GPT and MBR disks perform similar functions but vary in their specifications. While GPT disks use the Unified Extensive Firmware Interface (UEFI) and support more than 4 partitions on a disk, MBR disk, on the other hand, uses the standard BIOS partition table and keeps only 4 partitions on a disk.
Many users prefer GPT due to its distinct features, but sometimes, you need to convert GPT disk to MBR disk. For instance, some Windows Servers operating systems such as Windows 2003 32bit, Windows 2000, Windows NT4, Windows 95/98/ME, and Windows XP 32bit aren't compatible with GPT disk partition. For the GPT disk to be recognized, you'll need to convert it to MBR.
Three methods avail for Windows Server users to convert their disk from GPT to MBR, and they are:
Workable Solutions | Step-by-step Troubleshooting |
---|---|
Fix 1. Using Qiling Disk Converter Software | Step 1. Install and open Qiling Partition Master on your Windows computer...Full steps |
Fix 2. Using Disk Management | Type "Control Panel" in the start menu and click "System and security", then "Administrative Tool"...Full steps |
Fix 3. Using CMD |
Press the "Windows + R" keys and type cmd in the Run window...Full steps |
The Qiling Partition Master Enterprise Edition is an effective and reliable tool that effortlessly converts a disk from GPT to MBR without losing any data. It's a comprehensively equipped disk partition software that converts GPT to MBR, MBR to GPT, converts basic disk to dynamic disk, FAT32 to NTFS, creates, resize/move, adjust, merge and migrate partitions, to mention a few.
Suffice to say that Qiling Partition Master surpasses both Disk Management and Diskpart Command Prompt in converting GPT to MBR. It safely stores every data on the disk while converting GPT to MBR and ensures that all existing partitions are kept intact during the conversion process.
The tool is designed to deliver the best disk partitioning on Windows Server, and it enables all levels of Windows Administrators to manage their hard drives in Windows Server computers. Thus, Qiling Partition Master Enterprise Edition should be your first call for converting GPT to MBR.
Your trustworthy Windows Server disk manager.
Step 1. Install and open Qiling Partition Master on your Windows computer.
Step 2. Click the GPT disk that you want to convert, click "More..." button and select "GPT -> MBR". Then, begin to convert GPT disk to MBR. All data is safe with Qiling partition manager software.
Disk Management is a built-in Windows tool used for accessing and performing various disk partitioning tasks. To employ disk management in converting GPR to MBR, you'll need to delete every volume on the disk. Therefore, you backup essential data to another disk or external drive and close programs accessing the disk before commencing the conversion.
Below are the guiding steps to converting GPT to MBR using Disk management:
Note: You'll need to delete every disk volume to convert a disk from GPT to MBR in Disk Management.
Note: You'll need to delete every disk volume to convert a disk from GPT to MBR in Disk Management. Ensure this is done for all partitions.
Once the conversion is executed, you now have an MBR disk and can create partitions if you wish.
The Command Prompt in Windows can only convert an empty disk from GPT to MBR. Invariably, you have to delete all existing partitions on the GPT disk before conversion, which will result in data loss. So, to prevent data loss while converting GPT to MBR using CMD, ensure you first back up valuable data to another disk or secure location. Now follow the steps below to commence the conversion.
After converting the GPT disk to MBR, you need to repartition your hard drive to allocate the free spaces and assign the disk to your file system. You can use Disk Management or CMD to perform this task.
#1. Use Disk Management to Create New Volumes
#2. Repartition Disk Using CMD
Windows CMD can be used to repartition the disk after conversion by following the below steps.
Typing exit closes the Command Prompt window and indicates a successful disk repartitioning.
#3. Using Advanced Server Partition Manager Software - Qiling Partition Master
However, to save you from the complicated stress of using Disk Management or CMD to repartition the converted disk, I recommend using Qiling partition Master Enterprise Edition. Its Adjust disk layout feature automatically detects the new drive and supports partitioning 4 drives on the new MBR drive in a single click.
To save you from the complicated stress of using Disk Management or CMD to repartition the converted disk, I recommend using Qiling partition Master Enterprise Edition. Its Adjust disk layout feature automatically detects the new drive and supports partitioning 4 drives on the new MBR drive in a single click.
Step 1. Open Qiling Partition Master, and select "Create" to start.
Step 2. You can continue customize how many partitions you want to create, and set the partition style you want, MBR or GPT.
Or, you can accept the default setting offered by Qiling Partiton Maste. Once the customization is done, click "Proceed" to finalize partitioning the new HDD/SSD or external disk.
Converting GPT to MBR without losing data is best done with the Qiling Partition Mater Enterprise Edition. However, if you're using Disk Management or CMD, you'll have to backup all necessary files before conversion, as you'll be required to completely clear all data on the disk. It's a complicated process and time ineffective. Download and Install the Qiling disk converter software to operate with a few clicks.