ByConverting the drive from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table) in Windows 10 becomes necessary at times, especially when we are trying to install Windows and we get an error like “Windows cannot be installed on this disk”. However, users may face a variety of errors during this process. In this article, we will explain in detail how to fix errors encountered when converting a drive from MBR to GPT.
Commonly encountered errors while converting from MBR to GPT
“The specified disk is not convertible” error
“Cannot convert MBR to GPT without deleting partitions” error
“Diskpart failed to convert the disk” error
“Windows cannot be installed on this disk. The selected disk has an MBR partition table” error
“MBR2GPT failed” error
Now we will look at different ways to solve these problems in detail.
1 – Use Disk Management to Convert Drive from MBR to GPT
If you have a blank drive and want to convert it to GPT, the easiest way is to use the Disk Management tool.
Press Windows + X and select “Disk Management”.
Right-click on the drive to be converted and click on “Delete Volume”.
Now right-click on the drive and select the option “Convert to GPT Disk”.
Your drive will now be transformed into GPT.
Note: Use this method only if there is no important data on the drive, as this process will erase all data on the drive.
2 Convert MBR to GPT via Command Prompt
If you cannot find the option to convert to GPT in the “Disk Management” tool, you can use the DiskPart Command.
Press Windows + R type “cmd” and hit Enter.
Now type DiskPart and hit Enter.
Type “list disk” and hit Enter, this will list all your drives.
Now choose the drive you want to convert.
select disk
Now type the command below to convert MBR to GPT:
clean
convert gpt
Type “exit” after the process is complete.
NOTE: This procedure will erase all data on the drive.
3 – Converting MBR to GPT While Keeping Data Safe (MBR2GPT Tool)
If you want to convert MBR to GPT without losing data, use the MBR2GPT.exe tool. It is available in Windows 10 Version 1703 and above.
Open Command Prompt in Administrator Mode.
Type this command:
mbr2gpt /validate /disk:X /allowFullOS
(Enter your disk number in place of
If no errors are found, type this command:
mbr2gpt /convert /disk:X /allowFullOS
After the process is complete, set the computer to UEFI Boot Mode by going into BIOS Mode.
Note: MBR2GPT tool works only in Windows 10 64-bit version.
4 – Use third-party tools
If the methods above don’t work, you can use some third-party tools that help you convert MBR to GPT without losing data.
AOMEI Partition Assistant
EaseUS Partition Master
MiniTool Partition Wizard
These tools are GUI-based, making the conversion process much simpler.
5 – Fix the “MBR to GPT” error during Windows installation
If you’re getting the error “Windows cannot be installed on this disk. The selected disk has an MBR partition table” when installing Windows 10, follow these steps:
Press Shift + F10 on the Windows Setup screen, which will open the Command Prompt.
Type the commands below:
diskpart
list disk
select disk
clean
convert gpt
Now type exit and restart the Windows installation process.
conclusion
Various errors can be encountered while converting MBR to GPT in Windows 10, but these can be easily resolved by using the right tools and methods. Through Disk Management, DiskPart, MBR2GPT.exe, and third-party tools, you can convert the drive as per your need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Errors while Converting Drive from MBR to GPT
1. Why do we need to convert from MBR to GPT?
Converting from MBR to GPT is needed when you are installing Windows 10 or a newer operating system and you get an error like “Windows cannot be installed on this disk”. Besides, GPT offers more advanced features, such as larger storage capacity and UEFI boot support.
2. Does converting from MBR to GPT delete data?
Yes, if you use Disk Management or DiskPart tool, all data on the drive will be deleted. But if you use the MBR2GPT.exe tool or third-party software, the data can be kept safe.
3. How to fix “The specified disk is not convertible” error while converting from MBR to GPT?
This error occurs when the data or partitions on the drive are not suitable for converting to GPT. To fix this, first clean the drive using the “clean” command and then run the “convert GPT” command.
4. What is the solution for the “Cannot convert MBR to GPT without deleting partitions” error?
To fix this error, first delete all the volumes on the drive and then try converting to GPT. If you want to save the data, use the MBR2GPT tool or third-party tools.
5. Can I convert back from GPT to MBR?
Yes, GPT can be converted back to MBR, but for this, you need to delete all the data on the drive. You can use Disk Management, DiskPart, or third-party tools.
6. Does MBR2GPT.exe tool work on 32-bit Windows?
No, MBR2GPT.exe tool works only on Windows 10 64-bit version.
7. How to fix the “Diskpart failed to convert the disk” error?
This error occurs when there are any system files or reserved partitions in the drive. To fix this, first, reset the drive using the “clean” command and then use the “convert gpt” command.
8. How to fix the “Windows cannot be installed on this disk” error during Windows installation?
On the Windows installation screen, open Command Prompt by pressing Shift + F10 and type the following commands:
“`
diskpart
list disk
select disk X (replace X with your drive number)
clean
convert gpt
exit
“`
Then resume the Windows installation.
9. Is it safe to use third-party tools?
Yes, if you are using trusted tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant, EaseUS Partition Master, or MiniTool Partition Wizard, they are safe and can convert from MBR to GPT without losing data.
10. Can I use GPT if my system does not support UEFI?
No, your system’s BIOS must support UEFI mode to use GPT as a boot drive. If your system only supports Legacy BIOS mode, you have to use MBR.
11. What is the difference between MBR and GPT?
MBR: Supports only up to 2TB of storage and can create up to 4 primary partitions.
GPT: Supports storage larger than 2TB and allows the creation of unlimited partitions. It also supports UEFI boot mode.
12. Can Windows 7 be installed on a GPT drive?
Windows 7 can be installed on a GPT drive only if the system supports UEFI mode. Otherwise, you have to use MBR.
13. Can I convert from MBR to GPT without reinstalling Windows?
Yes, you can convert from MBR to GPT without reinstalling Windows using the MBR2GPT.exe tool, but it is only available in Windows 10 64-bit version.
14. How to fix Windows not booting after converting GPT disk to MBR?
If Windows is not booting after converting from GPT to MBR, you may need to change the Boot Mode from UEFI to Legacy and then reinstall Windows.
15. How long does MBR to GPT conversion take?
The time for MBR to GPT conversion depends on the size of the drive and the data on it. If the drive is empty, it can happen in a few seconds. But if the drive has data and you want to keep it safe, it may take a few minutes if you use third-party tools.
