The MBR2GPT tool works on a traditional hard drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), and even an M.2 drive with any version of Windows 10, but you must run the tool from a computer running Windows 10, version 1703 or later. If the processes are completed successfully, the return code should be "0," but if the process fails, you may see one of the 11 error codes: Once you complete the steps, the command-line tool will shrink the primary partition and switch the drive from MBR to GPT. Type the following command to convert the drive to GPT and press Enter: Type the following command to validate the drive and press Enter:
The MBR2GPT tool will update the Boot Configuration Data (BCD), and the previous letter will be added to the drive. The UEFI boot files and GPT components will be added to the partition. Type the following command to convert the drive from MBR to GPT and press Enter:Īfter you complete the steps, several actions will take place, including validating the drive and creating an EFI system partition (ESP). If you want to see all the available options, use the mbr2gpt /? command. Quick tip: The mbr2gpt.exe is located in the "System32" folder inside the "Windows" folder. Type the following command to validate that the drive meets the requirements and press Enter:
Check MBR or GPT partition styleīefore modifying the system configuration, you want to check the current settings to see whether the system is set to MBR or GPT using these steps: Otherwise, the device will no longer start correctly.
However, if you upgrade a device running Windows 10 or an older version and supports UEFI, you can convert the drive to change the system firmware settings properly.
Typically, you want to start in UEFI mode from the moment you first install Windows 11. The conversion is done by adding the GPT components to the MBR partition without modifying the existing partition and keeping the data untouched. Unlike previous methods requiring you to back up your data and reinstall Windows, the MBR2GPT tool streamlines the process to change partition styles in minutes.
How to convert a drive from MBR to GPT on Windows 10
Warning: Although this is a non-destructive process, it's still recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding in the case that something goes wrong and you need to roll back.
"Device Guard" gives you more advanced controls for app access, and "Credential Guard" can help prevent pass-the-hash attacks. For example, "Secure Boot" is a feature that can protect a device's startup process from malicious programs, and now it's a prerequisite to install Windows 11. Also, it unlocks many of the new security features available on Windows 11 and Windows 10. It introduces several additional features, including support for partitions larger than 2TB and faster startup, sleep, resume, and shutdown times. UEFI is the new firmware that replaces the old BIOS firmware style.
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