To convert a disk from MBR to GPT, the most reliable and commonly used method, especially on Windows 10 or Windows 11, is to use the built-in Microsoft tool called MBR2GPT. This tool converts the disk without modifying or deleting the existing data. Here’s a summary of the steps for converting MBR to GPT using MBR2GPT:
- First, verify that your disk is currently using MBR.
- Open Disk Management (search "Disk Management").
- Right-click the disk, go to Properties → Volumes tab, and check "Partition style" (MBR or GPT).
- Backup data as a precaution, though MBR2GPT does not delete data.
- Use the tool in offline mode (recommended) by booting into Windows Recovery Environment:
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Restart now under Advanced startup.
- Navigate to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
- Validate the disk:
mbr2gpt /validate - Convert the disk:
mbr2gpt /convert
- Alternatively, you can run MBR2GPT from the full Windows OS with the command:
- Validate:
mbr2gpt /validate /allowFullOS - Convert:
mbr2gpt /convert /allowFullOS
- Validate:
- After conversion, adjust BIOS settings to enable UEFI boot mode as GPT requires UEFI firmware.
The tool converts the disk by creating an EFI system partition and modifying the partition style from MBR to GPT, without deleting existing partitions or data. This method is best for system/boot disks on Windows 10 and later. Other methods involve backing up data, deleting partitions, and reformatting, which is more destructive. Additional tools like third-party software (EaseUS Partition Master) can also convert MBR to GPT without data loss, useful for data disks. In summary:
Method| Data Loss Risk| Notes
---|---|---
MBR2GPT (built-in tool)| No| Best for OS/system disks, supports offline and
full OS mode
EaseUS Partition Master| No| Third-party tool, good for data disks as well
Disk Management + Clean| Yes| Deletes all partitions, requires backup
Make sure to verify device compatibility with UEFI before conversion. This approach is currently recommended for Windows systems to safely convert MBR to GPT without losing data and maintaining system boot functionality.
