EFI System Partition distributed across multiple drives, with one incorrect drive present.
EFI System Partition distributed across multiple drives, with one incorrect drive present.
I have set up the Sandisk Z400s SSD in this setup: SSD → Sabrent SATA-to-USB adapter → 4-in-1 Sabrent USB Hub → USB front header on the case. Can I remove the EFI partition or clean the drive without affecting future Windows updates? Also, why didn’t Windows automatically install those partitions when it connected another internal SSD via SATA? The BIOS indicates the Sandisk SSD is also visible in Windows Boot Manager.
You have two EFI system partitions—one on a USB-connected SSD and another on an internal SSD. This setup isn’t optimal because the EFI partition should reside on the same drive as the Windows installation. To resolve this, you can transfer the EFI partition from the USB drive to the internal SSD using diskpart in Windows. Start by opening a command prompt with admin privileges and execute these commands: list disk, select the USB-connected SSD, list partition, select the EFI partition, remove. This removes the EFI partition from the USB drive. Next, create a new EFI system partition on the internal SSD by running: diskpart, list disk, select the internal SSD, create partition, format as fat32, quick assign. After relocating the EFI partition, you should be able to boot into Windows without issues. It’s unclear why Windows didn’t auto-create partitions on the internal SSD, possibly due to improper initialization or formatting. If problems persist, consider reinstalling Windows on the internal drive to ensure all partitions are set up correctly. Be careful when altering the EFI partition, as changes may affect future updates and it’s wise to back up important data before proceeding.
Hi @Linus No Beard, thanks for your input. Would this still work if I already have an EFI partition on my main boot drive (Disk 1)? "This isn't the best setup since the EFI system partition should be on the same drive as the Windows installation." -> Yes, it is possible. You mentioned you have two EFI partitions in total—one on the native boot drive and another on the USB-connected SSD. Are you suggesting moving the USB EFI partition from the second drive to Disk 1, effectively creating two EFI partitions on Disk 1?