I'm new to Linux Mint and want more space than my dual-boot setup gives me. I could remove Windows, but I've already spent time setting up Mint and don't know which files or settings to back up. Is a clean install easier than changing partitions?
Should I reinstall Mint or change partitions to remove Windows?
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q82!hingeclip_517
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If your Mint setup is still pretty new and you don't have much to save, a clean install is probably the simpler route. Back up anything you want to keep to an external drive first, then check that you can actually open the copies.
Look through your home folder for documents, downloads, pictures, and other personal files. Hidden folders in your home directory can contain application settings too. Reinstalling will still mean setting up some apps again, so make a note of the ones you use.
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You can keep the current installation and reclaim the Windows space, but the exact steps depend on how the disk is laid out. Delete the wrong partition and you can lose Mint or the files needed to boot it.
Use a live Mint USB to inspect the disk with GParted, and back up your files before changing anything. Free space may not be next to your Mint partition, so expanding it can involve moving partitions as well as resizing them. Don't assume every partition associated with Windows is safe to delete. The EFI system partition, for example, may also be used to boot Mint.
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If you're not sure you're done with Windows, there's a middle ground: shrink its partition and use some of the freed space for Mint. That still needs a backup and a careful look at the layout. Also check how much space Windows needs rather than shrinking it to an arbitrary tiny size.
n805!clkroute_2:
Keeping Windows might be useful for software or hardware that doesn't work on Linux. A virtual machine can be an option for some Windows programs too, though it won't suit every use.
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y608~txqueue_3:
A screenshot of the disk layout from GParted would help people suggest specific steps. Make sure it shows the partition sizes, file systems, and mount points if available.