How to uninstall Linux | Remove GRUB | restore Windows bootloader

How to Uninstall Linux | Remove GRUB | Restore Windows Bootloader

If Linux is not your thing — no problem. You can fully remove it and restore Windows. The exact steps depend on how Linux was installed.

NOTE: If you only want Windows to boot by default (without uninstalling Linux), it’s a quick easy tweak.

Scenario 1: Linux Replaced Windows (“Erase Disk” Install)

If Linux was installed using “Erase disk and install…”, Windows was completely removed.

To restore Windows:
  • Boot from a Windows installer USB.
  • Delete all existing partitions.
  • Install Windows fresh.

You can use: Windows Repair / Reinstall USB

Scenario 2: Linux Installed Alongside Windows (Dual Boot)

Step 1 – Boot into Windows

Select Windows Boot Manager from the GRUB menu.

GRUB boot into Windows

Step 2 – Delete Linux Partitions

  • Open Disk Management (Right-click Start → Disk Management).
Open Disk Management
  • Locate Linux partitions (usually EXT4, no drive letter).
  • Right-click and delete them.
WARNING: Deleting a partition permanently erases its data. Double-check before deleting.
Delete Linux partition

Step 3 – Remove Linux Boot Entry (Restore Windows Bootloader)

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Open CMD as Admin

Run:

bcdedit /enum firmware

Identify the Linux entry (often labeled Ubuntu) and note its identifier.

Boot entries

Delete it:

bcdedit /delete {identifier}
Delete boot entry

Optional – Reclaim Disk Space for Windows

  • Open Disk Management.
  • Right-click your Windows (C:) partition.
  • Select Extend Volume.
Extend partition

Re-enable Secure Boot (If Previously Disabled)

  • Enter BIOS/UEFI.
  • Enable Secure Boot.
  • Enable Fast Boot (optional).
  • Save and exit.

Frequently Asked Questions (Uninstalling Linux & GRUB)

GRUB still appears after I deleted Linux partitions. Why?
Deleting Linux partitions does not automatically remove the GRUB boot entry. You must manually delete the UEFI entry using:

bcdedit /enum firmware
and then:
bcdedit /delete {identifier}
Windows won’t boot after removing Linux. What should I do?
If Windows fails to boot, you may need to repair the Windows bootloader. Boot from a Windows installer or recovery USB and open Command Prompt. Then run:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Restart after completion.
Is it safe to delete Linux partitions from Disk Management?
Yes — as long as you are absolutely certain the partition belongs to Linux. Linux partitions usually:
  • Have no drive letter
  • Are not NTFS
  • May appear as “Healthy (Primary Partition)”
Deleting the wrong partition will permanently erase data.
Do I need to reinstall Windows after uninstalling Linux?
No. If Linux was installed alongside Windows, you only need to:
  • Delete Linux partitions
  • Remove the Linux boot entry
  • Extend the Windows partition (optional)
Windows does not need to be reinstalled.
What if I completely erased Windows earlier?
If Windows was removed using “Erase disk and install Linux,” the only solution is to reinstall Windows using a Windows installer USB. This will require deleting all partitions and starting fresh.
Should I re-enable Secure Boot after removing Linux?
Yes. If Secure Boot was disabled during Linux installation, it is recommended to re-enable it in BIOS/UEFI once Linux is removed. This restores standard Windows security protections.