Windows 10 seems on a path to increase the native usability of the operating system, which is evident with Microsoft regularly introducing new features that were previously not supported. One such feature is the native MBR to GPT converter.
Here I shall discuss how to use MBR2GPT tool to convert MBR to GPT for free.
What Is MBR2GPT Windows 10?
Both BIOS and UEFI interfaces are loaded during start-up to start the hardware components and their interaction with the operating system installed on their computer. While BIOS existed from the MS-DOS era, UEFI is relatively newer and supports very large HDDs and SSDs.
With new systems switching over to UEFI disk partitioning, you may want to convert the system partition to the newer and faster GPT format. Gone are the days when you had to look for third party apps to achieve this functionality.
Now you can convert any Master Boot Record (MBR) formatted disk to the newer GUID Partition Table (GPT) formatted disk securely from within Windows 10.
MBR2GPT Windows 10 Location
The MBR2GPT executable runs primarily in the pre-boot environment, but you can use certain attributes to run it inside the Windows OS as well. The executable file is located in the System32 folder inside your installation partition. You can use this tool in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit in Windows version 1703 and higher.
How To Use MBR2GPT To Convert MBR To GPT?
The MBR2GPT tool can be used to convert your BIOS interface to the UEFI interface from the pre-installation environment. You will need to open the admin command prompt in the PE environment to execute this operation. Follow these steps for the same:
- Boot into Advanced Startup Options. If you have an installation media ready, use that to click on Repair. Or else, follow these steps:
- Turn on your computer and wait until the logo appears, then keep pressing the power button to turn off your PC.
- Repeat this three times. Your PC should now boot into Windows Recovery Environment.
- Next, follow this path:
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. - In Command Prompt, use the following command to confirm that your drive meets the minimum requirements, which I shall discuss in a bit:
mbr2gpt /validate - Once you get the confirmation message of the drive meeting the requirements:
mbr2gpt /convert - Wait for the conversion and then restart your computer.
How To Use MBR2GPT In Non-Windows PE Environment?
By default, MBR2GPT is blocked on Windows 10. You are only allowed to run the tool from Windows PE. However, you can use An attribute to allow the existing partition to run the MBR2GPT tool. since the existing partition is already running windows the following attribute will create a new ESP and convert that to GPT.
Open an elevated command prompt from windows search or a Run dialog. Use the /allowFullOS attribute next to the commands mentioned above, to use the tool in full Windows environment.
Disk Requirements
Before converting an MBR formatted disc to GPT the tool verifies that the disk is compatible with the conversion using certain parameters. search checks include checking if the disk is active and MBR formatted, checking the space on the drive, and verifying any extended or logical partitions.
You will find the relevant information by visiting this Microsoft support page.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it. now you know how to use the MBR2GPT Windows 10 tool to convert MBR to GPT easily. Comment below if you found this useful, and to discuss further the same.
