Last updated on April 19, 2024

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How to Convert MBR to GPT in Windows 11 Using CMD

Converting an MBR partition to GPT can be tricky, but you can accomplish it by following a specific set of steps.

MBR (Master Boot Record) is one of the most common and primary hard disk formats in computers. GPT, on the other hand, stands for GUID Partition Table, the latest version of it. There can be several reasons to migrate from the older format to the new one, though.

For example, GPT allows you to create up to 128 primary partitions. What are primary partitions? They're the kind of disk partitions on which you can install an operating system. In contrast, MBR offers a paltry four partitions.

mbr vs gpt

This is why many people convert their existing partitions to GPT. However, this can be a tricky task without proper guidance, as you might lose all your data. So, today, we will look at some safe ways to go about it. Let's get started.

MBR (Master Boot Record) and GPT (GUID Partition Table) are two distinct disk partitioning schemes used for managing data storage on computer hard drives. Here's a brief overview of each: 1. MBR (Master Boot Record): MBR is an older partitioning system widely used in traditional BIOS systems. It stores a special sector called the master boot sector at the beginning of a hard drive, containing the boot loader and the partition table. MBR supports a maximum of four primary partitions or one extended partition (which can further be divided into logical partitions). The largest disk size it can recognize is 2TB. 2. GPT (GUID Partition Table): GPT is a more modern partition style primarily used in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) systems. Compared to MBR, GPT offers greater reliability and security due to its backup partition table and the use of globally unique identifiers (GUIDs) for each partition. GPT supports up to 128 partitions and can theoretically handle significantly larger disk capacities than 2TB. Both partition styles have different features and limitations when it comes to operating system installation, data storage, and system recovery. When choosing between them, factors such as hardware compatibility, operating system requirements, and storage capacity should be considered.

Before we begin, it's crucial to understand why people prefer GPT over MBR. To do that, we need to grasp the concepts behind both these partitioning schemes.

Starting with the MBR (Master Boot Record), which is a specific type of boot sector, it is located in the early stages of a physical drive – be it a fixed disk or a removable one, such as a hard disk drive or an SSD (solid-state drive).

Though the concept was first introduced by IBM in 1983, it has since become the dominant partition type for various operating systems, including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.

On the other hand, GPT stands for GUID Partition Table, the newest type of partition table. Its purpose is to ensure data is stored across multiple stages on a physical drive. In case of damage, a system using GPT has a better chance of recovery than one using MBR.

Because this partition style uses globally unique identifiers to place data, it results in more robust data placement. Why would a user want to convert from MBR to GPT in Windows 11?

    • GPT supports up to 128 primary partitions and multiple operating systems.
    • GPT can handle disks larger than 2 TB, whereas MBR is limited to 2 TB.
    • GPT provides a simpler way to recover from data loss or corruption.

CMD Alternative: Convert MBR to GPT with the Convenient Tool – Partition Master

No more than 3 steps. If you are a beginner, you don't even need to go through the process using CMD. Instead, you can use tools like Partition Master.

Now, if you compare the time it takes to use this tool with CMD, it takes almost 20-30 seconds. CMD takes a lot of your time. So, why should you avoid CMD altogether and opt for this tool?

    No need to split partitions for conversion.
  • Convert MBR to GPT without losing data or putting your data at risk.
    • No need to physically disconnect the drive to select the disk you want precisely.
    Save a lot of time and effort.
    It's easier than using CMD or other manual methods.

Aside from that, the tool offers many other features that contribute to the overall health of your hard drive. A click on this and following the on-screen instructions can save you a lot of hassle.

How to Convert MBR to GPT in Windows 11 Using CMD

The first step you can take is to convert MBR to GPT using the Command Prompt. Keep in mind that you shouldn't do this if you're not familiar with CMD or if your disk contains important data. However, if you decide to proceed, it's highly recommended to back up your data before starting. Here's a checklist of things to verify before running CMD:

    • Disconnect disks that do not need to be converted
    Back up your important data from the disk that you want to convert.
    Enable UEFI and Legacy ROM in the BIOS

If you've done that, the first step to convert MBR to GPT in Windows 11 is to run CMD. Here's how:

Step 1: Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type CMD, or search for it in the Windows search bar, then right-click and open it as an administrator.

Step 3: Type diskpart.

cmd diskpart

Step 4: Type List Disk, and press Enter.

List disks

Step 5: Type select disk # (# represents the number of the disk that you want to modify).

Step 6: Enter Clean (make sure you back up first).

Step 7: Type Convert to GPT.

Type the number of the drive, not the # sign representing the physical drive you want to convert. Typing the wrong number can result in valuable data loss from another drive. It's recommended that you unplug any other drives to avoid this issue.

Furthermore, make sure you back up your data before you type “clean” in the disk partition. However, it is recommended that you seek professional assistance before using CMD or Disk Part commands.

But, if you follow these steps wisely, you can effortlessly use CMD to convert MBR to GPT without any hassle.

Conclusions

As promised, we showed you how to convert MBR to GPT using CMD. However, the CMD process is laborious and risky. It might accidentally delete your important partitions, causing you to lose a lot of crucial data.

With Partition Master, you don't have to worry about such risks. It will show you clearly how many partitions and disks you have, and you can choose the one you want and easily convert MBR to GPT on Windows 11.

FAQs on Converting MBR to GPT Using CMD with UTF-8 Encoding

1. Can MBR be converted to GPT?

You can convert the disk's partition style from MBR to GPT as long as the disk is empty.

2. Can I convert MBR to GPT without formatting?

Certainly. The best way to convert MBR to GPT without formatting is to use a third-party MBR to GPT converter tool like Partition Master.

How do I manually wipe a drive and convert it to GPT?

Manually wipe the drive and convert it to GPT:

Step 1: Boot from the Windows installation DVD.

Step 2: While in the Windows installer, press Shift+F10 to open the Command Prompt.

Step 3: Type each command one at a time and press Enter.

"Diskpart" is an American English command-line utility used for managing disk partitions. In Chinese, folks typically call it "磁盘分区工具" or "磁盘管理命令行工具". It's a vital tool in the Windows operating system that lets users perform various disk management tasks and partition operations, like creating, deleting, and formatting partitions, and so forth.

"List disks"

Select disk X (replace X with your disk number.)

Clean

Convert to GPT (GUID Partition Table)

Exit

Step 4: Continue with the Windows installation.