Three Effective Ways to Convert GPT to MBR in Windows 11 [2024 Guide]

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If you're planning to upgrade to Windows 11, one question on everyone's mind is whether Windows 11 uses MBR or GPT?

According to Microsoft's minimum requirements, installing Windows 11 needs a GPT partition instead of the older MBR. Therefore, if you want to upgrade to Windows 11, you must convert your current MBR disk to a GPT disk.

Aside from that, sometimes Windows 11 users need to convert SSD to MBR disk for various reasons, especially if it's their second drive and they want all drives to have the same format.

If you're one of those who want to convert GPT to MBR in Windows 11, you've come to the right place! Here, we'll provide you with three powerful and secure methods, along with detailed instructions, to change GPT to MBR in Windows 11 without losing any data. So, read on till the end!

Why Would You Need to Convert GPT to MBR in Windows 11?

So the question arises – why would people need to convert GPT to MBR in Windows 11? The answers can be various, and here are some possible reasons.

• Convert the second drive to MBR to install Windows 10 or an older OS.
• The second OS won't boot from a second GPT disk.
• Windows can't install on the target second drive because the selected disk type is a GPT disk.
• The second drive has a capacity of 2 TB or more. It's better to convert from GPT to MBR for disk partitioning.

To convert GPT to MBR, we recommend you follow any of these three safe and powerful methods:

1. Use GPT to MBR Conversion Tools/Software 2. Utilize Disk Management 3. Utilize CMD or Command Prompt

If you choose the 2nd or 3rd method, make sure to back up all important data, as both methods will require you to delete partitions in order to convert the disk from GPT to MBR. You can use any method or software to back up your files, but just make sure not to create a system image. It will be easier if you only back up your files.

#1. Convert GPT to MBR using the GPT to MBR tool in Windows 11

If you have no technical background and want to quickly convert GPT to MBR, you can use a third-party GPT to MBR conversion tool. Here, we recommend using the Partition Master Tool.

This is a reliable and secure third-party tool that can convert the second and third disks from GPT to MBR without losing any data or deleting system partitions. The software offers a free version along with two paid editions – Professional and Server, both enriched with advanced features.

Please follow the steps below to convert GPT to MBR with Partition Master:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant on your computer, and then enter the "Disk Conversion" area.

Step 2. Select “Convert GPT to MBR” and click “Next” to proceed.

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

Learn more about this fantastic tool – Partition Master and its important features.

1. 1. Resize/Move Partition: This tool lets you adjust partition size by sliding it left or right or inputting an exact size, without the risk of losing data.
2. 2. Create/Format/Delete Partition: If you want to format an HDD, SSD, USB storage card, or SD card, or delete any partition, this tool will help make it ready for reuse.
3. 3. Merge Partitions: The Partition Master tool can quickly solve the issue of insufficient disk space by merging small partitions into a larger one.
4. 4. Wipe Data: You can completely erase all data on the hard drive to securely save your important and sensitive information.

All in all, it's a great tool that can help Windows users in many ways, which is why we recommend downloading it only from its official website.

#2. Convert GPT to MBR using Disk Management in Windows 11

If you're a Windows 11 user and want to convert your second disk from GPT to MBR for free, you can utilize the built-in free disk management method. However, the downside of this approach is that it requires deleting partitions and data, so it's crucial to back up important files before proceeding. To execute this method, follow these steps precisely:

Step 1: Open the "Disk Management" tool as an administrator by navigating to: Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools. Click on Computer Management to open a new window.

Step 2: Under "Storage," select "Disk Management." In order to convert the disk from GPT to MBR, all volumes must be deleted. Right-click on one and select "Delete Volume." You must do this for all partitions.

Delete the volume in "Disk Management"

Step 3: After deleting all partitions on the GPT disk, click the disk and choose Convert to MBR disk. Once you've converted the disk to MBR, you can easily create partitions on the new MBR disk if needed.

#3. Convert GPT to MBR in Windows 11 Using CMD

If you wish to convert GPT to MBR, you can do so in Windows 11 using the Command Prompt. To undertake this process, follow these exact steps:

This method involves deleting volumes and data, so make sure to back up important data before trying it.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type **diskpart**. Press **Enter** and then type **list disk**. Make a note of the disk number that represents your GPT disk.

Step 2: If disk 1 is the GPT disk, select disk 1 and press Enter.

Step 3: Type clean and press Enter. This will erase everything on the drive.

4. Type convert mbr and press Enter.

Step 5: When you're done, type exit to close the Command Prompt.

Additional Tip: How to Convert GPT to MBR Without an Operating System

If you're a Windows user and want to convert your second and third data disks or OS drive to MBR without booting the operating system, then the Partition Master tool can help you.

Step 1: Connect an empty USB drive to your computer and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Click "Bootable Media", then select "Create Bootable Media", and hit "Next" to proceed.

Create Bootable Disk of Partition Master

Step 2: Create the Partition Master boot disk.

Select the USB device, then click Create to make the tool bootable media and save it to the USB drive.

Step 3: Connect the bootable WinPE disk to the target computer and configure the system to boot from the Windows PE USB boot media.

Restart your computer and press F2 or Del to enter BIOS. Set your computer to boot from “Removable Device” (bootable USB drive) instead of the hard drive. Press “F10” to save and exit.

Step 4: After you enter "Partition Master," select "Disk Conversion," then click "Convert GPT to MBR" and "Next" to proceed.

Step 5: Select the GPT disk that you want to convert to MBR, and click "Convert" to start the conversion.

You can convert GPT to MBR by directly booting into Windows 11 with the first method, or by using a bootable disk created with a partition manager software to convert GPT to MBR without booting the operating system. If you need specific steps, follow those in Method #1.

Conclusions

If you've been following our posts, by now you should have a good understanding of the three powerful methods to convert GPT to MBR in Windows. If you're looking for free options and have technical knowledge, you can choose Method #2 and Method #3. Otherwise, we recommend the first method, converting with the most reliable GPT to MBR tool – Partition Master, for an easy process.