Learn how to remove Linux from a dual-boot setup containing Windows.
Learn how to remove Linux from a dual-boot setup containing Windows.
Hi. Your situation involves setting up a fresh Windows installation after modifying your system. You can remove the existing Windows partition by using Disk Management, but you may also want to clear any Linux bootloader if it's still active. Simply deleting the partition won’t guarantee a clean slate for Windows unless you ensure no residual files remain. After that, reinstalling from a fresh media should work without issues.
Leftover bootloaders shouldn't cause any issues, it's not worth the effort to purge them. You would have to remove the files from the EFI partition, and then remove the boot option from the boot list
Begin Windows via Advanced Startup Settings by pressing F8 (or F11) right after choosing the boot window option in your bootloader. At this point, pick "Startup repair" and your system should launch directly in Windows. If successful, you can safely delete the Linux partition. Or create a Windows installation USB, boot from it, and choose the same repair option.
I’m okay as long as it doesn’t create issues during the OS reinstall, and I’m fine with keeping the bootloader active.
By removing the Linux partition you lose the chance to update the bootloader, which might be risky. Using a live Linux CD or USB stick helps fix this but can be challenging. If you choose that route, set the bootloader to make Windows the default and disable timeout after 0 seconds. It’s better to try the Windows repair startup option in Windows, which installs the correct bootloader without extra steps. Check out the video for more guidance; it covers getting into advanced boot settings and using "Startup repair" instead of the USB method. The USB device shown isn’t necessary as long you select "Setup repair".
Typically in UEFI, Theres an opinion which is "Windows Bootloader" and an "Ubuntu Bootloader" You set default to windows Bootloader, then you use an EFI editor and delete it. "EasyUEFI" is... rather the easiest Ive found. I wont tell you where to get it, but you can also go to their site and its 30$
After the initial setup of EndeavourOS, the system functioned properly once installed, but restarting caused it to switch back to Windows. The application remains in the UEFI BIOS boot menu, though not as the top choice. I plan to remove the partition and reinstall without wiping the bootloader.