How to Convert MBR to GPT without Losing Data Windows Server
How to convert MBR to GPT without Losing Data Windows Server
Converting an MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table) on a Windows Server is a complex process that requires caution to avoid data loss. Unlike a simple conversion, this process often necessitates deleting existing partitions using Diskpart, making it a more involved procedure.
However, the GPT is more reliable and possesses other advantages over the MBR, including being required by Windows 11, making it even more desirable.
- Higher Disk Capacity: The Master Boot Record (MBR) has a significant limitation in terms of storage capacity, as it can only support a maximum of 2TB, whereas the GUID Partition Table (GPT) can accommodate up to 256TB of data. This disparity highlights the GPT's superiority in handling larger storage capacities, making it a more suitable choice for modern computing needs.
- More Partition Slots: The maximum number of primary partitions in the MBR (Master Boot Record) is 4, whereas the GPT (GUID Partition Table) can support up to 128 primary partition slots. This means that if you're running out of space on your MBR-partitioned disk, you can switch to GPT and have a much larger number of partitions available.
- Firmware Support: The GPT (GUID Partition Table) uses a UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) interface over the traditional BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) type for the Master Boot Record (MBR).
Converting a Master Boot Record (MBR) to a Globally Unique Identifier Partition Table (GPT) without losing data is a crucial process, especially for Windows Server users. This guide will walk you through the steps to achieve this conversion, ensuring that your data remains intact throughout the process.
Back-Up Data Before Converting MBR to GPT
To convert MBR to GPT without losing data on a Windows Server, start by backing up all your data. This is crucial because changing the partition table from MBR to GPT is not possible when there are still partitions. Furthermore, the conversion process can be unpredictable and may lead to unexpected problems. By backing up your data first, you ensure that your files are safe and can be restored if anything goes wrong during the conversion.
Having a backup can save you from stress caused by worrying about data loss, and a third-party tool like Qiling Backup Enterprise can provide an effective and easy way to achieve this.
How to Convert MBR to GPT
Converting a Master Boot Record (MBR) to a Globally Unique Identifier Partition Table (GPT) on a Windows Server without losing data is crucial. The best method to achieve this supports various Windows server versions, including 2003, 2008 (R2), 2012 (R2), 2011, 2016, and 2019. By using the built-in Diskpart command or a third-party tool like EaseUS Partition Master, you can safely convert the MBR to GPT, ensuring data integrity and compatibility with modern operating systems.
Method 1: Use MBR to GPT Convert Tool (Recommend)
Converting an MBR to GPT can be done through various methods, but using a third-party application is the most efficient and data-safe approach, especially on Windows Server, as it allows for a seamless conversion without the need to delete disk partitions or volumes.
We recommend the Qiling Partition Master Enterprise as the easiest conversion tool, which is compatible with all Windows OS.
To convert MBR to GPT without losing data on Windows Server using Qiling Partition Master, follow these steps. First, download and install Qiling Partition Master.
Step 1. Download and launch Qiling Partition Master on your Windows computer.
Step 2. To convert a MBR disk to GPT, click on the MBR disk you want to convert, and then select the option to convert it to GPT. This will initiate the conversion process.
The Qiling Partition Master serves as a simple solution to convert MBR to GPT without losing data on Windows Server, and also offers additional features.
- You can optimize disk storage and perform various partition operations without losing data by using the Disk Management tool in Windows or a third-party partition manager software. This allows you to resize, split, format, extend, create and erase partitions as needed to optimize your disk storage.
- Extend system partition to tackle low disk space issues.
- Partition recall protection to the previous state.
- The software supports various versions of Windows Server, including 2003, 2008 (R2), 2012 (R2), 2011, 2016, and 2019.
Method 2. Convert MBR to GPT on Windows Server Using CMD
Step 1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialogue box. Type "cmd" in the box and press Enter to open the Command Prompt. This will open a new window where you can enter commands to interact with your computer.
Step 2. To run the DiskPart tool, open the command prompt and type "diskpart" followed by the Enter key.
Note: I have verified that I have done a backup of all essential files and programs before proceeding to the next step. Please confirm that you have done the same.
Step 3. To delete all disk/volume partitions on the MBR drive, you can use the "CLEAN ALL" command in the cmd menu, which will erase all stored data.
Step 4. After running the command "list disk" and clicking Enter, the available disks will be displayed. Then, navigate and select the disks you want to convert to GPT.
Step 5. To convert the MBR disk to GPT, type "convert gpt" and press Enter. This will convert the disk's partition style from MBR to GPT, and you will see a confirmation message.
Step 6. To convert a disk to GPT format in DiskPart, type `convert gpt` and press Enter. A message will then appear saying "DiskPart successfully converted the selected disk to GPT format" after a few seconds.
Method 3. Run Disk Management to Convert MBR to GPT
Step 1. To access disk management, press Windows + R, type diskmgmt.msc in the dialogue box, and press Enter. This will open the disk management tool.
Step 2. To convert a MBR disk to GPT, first, access the Disk Management environment. Scroll to the MBR disk in question and delete all of its partitions. This will allow the Disk Management tool to display the "Convert to GPT" option. Once all partitions are deleted, you can proceed with the conversion.
Step 3. The disk should now be left with only unallocated space. Right-click on it and choose the Convert to GPT disk option.
Step 4. Proceed to create new volume/disk partitions on the GPT drive, or consider restoring from a backup device if one was made before starting the conversion process.
Conclusion
The Qiling Partition Master is our recommended method for converting MBR to GPT without losing data on Windows server, as it is straightforward to use and does not involve deleting disk partitions.
Depending on your choice, you might consider the other methods. However, remember to back up all vital data before commencing such processes.
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