Merge unallocated space with Ubuntu partition?

Question

Ok, so firstly I'm using Windows 10/Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. Before anyone asks, the unallocated space is not by the Ubuntu partition, it is by the Windows partition, which makes this more difficult. I had looked at doing this while in Windows, but Windows disk manager doesn't show EXT4, and EXT2 volume manager doesn't show unallocated space so...

Here's a screenshot of Windows disk manager (the 27.60 GB is Ubuntu)

And here's EXT2 volume manager

I'll try and get a screenshot of GParted within 30 minutes, if that helps. Thanks.

Edit: Here's the GParted screenshot.

Possibly relevant, but the Windows partition lists the error "Unable to read the contents of this file system!" Any idea about that?

Edit 2: Another update! Partial success so far, after shrinking the Windows partition I gained about 40GB, which I merged with the Ubuntu partition. There's still 12GB by the Windows, but unfortunately I keep getting an error whole trying to move Windows. I'll figure that out soon. :) Thanks!

Answer 1

You don't merge, you move/resize using gparted.

In your case, it's pretty easy. Boot to a Ubuntu Live DVD and start gparted. In gparted, you move your Windows C: partition left, then move the 27G Ubuntu partition left, then resize the Ubuntu partition to the right into unallocated space.

Just in case Windows complains when you try and boot it, you should have a Windows installation disc ready if you need to repair a Windows no booting problem.

Note: of course, backups are ALWAYS recommended

Update: I reviewed your update that included a gparted screenshot. Gosh your Windows partition is big! I'd shrink it. After moving the Windows partition left using gparted, then boot Windows, and INSIDE WINDOWS, using Windows DISK MANAGEMENT tool, reduce its partition. Then the rest of my instructions still holds true.

Update 2: For your Windows error, run a chkdsk C:/f to resolve any file system problems.

Cheers, Al