Have you installed Ubuntu alongside Windows 11 but now want to remove it? Maybe you no longer need Linux, or perhaps you want to free up disk space. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to uninstall Ubuntu properly to avoid boot errors and wasted storage.
Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything step by step. Whether you installed Ubuntu using dual boot or via the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you’ll find clear instructions here.
📝 Key Takeaways
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Ubuntu on Windows 11 can be installed in two ways: Dual Boot or WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux).
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The uninstallation process depends on which method you used.
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For WSL, uninstalling is as simple as running a command.
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For Dual Boot, you’ll need to remove partitions and fix the bootloader.
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Always back up important data before uninstalling Ubuntu.
Why Uninstall Ubuntu from Windows 11?
You might want to uninstall Ubuntu for several reasons:
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🛠️ Free up storage space – Linux partitions can take tens of gigabytes.
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🔄 Simplify booting – No more GRUB menu at startup.
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💻 Switching to another OS – Maybe you want to try Fedora or another Linux distro.
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🚀 Performance reasons – Avoid unnecessary dual-boot overhead.
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🧹 Cleanup – If you rarely use Ubuntu, uninstalling keeps things tidy.
Step 1: Identify How You Installed Ubuntu
There are two main ways Ubuntu runs on Windows 11:
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Dual Boot (installed alongside Windows)
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Uses partitions on your hard drive.
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You see a boot menu (GRUB) when starting your PC.
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WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
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Ubuntu runs inside Windows, like an app.
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No boot menu—launches via terminal or Start Menu.
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👉 The removal steps differ depending on your setup.
Method 1: Uninstall Ubuntu Installed with WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
This is the simplest case.
Steps:
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Open PowerShell (Admin):
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Press Windows + X > Windows Terminal (Admin).
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List installed WSL distributions:
You’ll see something like:
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Unregister (uninstall) Ubuntu:
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Check if removed:
✅ Ubuntu is now fully removed from WSL.
Method 2: Uninstall Ubuntu in Dual Boot with Windows 11
This process is more detailed because Ubuntu lives on separate partitions and controls the boot process with GRUB.
Step 1: Backup Important Data
Before making changes, copy files from Ubuntu partitions to an external drive or cloud.
Step 2: Delete Ubuntu Partitions
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Press Windows + X > Disk Management.
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Find Ubuntu partitions:
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Usually Ext4 format (won’t show drive letters like C: or D:).
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Sometimes labeled as “Healthy (Primary Partition).”
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Right-click each Ubuntu partition > Delete Volume.
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The space will turn into Unallocated Space.
👉 You can now extend your Windows partition (C:) or create a new one.
Step 3: Remove GRUB Bootloader
When you uninstall Ubuntu, the GRUB bootloader remains. If not removed, your PC may fail to boot.
Option A: Use Windows Boot Repair (Automatic)
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Restart PC > enter Windows Recovery Environment (hold Shift + Restart).
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Navigate to: Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
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Run:
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Restart. Windows bootloader will replace GRUB.
Option B: Use Windows 11 Installation Media
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Boot from a Windows 11 USB installer.
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Choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
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Run the same commands as above.
Step 4: Reclaim Free Space
After removing Ubuntu:
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Open Disk Management again.
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Right-click your C: drive > Extend Volume.
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Add the unallocated space back to Windows.
Alternative: Using Third-Party Tools
If you’re not comfortable with Disk Management and boot repair, tools like EaseUS Partition Master or MiniTool Partition Wizard can simplify the process. They:
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Delete Ubuntu partitions.
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Repair the Windows bootloader.
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Reclaim disk space.
Comparison: WSL vs Dual Boot Uninstallation
| Feature | WSL (Easy) | Dual Boot (Advanced) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Run a command | Delete partitions + repair bootloader |
| Risk | Low | Higher (if bootloader not fixed) |
| Time | 2–5 minutes | 20–30 minutes |
| Tools | PowerShell | Disk Management + Bootrec |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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❌ PC won’t boot after uninstall → Boot from Windows USB and run
bootrec /fixmbr. -
❌ Can’t delete partitions → Make sure you’re deleting the correct Linux partitions, not Windows.
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❌ GRUB menu still appears → Re-run boot repair commands.
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❌ Storage missing → Extend C: or create a new partition in Disk Management.
Safety Tips Before Removing Ubuntu
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Always backup data from both Windows and Ubuntu.
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Don’t delete partitions unless you’re sure they belong to Ubuntu.
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Keep a Windows 11 recovery USB handy in case of boot problems.
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If using dual boot, uninstall carefully—bootloader repair is crucial.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Ubuntu on Windows 11 is straightforward if you know how you installed it.
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If you used WSL, you just need one simple command.
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If you installed dual boot, you’ll need to:
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Backup files.
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Delete Ubuntu partitions.
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Repair the Windows bootloader.
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Reclaim the space.
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By following these steps, you’ll safely remove Ubuntu and return to a clean Windows-only setup.
👉 Ready to free up space and simplify your boot process? Follow the steps above, and you’ll be done in no time.
FAQs: How to Uninstall Ubuntu on Windows 11
1. Is it safe to uninstall Ubuntu from Windows 11?
Yes, as long as you back up files and repair the bootloader (for dual boot).
2. Will uninstalling Ubuntu affect my Windows files?
No, if you delete only Ubuntu partitions. Be careful not to touch C: or other Windows partitions.
3. How do I know if I’m using WSL or dual boot?
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If Ubuntu runs like an app in Windows → WSL.
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If you see a GRUB menu on startup → Dual Boot.
4. Can I reinstall Ubuntu later?
Yes, you can always reinstall either via WSL or dual boot.
5. Do I need third-party software to uninstall Ubuntu?
Not necessary—Windows built-in tools are enough. Third-party tools just make it easier.