How to Convert GPT to MBR Without Operating System

This page provides two direct solutions to convert a GPT disk to MBR without using Windows OS. If you're installing Windows and encounter the error message "The selected disk is of GPT partition style...", you can follow either method to resolve the issue on your own.

# 1. Convert GPT to MBR without Operating System via Bootable USB Drive

# 2. Convert GPT to MBR without Operating System using CMD

How Can I Convert GPT to MBR without Operating System

You're trying to install Windows 10 on a disk that's set to GPT partition style, which Windows 7 can't handle. To install Windows 10, you need to convert the disk to MBR (Master Boot Record) partition style. You can do this using the built-in Disk Management tool in Windows 7 or by using a third-party tool. Once you've converted the disk to MBR, you should be able to install Windows 10 without any issues.

To convert a GPT disk to MBR without losing data or operating system, you can use the `gdisk` command-line utility. First, back up any important data on the disk, then boot from a live Linux environment (such as a USB drive or CD/DVD) and run `gdisk` on the GPT disk. In the `gdisk` menu, select "c" to change the partition table type to MBR, then "w" to write the changes.

Some users are not allowed to install Windows on GPT because their computer doesn't support UEFI boot.

The Windows 32-bit operating system can only boot from a Master Boot Record (MBR) disk, so if you're installing the system on a disk formatted in Globally Unique Identifier Partition Table (GPT), you'll need to convert it to MBR. Similarly, if your disk is in GPT format but your computer doesn't support booting in UEFI/EFI mode, you'll also need to convert it to MBR.

Usually, you can use the built-To convert a GPT disk to MBR in Disk Management and command line, follow these steps: in Disk Management, right-click on the disk you want to convert and select "Convert to MBR" from the context menu. This will prompt you to confirm the conversion, and once confirmed, the disk will be converted to MBR. Alternatively, you can use the command line by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator, typing "diskpart" and pressing Enter, then typing "convert mbr" and pressing Enter.

You can convert a GPT disk to MBR without an operating system using either a partition manager or the Diskpart command.

Convert GPT to MBR Without Operating System via Bootable USB

Qiling Partition Master allows you to convert GPT to MBR without a Windows OS on your computer in two steps.

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To resolve the issue, create a bootable disk on another healthy computer using a USB drive or CD, then connect the bootable USB drive to the target PC and boot the computer from the USB bootable disk.

Run the Qiling partition manager to convert GPT to MBR without access to the operating system, which won't result in any data loss.

Check the detailed steps:

Step 1. To create a bootable USB drive using Qiling Partition Master, start by preparing a USB drive and connecting it to your computer. Next, launch Qiling Partition Master and navigate to the "Create bootable media" feature, which can be found at the top of the interface. Click on this feature to proceed with the process.

Step 2. Create a bootable drive for Qiling Partition Master by selecting the USB drive when it's available. If you don't have a storage device, save the ISO file to a local drive and burn it to a storage media later. After selecting the option, click "Proceed".

You can manage your hard disks and partitions using the Qiling Partition Master WinPE bootable disk, which can be used when the computer doesn't start properly or the system isn't installed.

If your RAID drive or hard disk can't be recognized by the WinPE bootable disk, you're advised to click the "Add Driver" button to add the correct hardware driver for it.

Step 3. Connect the WinPE bootable disk to the computer, then restart it. Press F2/Del at the same time to enter BIOS, and set the PC to boot from the removable device (USB disk) before the hard drive. Save the changes and exit BIOS.

Step 4. To convert a GPT disk to MBR, launch Qiling Partition Master, select the GPT disk you want to convert, click the "More..." button, and then choose the "GPT -> MBR" option.

Qiling Partition Master supports converting a disk from one type to another, as well as converting FAT to NTFS and changing the type of a partition from logical to primary or primary to logical.

Convert GPT to MBR Without Operating System Using CMD

Skilled computer users who don't want to use a third-party partition manager software can convert a GPT disk to MBR during Windows installation using a CMD command.

Warning

If you use the Diskpart CMD command to convert a GPT disk to MBR, it will delete all partitions with data on the disk. Therefore, back up data without booting into Windows in advance.

To convert GPT to MBR without operating system and data loss, the best way is to use Qiling Partition Master with a bootable USB for assistance.

If you're reinstalling or fresh-installing Windows and need to convert GPT to MBR, you can follow these steps: First, ensure your Windows installation media is GPT-compatible. Next, boot from the installation media and follow the on-screen instructions to select your language, time, and keyboard preferences.

Step 1. To install Windows, insert the Windows installation CD/DVD and begin the installation process. At the same time, press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt window.

Step 2. Type diskpart in the cmd and hit Enter. Click "Yes" to open Diskpart.

Step 3. Type list disk and press "Enter". Note the disk number that you want to convert to MBR.

Step 4. Type select disk 1 (Replace 1 with the disk number of the disk you need to convert).

Step 5. Be cautious and make sure you have backed up all important data before proceeding. The command `dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdX` will completely erase the disk, including all partitions and data. This is a permanent and irreversible operation, so double-check that you have a backup before proceeding. If you're sure, type the command and press Enter.

Step 6.Type convert mbr press "Enter". It will convert the empty GPT partition style to MBR.

You can proceed with installing Windows on your converted MBR disk by following the on-screen instructions on your computer.

Bonus Tip: Convert MBR to GPT Without Operating System

This tutorial demonstrates how to convert a GPT disk to MBR and vice versa without using a Windows operating system. It utilizes the Qiling WinPE bootable disk and the built-in Diskpart command to achieve this conversion.

When trying to create more than four primary partitions on a disk, use a disk with more than 2TB of space, or install Windows on an EFI system, you'll need to make your target disk an MBR style. You can use the same methods from this article to achieve this.

To avoid losing data, you can either back up your data beforehand or use Qiling Partition Master to help with the conversion. This will prevent the removal of partitions and data on your disk when converting using Diskpart.

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If you decide to let Qiling partition manager software help, here are the detailed steps to convert MBR to GPT without operating system:

To create a bootable USB drive, you'll need to use a healthy computer to download the Rufus software from the official Microsoft website, insert a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space, and then run the Rufus software to select the USB drive as the target, choose the correct bootable media type, and finally start the creation process. This process will overwrite any existing data on the USB drive. If you're unable to boot up your OS, you should perform this process on another healthy computer.

Step 1. To create a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD disc, first prepare the disc or drive by formatting it. Next, connect the drive to a bootable computer and launch Qiling Partition Master. From there, navigate to the "Create bootable media" feature and click on it to proceed.

Step 2. Choose USB or CD/DVD according to the device you connect to the computer, then click "Proceed".

Step 3. To boot from a WinPE bootable disk, connect the disk to your computer. Restart your computer and press F2/Del to enter the BIOS settings. From there, set the boot order to prioritize the removable device (USB disk) or CD-ROM drive (CD/DVD) over the hard drive. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. This should allow your computer to boot from the WinPE disk.

Step 4. Launch Qiling Partition Master again, select the MBR disk you want to convert, click the "More" button and select "MBR -> GPT".

If you're using Diskpart during Windows installation, switch the command from "convert mbr" to "convert gpt" after selecting the target disk.

FAQS of GPT to MBR or MBR to GPT Disk Conversion

If you're new to disk conversion, you might have some questions about converting between GPT and MBR. To help, we've gathered 5 frequently asked questions that others have searched for on Google Chrome, along with brief answers to each. Hopefully, these will clear up any doubts you have about the process.

1. Can GPT be converted to MBR?

The partition style of a hard drive can be changed from GPT to MBR or vice versa, allowing you to convert your disk to the desired partition style - GPT or MBR - on your computer.

2. How do I change from MBR to GPT in Windows 10?

You can change the hard drive partition style from MBR to GPT in Windows 10 using one of three methods.

If it's a data disk, you can directly use Qiling Partition Master to convert the disk from MBR to GPT without deleting any partition and data.

To convert a disk to GPT, you can use Disk Management or the CMD command, but these methods will delete all partitions and data, so it's essential to back up your data first. If you've already deleted a partition without backing up, don't worry, you can recover it using Qiling Partition Master.

If it's a system disk, first check if your computer supports UEFI boot in BIOS. Then, use Qiling Partition Master with a bootable USB to convert the MBR to GPT.

3. Will I lose data while converting disk from GPT to MBR or MBR to GPT?

Using Disk Management or the Diskpart command in CMD to convert a disk will result in the deletion of all partitions and data on the disk before changing the disk's partition style, effectively answering "yes".

If you apply a third-Qiling Partition Master is a party partition manager software that can help convert a disk from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table) or vice versa, ensuring no data loss in the process.

4. How can I migrate OS from MBR disk to GPT SSD disk?

Migrating an operating system from a traditional MBR disk to a newer GPT disk is not possible manually. However, a tool like Qiling Partition Master, which offers a feature to migrate OS to SSD/HDD, can facilitate this process.

5. How can I partition my hard drive without an operating system?

If the operating system doesn't boot up, a manual partition hard drive method may not work. However, Qiling Partition Master with a bootable USB drive can help. This tool allows you to partition a hard drive without OS, format a hard drive without OS, and even wipe a hard drive without OS.