linux4noobs

1421 readers

2 users here now

linux4noobs

Noob Friendly, Expert Enabling

Whether you're a seasoned pro or the noobiest of noobs, you've found the right place for Linux support and information. With a dedication to supporting free and open source software, this community aims to ensure Linux fits your needs and works for you. From troubleshooting to tutorials, practical tips, news and more, all aspects of Linux are warmly welcomed. Join a community of like-minded enthusiasts and professionals driving Linux's ongoing evolution.

Seeking Support?

Mention your Linux distro and relevant system details.
Describe what you've tried so far.
Share your solution even if you found it yourself.
Do not delete your post. This allows other people to see possible solutions if they have a similar problem.
Properly format any scripts, code, logs, or error messages.
Be mindful to omit any sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, IP addresses, etc.

Community Rules

Keep discussions respectful and amiable. This community is a space where individuals may freely inquire, exchange thoughts, express viewpoints, and extend help without encountering belittlement. We were all a noob at one point. Differing opinions and ideas is a normal part of discourse, but it must remain civil. Offenders will be warned and/or removed.
Posts must be Linux oriented
Spam or affiliate links will not be tolerated.

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

PlutoParty@programming.dev

[SOLVED] What I can delete on my EFI partition? (self.linux4noobs)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by gpstarman to c/linux4noobs@programming.dev

2 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I installed lots of OSs on my PC. The mistake I did was not backing up my EFI partition beforehand.

Now I deleted all the OS except CachyOS (Arch) and Windows.

Now I want to tidy up my EFI partition. I want to delete everything (even rEFInd) except Windows and Default ones like OEM. (I am gonna reinstall CachyOS ) Can anybody please assist me?

I already deleted the obvious ones like ubuntu and fedora. Anything else?

I know this is not necessarily a linux question but anyways 😅

Solved

Before proceeding with any of the following, I STRONGLY suggest you to make a full backup of your ESP (efi) partition.

I deleted everything on boot folder, since I didn't need grub or any of those files ( after searching everything individually on internet)

I deleted refind folder, since I didn't need refind boot manager.

I kept insyde folder, since they are my uefi provider.

I kept OEM , microsoft folders because I need windows and whatever my OEM provides.

I kept tools folder since that's just an empty folder ( I didn't know which OS created it)

top 2 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] mvirts@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

My advice is to leave everything as-is unless you're running out of space or want to clean it up for fun.

If you want, formatting your efi partition and rebuilding it with bcdboot on Windows will get you to a completely clean setup. This may remove any oem boot options present.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/bcdboot-command-line-options-techref-di?view=windows-11

If your machine has a factory reset mode you may want to use that instead, although it will probably delete all of your data.

[–] gpstarman 2 points 2 months ago

Thank you.