- Hidden partitions contain boot, WinRE, and OEM data; don't delete them without verifying.
- To unhide them, assign a letter in Disk Management or use a manager like EaseUS/AOMEI.
- If the volume is unallocated or RAW, recover data first with read-only software.
The hidden Windows partitions They generate many doubts because they are not visible in the Explorer, but they are there performing critical tasks in the background. Understand What they are, how to see them and when to play them It can save you a lot of trouble and make your life easier when something goes wrong.
In this guide, you'll find all the essentials and also the "fine" details: types of hidden partitions, how to show them from Windows, options with third-party software, what to do if the drive appears unallocated or RAW, etc. The goal is to have a complete reference in Spanish from Spain, with practical tips and warnings. to avoid data loss.
What are hidden Windows partitions and what are they used for?
A hidden partition is an area of the disk that is not displayed in File Explorer and is, by design, not accessible to the average user. They are usually identified as recovery partition, restore partition, EFI System Partition (ESP) o OEM partitionSome are around 100–200 MB, although sizes vary depending on the system version and installation mode.
These Windows partitions store key information such as boot files, the disk boot sector, or the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). By hiding them, Windows prevents accidental manipulation. that could render your computer unusable. Sometimes, hidden space could be an unpartitioned area, a format the system doesn't recognize, or a backup partition kept out of sight.
From Windows 7 (which created a reserved partition of about 100 MB) to Windows 10, which can create several, the system has evolved. On computers with UEFI, Windows 10 typically creates three related partitions (approx. 450 MB + 100 MB + 16 MB); if your computer does not support UEFI or is running in CSM/Legacy mode, you can create a single reserved partition 500 MB. This organization also enables features such as encryption with BitLocker u other tools.
Why you might be interested in viewing or accessing hidden Windows partitions
Many brands store backup and recovery tools in these partitions that are accessible with a key combination at startup or with a pre-installed app. Sometimes you can identify them from Disk Management, even if you don't have direct access to their contents.
If your PC doesn't have a recovery partition or you erased it, restoring your system requires using Windows installation media (USB/DVD). This reinstalls the system, but does not include drivers or OEM software additional. Therefore, it's a good idea to check if you have recovery partitions before touching anything or deleting space "just because."
On other occasions, you'll need to access a hidden partition to rescue data or validate that it's intact. And, of course, you might also be interested in hiding a regular drive to protect sensitive information and prevent accidental deletions on shared computers.
How to View and Show Hidden Windows Partitions
There are several ways to access hidden Windows partitions, from native tools (Disk Management/Explorer) to third-party solutions with advanced features. Choose the method according to your level and needs concrete.
Method 1: Disk Management (the direct way in Windows)
If the partition exists but doesn't have a letter, simply assign one. It's a simple operation, although you should be careful not to touch the wrong volume. Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R, type «diskmgmt.msc» and press Enter to open Disk Management. Locate the partition that you previously hid or that appears without a letter.
- Right click on the volume and choose «Change drive letter and paths…«. In the pop-up box, click «Add» and choose a free letter.
- Confirm with «Accept«. After assigning the letter, the partition should appear in Explorer and behave like a normal unit to store or read data.
To hide it again with this same tool, repeat the process, but choose "Remove» the drive letter. This makes it invisible in Explorer, although it will still appear in Disk Management as a volume without a letter. Caution: Do not delete the volume by mistake..
Method 2: File Explorer (show hidden items)
This method shows hidden files and folders, and only helps if the partition already has a letter. Otherwise, it will remain invisible. Still, it's worth knowing because we often get caught in the dark about this detail. Do the following:
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer. In the bar, enter "Options" and later "Change folder and search options«.
- In the «View", brand "Show hidden files, folders, and drives» and confirm with «OK». If the partition already has a letter, you will see its contents; if not, you will have to assign a letter to it with Disk Management.
Method 3: AOMEI Partition Assistant (guided hide/unhide)
If you prefer a clear interface with queued operations and change preview, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers the function "Show/Unhide Partition«. It is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 (including Vista/XP) and is very easy for those who do not want to complicate things.
- Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click on the hidden partition and choose “Show partition«. Confirm in the box pop-up with “Accept”.
- Check the operation in the main interface and press «Apply">"Proceed«. Upon completion, the partition will be visible in the system with its corresponding letter, facilitating access to the stored data.
How to Hide a Partition in Windows (Two Ways)
The opposite of unhiding is hiding, which is useful for minimizing the risk of accidental deletion or protecting sensitive information. You can do it for free with native tools or with a partition manager.
With Disk Management it is done like this:
- Right click on «This team«.
- Access «Manage«.
- Go to «Disk management«.
- Right click on the partition.
- Choose "Change drive letter and path…«
- Choose the option «Remove«.
- Finally, click on "OK". This will leave the partition without a letter and disappears from the Explorer.
Remember that a mistake in these windows can result in an unintentional deletion. Before confirming, double-check the selected drive letter and volume, and never format without copying security if there is data that is important to you.
Quick FAQ
To conclude, a quick guide to dealing with hidden Windows partitions:
- How do I find a hidden partition on my disk? You can use Disk Management (assign a letter if it doesn't have one).
- How do I hide a partition in Windows 10/8/7? Using Disk Management, remove the drive letter.
- How do I unhide a hidden drive? Go to Disk Management, right-click on the volume, “Change letter and paths…” > “Add” > assign a free letter and “OK”.
- What if the drive appears unallocated or RAW? Don't format it yet. Use a recovery program (e.g., Yodot Hard Drive Recovery) to recover the data in read-only mode. Then you can repair or format Safely.
With all of the above, you should be able to identify which hidden Windows partitions you have, when it's safe to show or hide them, and what to do if something doesn't look right. Remember that several of these partitions are essential for booting Windows or recovering your system, so before deleting or formatting, double check and make a copyWhen you need access in a pinch, assign a letter from Disk Management or use a reliable tool; if the goal is to protect data, hiding the drive without erasing it is usually the best option.
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