How to Convert MBR to GPT without Losing Data Windows Server
How to convert MBR to GPT without Losing Data Windows Server
Converting MBR to GPT is one thing but knowing how to convert MBR to GPT without losing data windows server is another. GPT stands for GUID Partition Table and MBR is Master Boot Record. Conversion between the two is usually impossible without having to delete the existing partitions through diskpart.
However, the GPT is more reliable and possesses other advantages over the MBR. Microsoft even just officially announced that the Windows 11 OS requires only a UEFI/GPT partition style. That makes the GPT even more desirable. Other standout benefits of the GPT are:
- Higher Disk Capacity: the MBR can only support a maximum of 2TB compared to the 256TB capacity of the GPT.
- More Partition Slots: the maximum of 4 primary partitions of the MBR is lower than the 128 primary partition slots of GPT.
- Firmware Support: the GPT uses a UEFI interface over the BIOS type for the MBR.
Therefore, the process of how to convert MBR to GPT without losing data window server is essential and that's what this guide explains. Keep reading!
Back-Up Data Before Converting MBR to GPT
Backing up your data is the first step on how to convert MBR to GPT without losing data windows server. We already learned that changing MBR to GPT is impossible when there are still partitions. Besides, you might encounter unexpected problems during the conversion process.
Having a backup saves you the stress of worrying that nothing goes wrong. An effective and easy way is to use a third-party tool like the Qiling Backup Enterprise.
How to Convert MBR to GPT
Learn how to convert MBR to GPT without losing data windows server. Also find the best method that supports Windows server 2003, 2008 (R2), 2012 (R2), 2011, 2016, and 2019.
Method 1: Use MBR to GPT Convert Tool (Recommend)
Although there are different alternatives to converting MBR to GPT, the use of a third-party application is the best. Rather than having to delete disk partitions/volumes, they easily convert MBR to GPT without losing data windows server.
The Qiling Partition Master Enterprise is our recommended choice of such third-party software. Asides from being the easiest conversion tool, it is also compatible with all Windows OS.
See how to convert MBR to GPT without losing data windows server on the Qiling Partition Master:
Step 1. Download and launch Qiling Partition Master on your Windows computer.
Step 2. Click the MBR disk that you want to convert and choose "Convert to GPT" to start the conversion.
Asides from serving as a simple solution on how to convert MBR to GPT without losing data windows server, the Qiling Partition Master offers other features like:
- Optimize disk storage and resize, split, format, extend, create and erase partitions without data loss.
- Extend system partition to tackle low disk space issues.
- Partition recall protection to the previous state.
- Supports Windows server 2003, 2008 (R2), 2012 (R2), 2011, 2016, and 2019.
Method 2. Convert MBR to GPT on Windows Server Using CMD
Step 1. Use the Windows + R command and enter cmd in the resulting dialogue box. Press Enter to open the command prompt.
Step 2. On the command prompt, type diskpart and hit Enter to run the in-built DiskPart tool.
Note: Verify you have done a backup of all essential files and programs before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3. Delete all disk/volume partitions on the MBR drive. You can use the CLEAN ALL command to erase every stored data from the cmd menu.
Step 4. Input "list disk" and click Enter. All available disks will display. Navigate and choose the ones you wish to convert to GPT.
Step 5. Assuming "Disk 1" is the MBR disk to be converted, type "Select Disk 1" and press Enter. The DiskPart tool will notify you that Disk 1 has been selected.
Step 6. Type convert gpt and press Enter to submit. Wait for a few seconds and a display message will appear saying "DiskPart successfully converted the selected disk to GPT format".
Method 3. Run Disk Management to Convert MBR to GPT
Step 1. Enter disk management by pressing Windows + R and typing diskmgmt.msc in the dialogue box. Press Enter and the disk management tool will open.
Step 2. From the Disk Management environment, scroll to the MBR disk you need to covert. Right-click on the different partitions and choose the Delete Partition/ Delete Volume option. Without that, the disk management tool will not display the Convert to GPT disk option.
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. You can also consider restoring from a backup device (provided you did backup before starting the conversion process).
Conclusion
You probably now understand why the Qiling Partition Master is our recommended method on how to convert MBR to GPT without losing data Windows server. Not only is the use straightforward, but also it 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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