Windows 10: What is the default partition layout... a bit confused...

Hi there,

I have just performed a clean install of Windows 10 from a bootable DVD, made from Media Creation Tool. Laptop with initial HP recovery stuff and OEM programs removed! During the installation I formatted only the primary partition C and now the laptop is running excellent. *Biggrin

I know, guys, there is plenty of information in this forum, as well as in the Web but it seems it is still not clear for me:

What should the default partition layout be? Is this Recovery partition the same so called Windows RE? I am only concerned about the location of the Recovery partition. I read somewhere that this partition must be after C, mine is the very first. So what is right?

Thanks you in advance...







p.s. Sorry if similar threat has already been posted and also if my English is not as expected.

:)

 

Windows 10 upgrade failing - UEFI firmware

Hi -

I think your System partition is that big because your manufacturer placed the 250mb WinRe (used for onboard repairs) in it instead of on C which a typical Legacy install to MBR drive has. We can see this for sure if you'll right click on System partition
in Disk Mgmt to assign a Drive Letter, then click Explore to see what's inside. You can create a picture using the Snipping tool, attach saved file using Attach Image button.

The WIndows 10 upgrade must need more space on that partition, or wants another 100mb for the hidden MSR partition. The specific layout error is not common so there isn't yet a workaround except as J Stuart suggested to increase the size of the System partition.
This can be done pretty easily following
How to extend partition easily with Partition Wizard - video help to borrow another 100-200mb from C.

It's also strange that your manfacturer chose to do an old-style Legacy install on a new-generation UEFI BIOS which is clearly confusing the WIndows 10 installer. But it should default to the Legacy layout so it might also help to take a look at the BIOS
settings closer for UEFI, CSM, Legacy BIOS and especially and UEFI or Legacy first choices.

 

underrate icon missing

Setting the keyboard layout to English US would make type @ instead of ``. Is this what you want to achieve? If so change the default keyboard using Settings>Time and language>Language and Input. This article explains bit more: How to change your keyboard layout on Windows 10 PC

 

There are 2 recommended partition layouts. There is what Microsoft recommend OEM do and what they do themselves.

Microsoft recommend to OEM manufacturers that when you install Windows the Recovery partition is after C. The reason for this is so that if it is required to increase the size it isn't necessary to make another partition.

OEM deployment of Windows 10 for desktop editions | Microsoft Docs

However the Windows installer team obviously didn't get the memo and does not follow this (sensible) advice. Windows still creates partition in the old fashioned way putting the recovery partition first when you do a clean install.

From a practical point of view it actually doesn't matter at all - you can put your partitions in any order you like. You can put your ESP first, last, or on a flash drive and drop the MSR and recovery partitions completely if you want. If you are concerned about your partition layout don't be - it is fine and what you should expect from a clean install.

If however you have a recovery partition that is (in future) too small to allow a bigger winre.wim then during an upgrade the Windows installer will create another bigger recovery partition after C as it can't extend the size of a partition before C. There are many threads on this forum with people having multiple recovery partitions because of this.

In short if you do a clean install you'll get what you show above. If you want to install Windows so it conforms to the recommendations Microsoft make for their partners you'll have to create the partitions yourself as described in the link above, or, alternatively, you can rearrange the order after using third party software and then re-register winre.wim in whatever partition it is now in.

 

Thank you lx07, brilliant answer. *Biggrin

 

You are welcome. It is odd whoever writes the Windows installer doesn't follow the (clearly sensible) Microsoft advice.

MS is a big company and it is not a huge issue either way I guess *Smile