How to Resize WinRE Partition on Windows 10?

Is It Possible to Resize the WinRE Partition?

WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) refers to a standalone operating system environment designed to repair and recover Windows. It is typically stored in the hidden recovery partition on your system. When your system experiences errors, WinRE loads recovery tools from this partition to help diagnose and repair the system.

However, many users encounter errors when updating the OS because the recovery partition lacks sufficient space. This can prevent the update process from proceeding successfully. So, is it possible to resize the WinRE partition (recovery partition)? The answer is yes!

In this post, we’ll walk you through two safe and effective methods to resize the WinRE partition. Simply choose the one that best suits your needs and follow the steps to ensure your system can handle future updates without issues.

How to Resize the WinRE Partition on Windows 10?

Modifying the WinRE partition carries risks. If done incorrectly, it could cause your system to crash or fail to boot. To avoid unexpected errors, it is strongly recommended to back up your data before proceeding. Once everything is prepared, follow the steps below to resize the WinRE partition.

Fix 1. Resize the WinRE Partition using Command Prompt

This method involves using command lines to manage disks and partitions. If you are familiar with that, follow these steps to resize the WinRE partition on Windows 10:

Step 1. Type “cmd” in the search window and select Run as administrator.

Step 2. Type “reagentc /info” and press Enter to check the WinRE status. Here, the number after “harddisk” and “partition” is the index of the disk and partition WinRE is on.

Step 3. If the WinRE is enabled, type “reagentc /disable” to turn it off.

Step 4. Now, you need to shrink the OS partition to make room for the new recovery partition. Type the following commands and press Enter after each.

• diskpart
• list disk
• sel disk [OS disk index] (This should be the same disk index as the WinRE)
• list part
• sel part 
• shrink desired=250 minimum=250
• sel part 
• delete partition override

Step 5. After shrinking, create a new recovery partition. Run “list disk“ to check the partition style. If there is an asterisk (*), it means that the disk is GPT. Otherwise, it is MBR.

➤ For GPT users:

• create partition primary id=de94bba4-06d1-4d40-a16a-bfd50179d6ac
• gpt attributes =0x8000000000000001
• format quick fs=ntfs label=”Windows RE tools

➤ For MBR users:

• create partition primary id=27
• set id=27

Step 6. Now, you can run “list vol” to confirm the WinRE partition is created.

Step 7. You can run “ reagentc /enable” to enable the WinRE and run “reagentc /info” to check it.

Fix 2. Resize the WinRE Partition using Professional Software

Using command lines to resize the WinRE partition can be complicated and difficult for average users. Is there an easier solution? Absolutely! AOMEI Partition Assistant offers a safer and more user-friendly way to manage partitions on Windows PCs. No complex commands, no tedious steps—just a few clicks, and you can adjust partition sizes to meet your needs.

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

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Why Choose AOMEI Partition Assistant?:

User-Friendly Interface: Designed for users of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.

Advanced Features: Resize, move, merge, and split partitions effortlessly without risking data loss.

Wide Compatibility: Fully supports Windows 11, 10, 8/8.1, and 7.

Safe and Reliable: Minimizes the risk of errors, ensuring a smooth partition management experience.

Let’s use AOMEI Partition Assistant to resize the WinRE partition:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant.

Step 2. Right-click the partition that you want to extend (here we take D: as an example) and select "Resize /Move Partition". 

★ The recovery partition is hidden and does not have a drive letter. It is usually located either before or after the system partition, depending on the system's partition layout.

Step 3. In the pop-up window, drag the border to the right to enlarge the partition and click "OK" to confirm. If you want to shrink this partition, drag the border to the left.

Step 4. If everything looks correct, click "Apply" and "Proceed" to commit the operation.

Bonus Tip: Reallocate Space from Other Partitions

If there is no unallocated space next to the partition, resizing will not be possible. However, you can reallocate space from other partitions using AOMEI Partition Assistant. By doing so, you can directly transfer free space from the source partition to the target partition.

Step 1. Right-click the partition which you want to allocate free space from (here we also take D: as an example), and select "Allocate Free Space".

Step 2. Type in the size of the free space that you want to cut from the D: partition and this free space will be directly added to the target partition.

Step 3. You can preview the operation by viewing the "Pending Operations". If everything looks correct, click "Apply" and "Proceed" to commit the operation.

To Sum Up

Resizing the WinRE partition can be necessary to optimize hard drive or ensure the recovery environment updates properly. While you can use Command Prompt for this task, it’s recommended to use professional software like AOMEI Partition Assistant for a safer and more user-friendly experience.

FAQs

Q1: What is the WinRE partition used for?

The WinRE partition contains recovery tools that help you troubleshoot and repair your Windows system if it fails to boot or encounters critical errors.

Q2: Is it safe to resize the WinRE partition?

Resizing the WinRE partition is generally safe if done correctly. However, it’s important to back up your data and use reliable tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant to minimize risks.

Q3: How much space does the WinRE partition need?

The WinRE partition typically requires around 500 MB to 1 GB of space. However, the exact size may vary depending on your system configuration.