Ways to Convert GPT Disk to MBR Disk

Theo Lucia

Apr 20, 2022 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

It is an unavoidable fact that computers have become one of the most essential non- human companions that we have. Almost all the activities that we do rely directly or indirectly on computers or any other such computing devices. And if some issue happens with the computer, there are chances for a lot of time to be lost and also in some cases, a lot of important data and files might get lost. This should be avoided at all costs.

To make sure that computers can continuously help us in our activities, we must ensure that all issues related to the device are rectified as soon as they arise. To be able to do this, you must be familiar with the operating basics of the device. Also if a step by step procedure is given, you should be able to execute the commands perfectly and orderly. This would be enough to rectify most of the issues because you would be able to find a lot of solutions to a particular problem.

What are GPT and MBR?

GPT stands for GUID partition table. This is nothing but an updated version of the normal MBR table. The MBR table scheme is present on the computers that have UEFI or UFI on them. Whereas the GPT table scheme is used on the more advanced computers. In other words, these are used on computers that use the BIOS instead of the UEFI. MBR stands for Master boot record. It is a 512-byte boot sector.

When it comes to the differences between the two, the GPT has 128 partitions whereas the MBR only has 4. This is indeed a very big advantage for GPT users. Another advantage is that the GPT disk can hold up to 256 terra bytes of data whereas the MBR counterpart can only hold a maximum of 2 terra bytes of data.

When it comes to the operating systems that can read from a GPT disk, Windows 8, 8.1, 7, Vista, and Server editions would come into the frame. Also, it is important to note that only the 64-bit versions of the OS would support the GPT. Whereas MBR disks are supported by all Windows versions. USB disks and other removable disks are MBR and these cannot be converted in the GPT.

Converting the GPT disks into the MBR

1. Using the disk management tool of the windows.

a. The first step is to right-click on My computer or the This PC in the desktop or the file manager. This would show the options. Click on the manage option. In the window that appears select the disk management option.

b. Right-click the GPT disk that should be converted to the MBR format. Now click on the delete volume. The thing to note is that all the data on the disk would be lost during the conversion, hence make sure that you back up the data before starting the conversion.

c. Right-click on the GPT disk and click on ‘convert to MBR disk’. once the conversion is over, you would be able to create partitions on the disk as you wish.

Converting using the diskpart tool

a. Enter diskpart in the search bar and in the window that appears, type list disk, and then press the enter key.

b. Type in select disk 1 and then press enter. Type in detail disk and then press enter as well. This will list out all the volumes on the disk that is selected. In some cases, there wouldn’t be any volumes. In such a case, you can skip the next step.

c. Type in select volume 5 and press enter. Type in delete volume and press enter. This step needs to be repeated for each volume present in the disk

d. Type in select disk 1 and then type convert MBR. then press enter

e. After the conversion is complete. Type exit and press enter

Conclusion:

When it comes to converting GPT disks to MBR, there are numerous solutions. A few are mentioned above, but if all these prove to be ineffective, then there are numerous other guides available on the web. But make sure that you use only trustworthy software and follow only reputed sites’ guides.