

How do I replace Windows without Linux data?

The steps are as follows:

1. Download the Live environment ISO of your favorite Linux distribution, and burn it to a CD/DVD or write it to a USB drive.
2. Boot into your newly-created media.
3. Use the same tool to create a new ext4 partition in the empty space created by resizing the first partition.

How do I remove Windows and install Ubuntu without USB?

To install Ubuntu without CD/DVD or USB pendrive, follow these steps:

1. Download Unetbootin from here.
2. Run Unetbootin.
3. Now, from the drop-down menu under Type: select Hard Disk.
4. Next select the Diskimage.
5. Press OK.
6. Next when you reboot, you will get a menu like this:

How do I boot Ubuntu after installation?

The graphical way

1. Insert your Ubuntu CD, reboot your computer and set it to boot from CD in the BIOS and boot into a live session. You can also use a LiveUSB if you have created one in the past.
2. Install and run Boot-Repair.
3. Click “Recommended Repair”.
4. Now reboot your system. The usual GRUB boot menu should appear.

Will I lose my Windows 10 license if I install Ubuntu?

Short answer no. You can again install Windows 10 whenever you like and it will be auto activated for you. Your License key is stored in your bios.

How do I remove Windows 10 and install Linux? Select you keyboard Layout. Normal Installation. Here select Erase disk and install Ubuntu. this option will delete Windows 10 and install Ubuntu. Continue to confirm. Select your timezone. Here enter your login information. Done!! that simple.

How do I replace Windows with Linux?

How to Make the Switch From Windows to Linux Choose Your Distribution. Unlike Windows and macOS, there isn’t just one version of Linux. Create Your Installation Drive. Head to Mint’s download page and choose the 64-bit “Cinnamon” version. Install Linux on Your PC. How to Install and Uninstall Apps.

How do I remove Windows from Linux?

Keep Linux and Remove Windows Insert a live CD or USB for your Linux distribution and start up its partition manager (like Gparted). Right-click on that Windows partition and choose “Delete” from the menu.

How do I remove Windows 10 and install Ubuntu?

This Part 3 covers that wiping and installation process. Step 1: Back up your data from your PC and keep a note of your Windows 10 activation key. Step 2: Make a bootable DVD or USB drive for Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. Step 2a: Make a bootable USB flash drive with Ubuntu 18.04 ISO image.

Should I erase disk and install Ubuntu?

If you choose “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” your whole hard drive will be formatted. “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” means you are authorizing the setup to erase your hard drive completely. It is good to create a partition while you are on Windows OS, and then make use of it through the “Something else” option.

Can I replace Windows 10 with Ubuntu?

So, while Ubuntu may have not been a proper replacement for Windows in the past, you can easily use Ubuntu as a replacement now. With Ubuntu, you can! All in all, Ubuntu can replace Windows 10, and very well. You may even find out that it’s better in many ways.

Should I replace Windows with Linux?

Linux is an open-source operating system that’s completely free to use. Replacing your Windows 7 with Linux is one of your smartest options yet. Almost any computer running Linux will operate faster and be more secure than the same computer running Windows.

Should I switch to Linux from Windows?

It is secured. If you’re looking for another reason to switch from Windows to Linux, another reason is because of its security and privacy. There’s a lesser chance for you to experience virus attacks, malware, and ransomware with Linux by design.

Which Linux can run Windows programs?

Wine is a way to run Windows software on Linux, but with no Windows required. Wine is an open-source “Windows compatibility layer” that can run Windows programs directly on your Linux desktop.

Can I remove Windows after installing Ubuntu?

After selecting the Hard drive, select the Partition you want to delete. Depending on the Disks version, you can right click the partition and choose DELETE, click on the Minus sign below the partition selection, click on a Cog above the partitions and choose DELETE.

How do I remove Linux OS from my laptop?

To remove Linux from your computer and install Windows: Remove native, swap, and boot partitions used by Linux: Start your computer with the Linux setup floppy disk, type fdisk at the command prompt, and then press ENTER. NOTE: For help using the Fdisk tool, type m at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.

Does Ubuntu run faster than Windows?

Ubuntu is an open-source operating system, while Windows is a paid and licensed operating system. It is a very reliable operating system in comparison to Windows 10. In Ubuntu, Browsing is faster than Windows 10. Updates are very easy in Ubuntu while in Windows 10 for the update every time you have to install the Java.

Can we install Ubuntu without USB?

You can use UNetbootin to install Ubuntu 15.04 from Windows 7 into a dual boot system without the use of a cd/dvd or a USB drive.

Which is better Ubuntu or Windows 10?

Ubuntu is as easy to use as Windows and in some ways, Ubuntu is better than Windows 10! Windows 10 is a great operating system. As the latest version of Microsoft’s flagship product, it is the most popular operating system globally, across home and business users.

How do I replace Windows with Linux and Ubuntu?

Download Ubuntu, create a bootable CD/DVD or a bootable USB flash drive. Boot form whichever one you create, and once you get to the installation type screen, choose replace Windows with Ubuntu.5 Answers Install Ubuntu alongside your existing Operating System(s) Erase disk and install Ubuntu. Something else.

How do I erase everything on Ubuntu?

To install wipe on Debian/Ubuntu type: apt install wipe -y. The wipe command is useful to remove files, directories partitions or disk. wipe filename. To report on progress type: wipe -i filename. To wipe a directory type: wipe -r directoryname. wipe -q /dev/sdx. apt install secure-delete. srm filename. srm -r directory.

Will installing Linux delete my files?

The installation you’re about to do will give you full control to completely erase your hard drive, or be very specific about partitions and where to put Ubuntu. If you have an extra SSD or hard drive installed and want to dedicate that to Ubuntu, things will be more straightforward.

Should I replace Windows with Ubuntu?

YES! Ubuntu CAN replace windows. It’s very good operating system that supports pretty much all hardware Windows OS does (unless the device is very specific and drivers were only ever made for Windows, see below).

What can Windows do that Linux can t?

What Can Linux Do that Windows Can’t? Linux will never harass you relentlessly to update. Linux is feature-rich without the bloat. Linux can run on almost any hardware. Linux changed the world — for the better. Linux operates on most supercomputers. To be fair to Microsoft, Linux can’t do everything.

How do I wipe a Windows computer and install Ubuntu?

If you want to remove Windows and replace it with Ubuntu, choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu. All of the files on the disk will be deleted before Ubuntu is put on it, so make sure you have backup copies of anything you wanted to keep.