Creators Update creates new hidden partition PQ MirOS

Howdy !
I use Acronis to regularly re-image my computers, so I like my PC's running in Legacy mode (not UEFI) and without all the hidden and recovery partitions. I just did the Creators Update and it has ANNOYINGLY created a 3rd partition, called "Windows RE Hidden, PQ, MirOS". It's less than 400MB so it's not an issue of space, but I just don't like them doing this.

Does anyone know if there is a way to stop this from happening ? I don't want to just delete the partition, but if I do a clean install, or restore last month's image and re-do the update - does anyone know if there is a way to stop these annoying extra hidden partitions ?

Hi ppm, yes, FCU makes new recovery partition instead of C:\Recovery folder. Don't know how to block it but I know how to revert it into previous state but it it is not so easy.

1. Extracting Windows Recovery Environment files from Recovery partition:
- run diskpart at elevated command prompt, then use following commands
list volume
select volume <number_of_recovery_volume_identified>
assign letter=R
exit
- in Explorer, copy WindowsRE folder from drive R: to desktop; it holds 3 files including winre.wim (changing source ownership/permissions may be needed)

2. Deleting recovery partition:
- run diskpart at elevated command prompt, then use following commands
list disk
select disk <number_of_system_disk>
list partition
select partition <number_of_recovery_partition> && Be sure to enter correct number of RECOVERY partition, it will be deleted!
delete partition override
exit
- in Disk Management snap-in, expand your C: partition to empty space

3. Copying Recovery files to previous location:
- in Explorer, copy WindowsRE folder from desktop to C:\Recovery folder (changing target ownership/permissions may be needed)

4. Registering current location of WindowsRE folder:
- type following commands at elevated prompt
reagentc /setreimage /path C:\Recovery\WindowsRE
reagentc /enable

5. Deleting orphaned recovery entry from BCD store:
- type following command at elevated prompt
bcdedit /enum osloader
- find entry which includes wrong path to non-existent recovery partition in row named Device
- type following command at elevated prompt
bcdedit /delete {identifier_of_bad_entry} && Be sure to enter correct ID of bad entry as it will be deleted

6. Testing new WinRE:
- at logon screen, do Shift + Restart etc.

ppm said:

Howdy !
I use Acronis to regularly re-image my computers, so I like my PC's running in Legacy mode (not UEFI) and without all the hidden and recovery partitions. I just did the Creators Update and it has ANNOYINGLY created a 3rd partition, called "Windows RE Hidden, PQ, MirOS". It's less than 400MB so it's not an issue of space, but I just don't like them doing this.

Does anyone know if there is a way to stop this from happening ? I don't want to just delete the partition, but if I do a clean install, or restore last month's image and re-do the update - does anyone know if there is a way to stop these annoying extra hidden partitions ?

I've had bad experiences with Acronis products. I recommend Macrium Reflect Free which is reliable and well supported & engineered.