How to Convert GPT to MBR (Without Data Loss) with 3 GPT to MBR Converter
To convert a GPT disk to MBR disk, you can use Disk Management, Diskpart Command Prompt, or Qiling convert GPT to MBR. Disk Management is a built-in tool in Windows that allows you to convert a GPT disk to MBR without data loss. The Diskpart Command Prompt is another built-in tool that can also convert a GPT disk to MBR.
GPT to MBR: Can A GPT Disk Be Converted to MBR?
Read the full post: GPT vs. MBR
When setting up a new disk on Windows 10 or 8.1, you'll be prompted to choose between MBR (Master Boot Record) and GPT (GUID Partition Table) partitioning schemes. While GPT is considered the future, offering improved storage capabilities and addressing limitations of MBR, many users still prefer MBR due to its greater compatibility and necessity in certain situations.
There is no definitive answer to whether GPT or MBR is better, as the best partition style depends on the specific situation. However, there are certain cases where MBR is preferred over GPT, and if GPT is currently being used, it can be converted to MBR using one of three available solutions.
- If you're installing a 32-bit version of Windows, choose Master Boot Record (MBR) as your system disk.
- If you're still using an old version of Windows, you should choose the Master Boot Record (MBR) for your system disk.
- If you're running Windows XP or older systems, the Master Boot Record (MBR) is the only option for the system disk, even if it's a 64-bit system.
- The error message "Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style" during Windows installation can be resolved by converting the disk to MBR partition style. This can be done by booting from a Windows installation media, selecting the "Repair your computer" option, and then choosing the "Command Prompt" to run the command "diskpart" and then "convert mbr".
It's possible to change a partition style from GPT to MBR or vice versa, but this process will result in complete data loss, and can be done using Windows' built-in tools like Disk Management or Command Prompt.
To convert a GPT disk to MBR without affecting data, third-party software is recommended. Qiling Partition Master is a top-choice converter that allows users of all Windows versions, including 10/8/7/XP/Vista and servers, to convert a GPT disk to MBR with or without an operating system, all while keeping data intact.
Solution 1. Convert GPT to MBR with Qiling GPT to MBR Converter (No Data Loss)
Qiling Partition Master allows for the conversion of a GPT disk to a MBR disk without data loss, even when the system is installed on the hard disk. This software simplifies the process of converting between GPT and MBR, creating new partitions, and resizing partitions on hard disks, making it a useful tool for managing disk partitions.
This program is a comprehensive disk & partition conversion tool that supports conversion between GPT and MBR, as well as conversion of other formats.
Compared to Disk Management and Command Prompt, PowerShell is the safest and most reliable way to resize a disk, as it doesn't require deleting a volume, thus preventing data loss.
Follow the simple steps to convert GPT to MBR:
Step 1. Install and open Qiling Partition Master on your Windows computer.
Step 2. Click the GPT disk that you want to convert.
Step 3. Click "More..." and click "GPT -> MBR" to convert partition.
When you can't boot into your operating system, you can still use Bootable Partition Master to convert GPT to MBR without needing to boot into the OS. The process is identical to the steps mentioned earlier.
Solution 2. Convert GPT to MBR with Windows Disk Management
To convert a disk to a different file system, back up important data, close any programs accessing the disk, and ensure administrator privileges. Disk Management, available on Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista, can be used to perform this task.
Step 1. To access Open Disk Management, go to Control Panel, click on System and Security, then Administrative Tools, and finally Computer Management. This will open a new window where you can access Disk Management.
Step 2. Under Storage, select Disk Management.
Step 3. To convert a disk from GPT to MBR, delete every volume by right-clicking and selecting "Delete Volume" for all partitions.
Step 4. After deleting all partitions on the GPT disk, right-click on the disk and select Convert to MBR Disk.
After converting a GPT disk to an MBR disk, you can create partitions on the newly formatted MBR disk if desired.
Solution 3. Convert GPT to MBR Using Command Prompt
The Diskpart command method for deleting a Windows 10/11 drive involves deleting volumes and data, so it's essential to back up your important data before proceeding. This method is not recommended for deleting the drive where Windows is installed, as it will prevent the system from booting. If you're sure you want to delete a drive, you can use the Diskpart command to format it, which will remove all data on the drive.
Step 1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type diskpart.
Step 2. Type list disk and press Enter. Note the disk number that represents the GPT disk.
Step 3. Type select disk 1 if 1 is the GPT disk. Press Enter.
Step 4. Type clean and press Enter. This action will remove all the contents of the disk.
Step 5. Type convert MBR and press Enter.
Step 6. Type exit to close Command Prompt after it's done.
Conclusion
After converting a GPT disk to MBR, you'll need to reboot your system, so don't worry if it shuts down. To ensure the system boots properly, you'll need to enter the BIOS. You can use Qiling Partition Master to easily convert disks between GPT and MBR, even if you're not a tech-savvy user. Alternatively, you can use the command line with Diskpart, but you'll need to delete all GPT volumes first to start the process.
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