Open the Disk Management console

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 125 views

The Operation is Not Supported by the Object: Resolving the Issue When Deleting Partitions or Volumes in Windows

When working with partitions and volumes in Windows, you may encounter an error message that reads "The operation is not supported by the object" when attempting to delete a partition or volume. This issue can be particularly frustrating, especially when you're trying to free up space or merge adjacent partitions. In this article, we'll explore the possible causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the issue.

The "The operation is not supported by the object" error message typically occurs when you're trying to delete a partition or volume using the delete vol override or delete part override commands in the Disk Management console. This error can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Locked files or folders: If there are locked files or folders on the partition or volume you're trying to delete, the operation may fail.
System files or folders: If the partition or volume contains system files or folders, you may not have the necessary permissions to delete it.
Disk errors: Disk errors or corruption can prevent the deletion of a partition or volume.
Boot partition or volume: If the partition or volume you're trying to delete is the boot partition or volume, you may encounter this error.

To resolve the "The operation is not supported by the object" error, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check for Locked Files or Folders

Open the Disk Management console: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
Identify the locked files or folders: Look for any files or folders with a lock icon next to them. These files or folders may be preventing the deletion of the partition or volume.
Delete the locked files or folders: Right-click on the locked files or folders and select Delete.

Step 2: Check for System Files or Folders

Open the Disk Management console: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
Identify system files or folders: Look for any system files or folders on the partition or volume you're trying to delete.
Take ownership of the system files or folders: Right-click on the system files or folders and select Properties. Then, click on the Security tab and click on the Advanced button. Click on the Change link next to the Owner field and select your username or a username with administrative privileges. Click OK to apply the changes.
Delete the system files or folders: Right-click on the system files or folders and select Delete.

Step 3: Check for Disk Errors

Run the Check Disk (chkdsk) utility: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type chkdsk C: /f, and press Enter. Replace C: with the drive letter of the partition or volume you're trying to delete.
Check for disk errors: The Check Disk utility will scan the disk for errors and report any issues it finds.

Step 4: Boot from a Recovery Environment

Create a recovery environment: Insert a Windows installation media or a recovery drive and boot from it.
Open the Command Prompt: Click on the Repair your computer option and select Troubleshoot. Then, click on the Command Prompt option.
Delete the partition or volume: Use the delete vol override or delete part override commands to delete the partition or volume.

Step 5: Use Third-Party Partition Management Software

Download and install a third-party partition management software: There are several third-party partition management software available, such as EaseUS Partition Master or Acronis Disk Director.
Use the software to delete the partition or volume: Follow the software's instructions to delete the partition or volume.

The "The operation is not supported by the object" error can be frustrating, but it's often caused by a simple issue that can be resolved with the right steps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and delete the partition or volume you need to. Remember to always back up your data before making any changes to your disk configuration.

Use the built-in Disk Management console: The Disk Management console is a powerful tool that can help you manage your disk configuration. Use it to delete partitions or volumes, but be careful not to delete the wrong partition or volume.
Use third-party partition management software: If you're not comfortable using the built-in Disk Management console, consider using third-party partition management software. These software can provide additional features and tools to help you manage your disk configuration.
Back up your data: Always back up your data before making any changes to your disk configuration. This will ensure that you don't lose any important files or data.

Q: What causes the "The operation is not supported by the object" error? A: The "The operation is not supported by the object" error can be caused by a variety of factors, including locked files or folders, system files or folders, disk errors, or boot partition or volume.
Q: How do I resolve the "The operation is not supported by the object" error? A: To resolve the "The operation is not supported by the object" error, follow the steps outlined in this article, including checking for locked files or folders, checking for system files or folders, checking for disk errors, booting from a recovery environment, and using third-party partition management software.
Q: Can I delete a partition or volume if it's locked? A: No, you cannot delete a partition or volume if it's locked. You'll need to unlock the files or folders on the partition or volume before you can delete it.
Frequently Asked Questions: Resolving the "The Operation is Not Supported by the Object" Error =====================================================================================

Q: What causes the "The operation is not supported by the object" error?

A: The "The operation is not supported by the object" error can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Locked files or folders: If there are locked files or folders on the partition or volume you're trying to delete, the operation may fail.
System files or folders: If the partition or volume contains system files or folders, you may not have the necessary permissions to delete it.
Disk errors: Disk errors or corruption can prevent the deletion of a partition or volume.
Boot partition or volume: If the partition or volume you're trying to delete is the boot partition or volume, you may encounter this error.

Q: How do I resolve the "The operation is not supported by the object" error?

A: To resolve the "The operation is not supported by the object" error, follow the steps outlined in this article, including:

Checking for locked files or folders: Look for any locked files or folders on the partition or volume you're trying to delete.
Checking for system files or folders: Look for any system files or folders on the partition or volume you're trying to delete.
Checking for disk errors: Run the Check Disk (chkdsk) utility to scan the disk for errors.
Booting from a recovery environment: Boot from a recovery environment to delete the partition or volume.
Using third-party partition management software: Use third-party partition management software to delete the partition or volume.

Q: Can I delete a partition or volume if it's locked?

A: No, you cannot delete a partition or volume if it's locked. You'll need to unlock the files or folders on the partition or volume before you can delete it.

Q: How do I unlock a locked file or folder?

A: To unlock a locked file or folder, follow these steps:

Open the File Explorer: Press the Windows key + E to open the File Explorer.
Navigate to the locked file or folder: Navigate to the location of the locked file or folder.
Right-click on the locked file or folder: Right-click on the locked file or folder and select Properties.
Click on the Security tab: Click on the Security tab and then click on the Advanced button.
Click on the Change link: Click on the Change link next to the Owner field and select your username or a username with administrative privileges.
Click OK to apply the changes: Click OK to apply the changes.

Q: Can I delete a system file or folder?

A: No, you cannot delete a system file or folder. System files and folders are essential to the operation of your computer and cannot be deleted.

Q: How do I delete a boot partition or volume?

A: To delete a boot partition or volume, you'll need to boot from a recovery environment and use the built-in Disk Management console or third-party partition management software to delete the partition or volume.

Q: What are the risks of deleting a partition or volume?

A: Deleting a partition or volume can result in data loss, system instability, or even a complete loss of your operating system. Be careful when deleting partitions or volumes and make sure you have a backup of your important files and data.

Q: How do I prevent the "The operation is not supported by the object" error?

A: To prevent the "The operation is not supported by the object" error, make sure to:

Regularly back up your data: Regularly back up your important files and data to prevent data loss.
Use the built-in Disk Management console: Use the built-in Disk Management console to manage your disk configuration and avoid using third-party software that may cause conflicts.
Avoid deleting system files or folders: Avoid deleting system files or folders, as they are essential to the operation of your computer.
Use caution when deleting partitions or volumes: Use caution when deleting partitions or volumes, as it can result in data loss or system instability.

The "The operation is not supported by the object" error can be frustrating, but it's often caused by a simple issue that can be resolved with the right steps. By following the steps outlined in this article and taking the necessary precautions, you can resolve the issue and delete the partition or volume you need to. Remember to always back up your data and use caution when deleting partitions or volumes.