Ghost Disk Partition
A simple guide to understanding mysterious or hidden disk partitions.
What Is a Ghost Disk Partition?
A "ghost disk partition" typically refers to a partition that appears in disk management tools but is not visible in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS). These partitions may be:
- System-reserved partitions created during OS installation
- Recovery partitions used by the manufacturer
- Unallocated space mistakenly labeled as a partition
- Corrupted or orphaned partition entries
Common Causes
Ghost partitions often appear due to:
- Operating system upgrades (e.g., Windows 10/11 setup)
- Disk cloning or imaging software like Norton Ghost or Macrium Reflect
- Improper disk cleanup or partition deletion
- Firmware or BIOS-level storage configurations (e.g., Intel RST)
Should You Delete It?
Not all ghost partitions are safe to remove. Before taking action:
- Identify the partition type using Disk Management (Windows) or diskutil (macOS)
- Avoid deleting partitions labeled "Recovery," "EFI," or "System Reserved"
- Back up important data before modifying disk layout
- Consult your device manufacturer’s documentation
How to View Ghost Partitions
On Windows: Press Win + X and select Disk Management. Look for small, unlabeled, or unlettered partitions.
On macOS: Open Terminal and run diskutil list to see all partitions, including hidden ones.