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Convert MBR to GPT Without Data Loss & Formatting [How to]

The built-in tool allows you to convert your disk easily

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 8, 2024

updated onOctober 8, 2024

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GPT disks have advantages over MBR, and this is why many want to know how to convert MBR to GPT without data loss.

This is relatively simple to do, and today we’re going to show you the best ways to do that.

How do I convert MBR to GPT without losing data?

1. Use MBR2GPT

According to users, you can use this tool inside the Windows environment, but that’s not recommended since you can encounter various problems. You can do that by starting Command Prompt as administrator and running the following commands:

mbr2gpt /validate /allowFullOSmbr2gpt /convert /allowFullOS

It’s worth mentioning that you can specify which disk you want to convert by using the/disk:X

For example, if you want to convert your first hard drive, you just need to entermbr2gpt /convert /disk:1

For detailed instructions, visit our dedicatedMBR2GPT conversion guide.

2. Use AOMEI Partition Assistant

3. Use MiniTool Partition Wizard

4. Use EaseUS Partition Master

5. Use PartitionGuru software

6. Use gptgen

This is an advanced solution, and not the most reliable, so it should be used only as a last resort.

How to convert MBR to GPT without an operating system?

You can do that by booting from an installation media, starting Command Prompt, and then running the mbr2gpt command as described in Solution 1.

Does converting MBR to GPT erase Windows?

Depending on the methods used, converting MBR to GPT doesn’t erase Windows. Methods from this guide won’t affect your files or Windows installation at all.

Should I convert MBR to GPT?

In most cases, yes. MBR can handle up to 2TB disks in size and supports up to four primary partitions. GPT doesn’t have these limitations. However, GPT system drives don’t work with 32-bit operating systems and without UEFI.

If you’re on a modern PC and a 64-bit version of Windows, GPT is always a better choice. To learn more about the differences, we have a guide that explains ifWindows 11 can run on MBR partition, so don’t miss it. Our latestMBR vs GPTguide can give you more insight, so feel free to check it out as well.

We showed you several methods to convert your MBR disk to GPT without data loss, so feel free to try any of them. If youcan’t convert disk to GPT, we have a great guide that will address that.

Keep in mind that some methods will remove all your files from the hard drive, so choose carefully.

Convert MBR to GPT Without Data Loss & Formatting [How to]#

How do I convert MBR to GPT without losing data?#

1. Use MBR2GPT#

2. Use AOMEI Partition Assistant#

3. Use MiniTool Partition Wizard#

4. Use EaseUS Partition Master#

5. Use PartitionGuru software#

6. Use gptgen#

How to convert MBR to GPT without an operating system?#

Does converting MBR to GPT erase Windows?#

Should I convert MBR to GPT?#