How to Convert a GPT to MBR Disk in Windows Step by Step

Have you ever encountered the dreaded message "Windows cannot be installed on this disk. The selected disk has a GPT partition style"? This situation is more common than it seems, especially when trying to install an older or 32-bit operating system on newer computers. To resolve this, it is often necessary to convert disk from GPT to MBR.

In this article, we explain in great detail What are GPT and MBR partition styles?, when one or the other is convenient, and How to convert from GPT to MBR using different methods: from tools integrated into Windows such as “diskpart” and “Disk Management”, to more advanced options that allow do it without losing data using specialized programs such as EaseUS Partition Master and AOMEI Partition Assistant.

What are GPT and MBR: Key Differences

Before we jump into changing anything on your hard drive, you first need to understand What do GPT and MBR mean?, and why partition type is important when working with hard drives and OS.

• GPT (GUID Partition Table) It's the modern partitioning style that uses UEFI instead of BIOS. Its main advantage is that it allows you to create up to 128 primary partitions and supports disks up to 256 TB.
• MBR (Master Boot Record), on the other hand, is older and compatible with more systems. It only allows four primary partitions (or three plus one extended partition) and supports disks up to 2 TB.

MBR is still necessary In some contexts, such as installing older versions of Windows, 32-bit systems, or on computers with traditional BIOSes without UEFI support. For more details on converting MBR to GPT, you can visit this article.

When is it necessary to convert GPT to MBR?

Converting GPT to MBR can be crucial if you are in any of these situations:

• Your computer does not support UEFI, only BIOS.
• You are going to install an older version of Windows, such as XP or Windows 7 32-bit.
• You receive errors during operating system installation indicating incompatibility with the GPT style.
• You are connecting an external drive that is not recognized correctly because it has a GPT partition.

In these cases, the only viable solution is Convert disk partition style from GPT to MBR.

Is it possible to convert from GPT to MBR without losing data?

Yes, it is possible, but not with all the tools. The built-in tools offered by Windows (such as Disk Management or diskpart) require you to erase all partitions on the disk before converting it. Therefore, if you use these utilities, you will lose all data if you do not make a prior backup.

However, there are third-party solutions, such as EASEUS Partition Master o AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, which allow this conversion to be carried out without losing a single fileThese tools are intuitive and designed for non-expert users, making them ideal if you don't want any complications.

Method 1: Convert GPT to MBR with Disk Management

Disk management It is a graphical tool included in all versions of Windows. With it you can delete partitions, create new ones, and change the partition style of a disk, but only if the disk is empty.

Steps to use this tool:

1. Back up all data on the disk.
2. press Win + X and select "Disk management".
3. Right click on each partition of the GPT disk and press “Delete volume".
4. Once the disk appears as “unallocated”, right-click on its number (for example, Disk 1) and choose “Convert to MBR disk".

This method is simple, but leads to total loss of data If you don't back up your disks. If you want more information on disk management in Windows, you can check out this complete guide.

Method 2: Convert GPT to MBR from the command line with diskpart

Diskpart is an advanced command-line utility. commands. It also requires you to delete all partitions, so you need to back them up first.

Steps to follow:

1. Click Start, type “cmd”, right click on the result and select “Run as administrator".
2. Write diskpart and hit Enter.
3. Write list disk to view available discs.
4. Write select disk X (replace X with your GPT disk number).
5. Write clean to delete all partitions.
6. Write convert mbr to transform the disk to MBR.
7. Write exit to go out.

This method is also effective, but as mentioned, erase all contents of the diskIf you need more help using CMD commands, here's a guide to managing disks.

Method 3: Convert GPT to MBR without data loss with EaseUS Partition Master

If you want to avoid complications and preserve your files, this is your best option. The program has a specific function to convert without deleting anything.

Step by step:

1. Download and install EaseUS Partition Master Free.
2. Open the program and select “Disk converter".
3. Select the option “Convert GPT to MBR".
4. Choose the disk to convert and confirm the operation.
5. Click on "Run 1 task(s)”To complete the process.

All this without deleting partitions or forma tear nothing. In addition, you can use this tool for multiple tasks such as resizing partitions, converting FAT32 a NTFS, merge volumes, and more.

Method 4: AOMEI Partition Assistant – Another Alternative Without Data Loss

Another very reliable option is AOMEI Partition Assistant ProfessionalThis software also allows you to convert GPT disks to MBR while keeping your data intact.

General steps:

1. Install AOMEI Partition Assistant.
2. Right click on the disk you want to convert.
3. Choose "Convert to MBR".
4. Confirm the conversion and click “Apply".

You can also create a means of Boot USB with AOMEI if the disk contains the operating system and you want to convert outside of Windows. For more details on how to format an external hard drive, see this article.

Which method should you use?

It all depends on your situation:

• If you don't mind losing data: Use diskpart or Disk Management, they are free and integrated into Windows.
• If you need to keep all the information: Opt for software like EaseUS Partition Master or AOMEI Partition Assistant.

Both third-party tools work securely, are compatible with many operating systems (including Windows Server), and save you the hassle of backing up and restoring.

Can this be done without an operating system?

Yes, both EaseUS and AOMEI allow you to create USB bootable media from another PC so you can run the tool without having Windows running. This is useful when the disk you want to convert is the same one you'll be installing the operating system from.

You don't need any technical knowledge either: once you boot from the USB, the software will step by step guide.

Choosing how to convert GPT to MBR depends on your specific scenario. Whether you have clean data or can do backup, Windows tools will do the trick. But if you want to avoid risks or complications, it's worth using specialized software. Today, programs like EaseUS o Aomei They allow you to convert a hard drive without losing data, quickly and safely, even on system drives.

Related article:

How to Convert MBR to GPT Disk Without Data Loss in Windows 11/10/8/7

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.