How to Convert MBR to GPT in BIOS for Installing Windows 11

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Why do you want to convert MBR to GPT in the BIOS of Windows 11?

In most cases, there's no reason for ordinary users to switch from MBR to GPT in the BIOS, especially if they're using an older operating system. But it is an important improvement for Windows 11 performance.

Here, we'll outline some common scenarios where you might need to convert MBR to GPT in the BIOS. If you encounter any of these issues, this guide contains some tried-and-true solutions.

• Accidentally converted the Windows 11 system disk to GPT, resulting in an inability to boot.

Due to changes Microsoft has made in Windows 11, you now need UEFI and Secure Boot to install it.

Unfortunately, users need to be more clever to ensure that their PCs boot correctly. The basic problem is that the operating-system disk has been converted to GPT, but the BIOS still expects MBR.

Since changing the partition type might require formatting the disk, it's best to change your BIOS settings so that your computer will boot from it.

The UEFI boot mode and Secure Boot option on Windows 11 are disabled due to the operating system's disk using MBR.

Windows 11 requires the use of UEFI and Secure Boot for installation and operation, and MBR partitions do not support these settings and protocols, as they originate from an earlier era.

As a result, your Windows 11 partition needs to be on GPT to enable these settings.

• Windows 11 is disabled in my dual-boot setup, and I'm currently using Windows 10.

There are times when people want to have both Windows 10 and Windows 11 installed on their computer, enabling a dual-boot setup. This is often the case for programmers, but it may also be useful for running programs that haven't yet been optimized for Windows 11.

Since Windows 10 doesn't require GPT like Windows 11 does, people often opt to run their disks in MBR mode.

This might cause issues when you decide to enable Windows 11, so changing the disk to GPT in the BIOS is necessary.

Users wish to convert an MBR disk to GPT without an operating system.

To install Windows 11, you need a disk with a GPT partition. You might run into issues if you first installed and used an MBR system partition on this OS.

In order to use Windows 11 on this disk, you'll first need to change it to GPT in the BIOS.

Related article: Upgrade to Windows 11 | Convert MBR to GPT without deleting partitions.

How to convert MBR to GPT in BIOS?

This can be quite a complex task for those unfamiliar with the process. To help you avoid mistakes that might lead to system crashes, we've put together this guide with some excellent solutions to the problem.

Follow the instructions patiently, and you will see results soon.

The first way to convert MBR to GPT in BIOS is by using a disk conversion software. This type of software does most of the work for you, making it easier and less prone to errors for beginners and those with less experience.

Alternatively, if you're an experienced user, or just feeling adventurous, you can use the Windows 11 installation media to convert MBR to GPT during the install process.

However, I recommend Approach #1, because it is more direct and very suitable for beginners.

Read the rest of the guide for detailed instructions on both methods.

Method 1: Convert MBR to GPT in BIOS with Disk Conversion Software

tools Partition Master is one of the best (if not the best) disk conversion tools available in the market right now and is fully optimized for Windows 11 users.

That makes it an ideal choice for the job, as it makes it easy to convert from MBR to GPT in the BIOS, regardless of your level of experience.

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

Step 2: Enter the Disk Converter and choose “Convert MBR to GPT,” then click “Next” to proceed.

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

Method 2: Convert MBR to GPT during the Windows 11 installation using an installation disc or media

Another excellent way to convert MBR to GPT in the BIOS is to do so during the Windows 11 installation process.

However, this method is better suited for advanced users who know what they're doing and are comfortable with the command prompt. Beginners should stick with the first method, as it's simpler.

Step 1: First, you need to access the Boot Menu in BIOS mode. Depending on the manufacturer, you can do this by pressing F2/ Del or another specific key. Once in BIOS, locate the Boot Menu, which might appear something like this:

Step 2: Next, select the CD/DVD-ROM Drive or USB device with the Windows 11 installation drive, and then choose it.

Step 3: Press Enter, then any key to continue, and restart your computer. You'll be booted into the Windows 11 installer.

Step 4: After the Windows 11 Activation screen appears, you need to press and hold Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.

Step 5: Type the command diskpart, and then press Enter. Type the command list disk, and then press Enter again.

This will list all of your disks. You should be able to identify the disk that you want to convert (i.e., the one with Windows installed).

The command you'll enter next is select disk 0 — use the number that corresponds to your disk.

Then, use the clean command to clean the disk. Type it and press Enter. You should see a message that your disk has been cleaned.

The final command to convert to GPT is convert gpt. You should see a success message in the terminal.

Now you type exit, hit Return, type exit again, hit Return.

Following these instructions will convert the disk to the GPT format, allowing for a successful Windows 11 installation.

Conclusions

Converting from MBR to GPT in the BIOS can be quite complicated, especially for inexperienced users. That's why we've put together a guide and an excellent piece of software that will make this process much easier.

If you need more help, visit the Partition Master tool website. You'll find all the information there about hard drives, partitions, and Windows 11. You can also use it to perform a hard drive speed test.