How to Move Windows Server 2022 Recovery Partition (Data Safe)

Trouble: Can't move recovery partition Windows Server 2022

The picture shows common trouble for Windows users: the recovery partition is between the C drive and unallocated space. In Disk Management, if users wish to use unallocated space on a disk to extend a drive, it must be adjacent behind the target drive. However, even though you meet this problem, it doesn’t mean that your plan should be shot down. Many users could think of moving the recovery partition, but, what is this recovery partition? Is it safe to move?

What is the recovery partition in Windows Server 2022?

Recovery partitions are classified into two types: Windows recovery partition and computer manufacturer recovery partition (OEM recovery partition).

Users may utilize the Windows recovery partition (100-450MB) to boot into the Windows recovery environment (WinRE) when they need to restore their machine to an earlier state. Some manufacturers, like Lenovo and HP, may create a recovery partition, also known as an OEM recovery partition (7-20GB), which will take up more space. This partition stores the computer's default settings, applications, and other data, so we suggest you don't remove OEM recovery partition.

In short, it is not safe to move the recovery partition to extend C drive capacity since it will be unavailable after the move, and you’ll not be able to enter the Windows RE environment.

How to safely move recovery partition in Windows Server 2022

Although moving Windows recovery partition may not be safe, you can also extend the C drive even though the unallocated space isn’t continuously behind the C drive.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Server can realize your wishes. It’s a professional Windows Server manager for Server 2022/2019/2016/2012(R2)/2008(R2). It has a “Merge Partition” function to help users directly merge two partitions no matter whether they are adjacent or not, and all data stored on them is safe.

And there’s an “Allocated Free Space” feature to help users whose disk doesn’t have unallocated space but has much free space on other drives to extend a drive that is running out of space.

Now, let’s see more details.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Server. On the main page, you can see all your drives. Right-click a partition, choose “Advanced” and select “Merge Partition”.

Step 2. Select the unallocated space and then click “OK”.

Step 3. In the pop-up window, you will realize the size of the partition has been increased. To operate, please click "Apply".

How to move Windows Server 2022 recovery partition

If you insist on moving the recovery partition, the "Move Partition” of AOMEI Partition Assistant can also help you. Just remember that the recovery partition will be unworkable after you move it.

Further reading # 1: Delete recovery partition to release free space

Some users might think that if this recovery partition takes up much space, why not delete it straightforwardly? You can delete it directly.

Step 1. Right-click the recovery partition, and choose “Delete Partition” in the small menu.

Step 2. Select a method to delete it, and click “OK”.

Step 3. The recovery partition will be displayed as an unallocated space. Make sure that is the partition you want to get rid of and click "Apply" to make the operation in the process.

Then you can merge it or create a new partition with it.

Further reading # 2: How to backup recovery partition to another disk

It’s easy to remove it. but since it stores default settings and Windows RE, we highly suggest you make a recovery partition backup before you decide to delete it, just in case you might need it.

Final lines

In Windows Server 2022, you can move the recovery partition to extend or resize the C drive easily and quickly with AOMEI Partition Assistant Server. This convenient tool also has the “Migrate OS” function to help you migrate Server OS to another Server device. And if you like this pragmatic tool and wish to use it on other computers, it also allows you to create a portal version.

FAQs about moving recovery partition

▶ Can I delete the recovery partition Windows Server 2022?
Yes, you can delete the recovery partition on Windows Server 2022 if you think this drive takes up too much space on your disk. But as the page introduced, this drive stores data of Windows RE, once you delete it, you'll never enter Windows RE anymore. But, if you insist, you can copy this partition to another disk or USB, when you need it, you can also use it.

▶ Can the Windows recovery partition be moved?
Yes. You can check the methods on this page to safely move the Windows recovery partition to another location. Don't forget to back up it before.

▶Why are there 2 recovery partitions?
Normally, your computer should have the Windows recovery partition and OEM recovery partition as we've explained in the second section. However, some users also find there are multiple recovery partitions on the system disk. This is because every time when you upgrade your Windows to the next version, the upgrade programs will check the space on your system's reserved partition or recovery partition. If there is not enough space, it will create a recovery partition. In this case, you can also delete extra recovery partitions from your disk.