Steps to Expand WinRE Partition Size on Windows 11

2024/01/21

Key Notes

Ensure WinRE is disabled before proceeding.
Use Command Prompt for all partition management tasks.
Check the partition style before creating a new recovery partition.

How to Effectively Adjust the WinRE Partition Size in Windows 10/11

In this guide, we’ll explore how to alter the size of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) partition, a crucial step to ensure smooth updates and recovery processes in Windows 10/11.

The Windows Recovery Environment needs a sufficient partition size to accommodate ongoing updates. Many systems face update failures due to inadequate WinRE space, prompting the need for management of the partition size. This guide will walk you through each necessary step to modify the WinRE partition effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing WinRE Partition Size

Step 1: Verify and Disable WinRE

First, ensure that Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is installed, then disable it to facilitate changes. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, and execute:

reagentc /info

If WinRE is active, you will see a “Windows RE location” displayed. To disable it, use the command:

reagentc /disable

Pro Tip: Deactivating WinRE temporarily is crucial to prevent errors during partition adjustments.

Step 2: Resize the OS Partition

Next, you’ll need to resize the OS partition. In the elevated Command Prompt, type:

diskpart

After that, list the available disks:

list disk

Select the OS disk:

select disk [OS disk index]

Then pull up the partitions:

list part

Choose the OS partition:

select part [OS partition index]

To shrink this partition, execute:

shrink desired=250 minimum=250

Pro Tip: Ensure you have enough unallocated space after shrinking for the new partition.

Step 3: Generate a New Recovery Partition

Once you’ve shrunk the OS partition, create the new recovery partition. Determine your partition style by running:

list disk

If GPT is indicated by an asterisk (*), use this command:

create partition primary id=de94bba4-06d1-4d40-a16a-bfd50179d6ac

For MBR users, run:

create partition primary id=27

Lastly, format this partition with:

format quick fs=ntfs label="Windows RE tools"

Step 4: Verify the Partition and Reactivate WinRE

To ensure your new WinRE partition is successfully created, run:

list vol

Exit the Diskpart utility with:

exit

Finally, reactivate WinRE using:

reagentc /enable

Confirm the activation by running:

reagentc /info

If successful, you should no longer face partition size issues with WinRE.

Summary

In this guide, we detailed a systematic approach to increase the WinRE partition size on Windows 10/11. By following these steps—disabling WinRE, resizing the OS partition, creating a new recovery partition, and re-enabling WinRE—you ensure that your system can seamlessly handle updates and recovery processes.

Conclusion

Adjusting your WinRE partition size is an essential maintenance task for Windows users, preventing potential update failures. Follow these steps regularly to ensure your recovery environment is accessible and functional. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance if you encounter issues.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the required size for the WinRE partition in Windows 11?

The minimum size for the Windows RE partition is 300 MB. Typically, you should allocate between 500 MB to 700 MB for the recovery tools depending on system configurations.

How do I resize a partition in Windows 11?

Resizing a partition in Windows 11 is straightforward with the Disk Management utility. It allows users to easily extend or shrink partitions as needed.

How can I resolve the Windows Recovery Environment servicing failed error during updates?

The solution entails increasing the WinRE partition size. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to mitigate this error during Windows Updates.