Delete all partitions

Repurpose an external hard drive by deleting all data and partitions and then creating a new single partition.

If Disk Management is not allowing partitions to be deleted, use diskpart clean

Diskpart

Delete all partitions.

Important:
All data will be deleted.
If you are not sure which disk to select, unplug the external drive.
Follow steps 1 to 3. Plug in the external drive and repeat step 3.

1. Windows Key + R
2. Type diskpart and press the Enter key.
3. Type list disk and press the Enter key.
4. Type select disk 1 and press the Enter key.
5. Type clean and press the Enter key.
6. Type exit and press the Enter key.

Disk Management

Create a new single partition.

1. Windows Key + R
2. Type diskmgmt.msc and press the Enter key.
3. Right click on the hard drive and select a New Simple Volume.
4. Select the default options in the New Simple Volume Wizard.
5. Click on the Finish button.