How to Resolve "Convert to MBR" Greyed Out in Disk Management [Best Solutions]

There are optimal methods to resolve the "convert to MBR greyed out" issue without any data loss. Using a free partition manager, you can address the problem, resize partitions, and merge partitions efficiently.

Information regarding the hard disk partitions is furnished during the conversion to the Master Boot Record (MBR). Additionally, details about the operating system are supplied to ensure its loading for system booting. The MBR contains programs that determine which partition on the hard disk is utilized for system boot purposes. This article aims to present the most effective methods to resolve the issue of "convert to MBR" being grayed out in disk management.

Why Is "Convert to MBR" Grayed Out

The reason "Convert to MBR" is greyed out is that the selected disk contains partitions. In Disk Management, you can only convert an empty disk (one without any partitions) to an MBR or GPT disk. Consequently, if the chosen disk has existing partitions, the "Convert to MBR Disk" option will be disabled. If the disk is not empty, you won't be able to use Disk Management to convert it to MBR.

There are solutions to address the issue of the "Convert to MBR Disk" option being grayed out.

How to Resolve "Convert to MBR" Grayed Out

To resolve the "Convert to MBR Disk greyed out" issue, you can initially delete all partitions and then proceed with the conversion. There are three methods to convert a disk to MBR. The detailed steps are as follows:

1. Method 1. Convert to MBR using Partition Master (Without Data Loss)
2. Method 2. Convert to MBR via Disk Management (With Deletion of Partitions)
3. Method 3. Convert to MBR using Diskpart Command (With Data Loss)

Method 1: Convert to MBR using Partition Master Tool

With the assistance of tools Partition Master, you will discover that converting from GPT to MBR disk without data loss is a breeze. This utility also enables you to format a partition, merge multiple partitions into a larger one, or resize partitions on Windows. For a safe and secure conversion process, download tools Partition Master.

Follow the steps to safely and quickly convert GPT to MBR.

Step 1. Install and launch tools Partition Master on your PC, and go to the "Disk Converter" section.

Step 2. Choose "Convert GPT to MBR" and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 3. Select the target GPT disk that you wish to convert to MBR and click "Convert" to initiate the conversion process.

MiniTool Partition Wizard is a powerful disk partition manager that allows you to convert partitions effortlessly. You can also safely convert MBR to GPT without any data loss. Additionally, it supports the conversion of the following:

• Convert FAT32 to NTFS
• Convert basic disk to dynamic
• Convert logical to primary partition

Download it, and you'll enjoy the convenience it brings to your computer.

Method 2: Convert to MBR using Disk Management

You can also use Disk Management to convert to MBR by deleting all partitions. This method will result in data loss, so remember to back up all essential data saved on the GPT disk.

Step 1. Delete Volume: Right-click the partition on the disk that you want to convert to MBR, and select "Delete Volume."

Click on the "Delete Volume" option. 

Step 2. Erase Data and Partition on the Disk: A prompt will appear warning that all data on the partition will be erased. Click "Yes" to confirm. All partitions on the GPT disk will be deleted.

Step 3. Converting to MBR: Since the entire disk is now unallocated, right-click on the GPT disk and select "Convert to MBR Disk." This option should now be available for selection.

Method 3: Convert to MBR using the Diskpart Command

Another quick method to convert a GPT disk to MBR is by using the Diskpart command. However, this process also deletes volumes and data, so it's crucial to back up important information beforehand.

It's crucial to understand that when using the Diskpart command method, you will lose volumes and data. It's imperative to back up your critical data before proceeding.

Step 1: After opening "Command Prompt" with administrative privileges, type "diskpart."

Step 2: Type "list disk" and press Enter. Note the disk designation of the GPT disk.

Step 3: If X is the GPT disk, type "select disk X" and then press "Enter" again.

Step 4: This step is crucial. Type "clean" and press "Enter" again. This will erase all data on the selected disk. Make sure to back up your data beforehand, as this process cannot be undone.

Step 5: Input the command "convert MBR." Once you receive the confirmation message "Successfully converted the selected disk to MBR format," you have completed the process.

Step 6: When finished, type "exit" and close the "Command Prompt."

Here are three solutions to the issue of "convert to MBR greyed out." I hope they assist you. If you encounter other issues with Disk Management, please click the button below for assistance.

Conclusion

Did you find this tutorial enjoyable? I bet you did! When transitioning from GPT to MBR, it's vital to safeguard your important data. Most common methods require creating a backup beforehand, a process that can be time-consuming and more intricate than it seems. If you're comfortable with using the command line, Diskpart might be a great choice; however, you'll need to erase all GPT volumes beforehand.

However, with a third-party solution using tools like Partition Master, you can easily convert the disk between GPT and MBR without losing any data or deleting partitions.

"FAQ: Convert to MBR Option Greyed Out"

In this guide, you've learned how to address the issue of the MBR being grayed out. Should you have additional questions regarding the conversion to MBR being grayed out, find their answers in the frequently asked questions below:

1. Why is the "Convert to GPT" option greyed out?

The conversion will not proceed when the "Convert to GPT Disk" option is grayed out. This is mainly because there are existing partitions on the selected MBR disk. Using Disk Management, you can only convert an empty non-system disk from MBR to GPT or vice versa. Hence, to successfully complete the conversion, it's necessary to back up important data and remove all partitions.

2. How do I convert my hard drive to MBR? To convert a hard drive from GPT (GUID Partition Table) to MBR (Master Boot Record), you can follow these steps using the disk management tool in Windows. Please note that this process will erase all data on the hard drive, so make sure to back up your important files before proceeding. 1. **Backup Data**: As mentioned, ensure you have backed up all important files and data since the conversion will format the drive. 2. **Boot into Windows**: Start or restart your computer and log in to Windows. 3. **Access Disk Management**: Press `Windows Key + X` and choose "Disk Management" from the menu. 4. **Identify the Drive**: In the Disk Management window, locate the hard drive you want to convert. Note its number (e.g., Disk 0). 5. **Shrink Volume**: Right-click on the main partition of the hard drive and select "Shrink Volume." This will create unallocated space. 6. **Create New Primary Partition**: Right-click on the unallocated space and choose "New Simple Volume." Follow the wizard, assigning a drive letter if necessary, but do not format the new partition. 7. **Download & Install Third-Party Tool**: Since Windows does not natively support converting GPT to MBR, you'll need a third-party tool like tools Partition Master Free or AOMEI Partition Assistant. Download and install the tool of your choice. 8. **Launch the Tool**: Open the partition software and look for an option to convert the disk. It might be labeled "Convert GPT Disk to MBR," "Change Disk Type," or similar. 9. **Confirm Conversion**: Select the appropriate drive and confirm the conversion. The tool will warn you about data loss; ensure you've backed up your data. 10. **Complete Conversion**: The tool will then perform the conversion. This process may take some time depending on the size of the hard drive. 11. **Restart Your Computer**: After the conversion is complete, restart your computer. Windows should now boot with the MBR partition style. 12. **Format the Old Partitions**: Once your system boots, open Disk Management again, right-click on the original partitions (except the system reserved one), and choose "Format." Format them as desired (e.g., NTFS) and assign new drive letters if needed. 13. **Recover Data**: Finally, restore your backed-up data to the formatted partitions. Remember, this process can vary depending on the specific third-party tool used. Always read the tool's documentation for detailed instructions.

1. Backup the data on the basic GPT disk that you intend to convert to an MBR disk. 2. If the disk contains any partitions or volumes, they must all be deleted. 3. Click on the GPT disk that you want to convert to an MBR disk. It will then be transformed into an MBR disk.

3. How do I convert MBR to GPT?

1. The data on the basic MBR disk you wish to convert to a GPT disk should be backed up first. 2. If there are partitions or volumes on the disk, delete each partition or volume. 3. Select the MBR disk that you wish to convert into a GPT disk by clicking "Convert to GPT Disk."