How to Resolve the "Convert GPT Greyed Out" Error in Windows [New Solution]

Disk Management only allows the conversion of an empty non-system disk. When attempting to convert from MBR to a GPT disk system, if there are existing partitions on the disk, you will encounter the error "Convert to GPT disabled" or "Convert GPT grayed out."

To rectify this error, you will first need to erase all partitions on the disk, followed by converting the MBR (Master Boot Record) disk to a GPT (GUID Partition Table) disk. This process will eliminate the appearance of the grayed-out error message. This tutorial presents two methods to resolve the issue.

Explore the reasons and solutions for the "Convert GPT greyed out" error in Disk Management.

Here are some related articles about "converting GPT grayed out": 1. "Solving the Issue: 'Convert to GPT' Option Grayed Out in Disk Management" 2. "Why is the 'Convert to GPT Disk' Greyed Out and How to Fix It?" 3. "Unable to Convert MBR to GPT: A Comprehensive Guide to Dealing with Grayed Out Options" 4. "Fixing the Grayed Out 'Convert to GPT' Option in Windows 10/11" 5. "When 'Convert to GPT' is Unavailable: Understanding and Resolving the Grayed Out Status" These titles suggest articles that address the problem of the "convert to GPT" option being disabled or unavailable in various contexts, typically on Windows operating systems. They likely provide troubleshooting steps and solutions to activate the option and convert disks from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table).

Why is "Convert to GPT" Grayed Out in Disk Management?

The "grayed out" error will block you from converting MBR to GPT in Disk Management. Here's the primary cause of this issue.

The presence of existing partitions on the disk is the primary reason for your inability to convert an MBR disk to a GPT disk. Disk Management can only convert MBR to GPT or GPT to MBR on an empty non-system disk. In this scenario, you must first back up all partitions stored on the disk, then erase all partitions before proceeding with the conversion.

This method works when attempting to convert the data disk using Windows Disk Management. Therefore, it's crucial to back up any significant data on the disk before proceeding with the conversion, as Disk Management cannot convert MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT without deleting existing partitions. You must erase each partition prior to initiating the MBR to GPT conversion. Once all partitions have been successfully deleted, the "Convert to GPT" option in Disk Management will become available, allowing you to proceed with the conversion effortlessly.

We will outline the top two methods to resolve the GPT to MBR conversion issue with detailed steps.

How to Resolve the "Convert GPT Greyed Out" Issue

Upon understanding the primary cause of this error and the reason why you cannot convert MBR to GPT in Disk Management, rectifying the issue involves a few steps. This section presents you with the top two methods to resolve this error.

1. Method 1: Use a Third-Party Tool to Fix the 'Convert GPT' Grayed Out Issue
2. Method 2: Delete Existing Partitions to Fix the 'Convert GPT' Grayed Out Error

Let's start by using a third-party tool to resolve the problem.

Method 1: Fix Convert GPT Greyed Out Error Using a Third-Party Tool

While Disk Management might have limitations when it comes to performing certain advanced functions, with the help of tools Partition Master, you'll get a safer and more powerful alternative compared to Disk Management. This software lets you convert between MBR and GPT without losing data or deleting partitions. It also boasts robust features that enable you to detect bad sectors, merge partitions, move them around, fix file system errors, and easily format SD cards. tools Partition Master works seamlessly with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. Go ahead and give tools Partition Master a try by downloading it!

Follow these steps to use the Partition Master tool:

Step 1. Download and launch Partition Master on your computer.

Step 2. Proceed to Disk Converter, choose "Convert MBR to GPT," and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 3. Select the target MBR disk that you want to convert to GPT and click "Convert" to start the process.

Method 2: Delete Existing Partitions to Fix 'Convert GPT Greyed Out' Error

The next option is to convert MBR to GPT while sacrificing your data using Diskpart. It's a specialized command interpreter that aids in computer disk management. The Diskpart command allows you to manage disk partitions, hard disks, volume expansion, assigning or removing drive letters, and more. Type "Diskpart" into the command prompt to execute it immediately.

Here are the rapid steps you can take using Diskpart to convert an MBR disk to a GPT disk. Please note that this process will result in data loss: 1. **Open Command Prompt as Administrator**: Press 'Windows Key + X' and select 'Command Prompt (Admin)' to run it with elevated privileges. 2. **Type "diskpart" and press Enter**: This will launch the Diskpart utility. 3. **List Disks**: Type "list disk" and press Enter. This will display all the disks connected to your system. 4. **Select the Disk**: Identify the disk you want to convert (usually the one with your operating system) and type "select disk [number]" replacing [number] with the disk number, then hit Enter. 5. **Clean the Disk**: Type "clean" and press Enter. This command will remove all data from the selected disk. 6. **Convert to GPT**: Type "convert gpt" and press Enter. This will convert the MBR disk to a GPT disk. 7. **Verify Conversion**: Type "list disk" again and press Enter to confirm that the disk is now listed as GPT. Remember, converting from MBR to GPT without backup means you'll lose all data on the disk, so ensure you have a recent backup before proceeding.

Step 1. Before launching Diskpart, make sure to perform a full backup of the disk. This is crucial because Diskpart will erase all data from the partition.

Step 2. Type cmd in the Start menu.

Step 3. Right-click "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator."

Step 4. Type diskpart and press "Enter." Click "Yes" when prompted with a confirmation message.

Step 5. Enter the following commands one by one and press "enter" after each:

Step 6. All partitions on the disk will be deleted and converted to GPT.

All the partitions on the disk will be deleted.

Step 7. Type exit when you've finished the conversion process.

Conclusion

Windows Disk Management can assist you in converting an MBR (Master Boot Record) disk to GPT (GUID Partition Table) format. However, the functionality of Disk Management is restricted, as it only supports the conversion of an unpartitioned hard drive. If you wish to convert MBR to GPT without losing data, a third-party tool would be more suitable. We recommend using the "Partition Master" tool, as it facilitates a swift conversion while preserving your data.

"Convert GPT Grayed Out" FAQs

If you have more questions regarding "Convert GPT grayed out," you can find answers in the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

There could be several reasons why you can't convert your hard drive to the GUID Partition Table (GPT) format. Here are some common issues and solutions: 1. **BIOS/UEFI Settings**: Make sure your PC is set to boot using UEFI because GPT only works in UEFI mode. You might have to go into the BIOS settings and switch the boot mode. 2. **Windows Disk Management**: On Windows, you might run into restrictions converting from a Basic Disk (MBR) to a Dynamic Disk (GPT). You'll need to back up your data, delete all partitions, and then use the `diskpart` tool in Command Prompt to convert the disk. 3. **Third-Party Tools**: If Windows' built-in tools aren't cutting it, try using external disk management software like MiniTool Partition Wizard, AOMEI Backupper, or DiskGenius to convert the disk. 4. **Partition Layout**: GPT needs at least one protective MBR partition. If this is absent, the conversion might fail. Some tools can add this automatically during conversion. 5. **Drive Size**: Some older systems or tools might have issues with drives over 2 TB. Confirm your hard drive is within the supported size limit. 6. **OS Compatibility**: Not all operating systems play nice with GPT. Double-check if your OS version supports it, particularly if you're running an older Windows version or something like Linux or macOS. 7. **Data Loss**: Be cautious, as converting to GPT could mean losing data. Always back up crucial files before making major changes to your hard drive. If problems persist, refer to detailed tutorials specific to your OS or consider seeking expert help.

Converting to GPT or MBR in Disk Management can only be done on an empty disk. Hence, you will need to delete all partitions on the disk drive to convert it to a GPT disk.

2. How do I convert MBR to GPT?

If you have partitions or volumes on the disk, right-click each one and select "Delete." Next, right-click on the MBR disk that you want to convert to a GPT disk and choose "Convert to GPT Disk."

3. Do all HDDs support GPT?

GPT-partitioned disks can also be used with all types of HDDs, not necessarily SSDs. Essentially, due to their 64-bit architecture, operating systems like macOS typically utilize GPT. Similarly, Windows 8 and 10 also employ GPT if the motherboard supports UEFI.