Hard disk: change MBR to GPT - so it'll work

If you want to change your hard drive from MBR to GPT, this can also be done with Windows standard tools, but the process is much more convenient to do with alternative software. In this practical tip, we will introduce you to both approaches.

Change MBR to GPT using disk management

There can be many advantages to converting an MBR hard disk (Master Boot Record) into a GPT disk (GUID Partition Table): For example, the more modern GPT standard supports significantly more partitions and also comes with hard disks beyond the 2 TB mark cope. On Windows, you can use Disk Management to convert. However, please note that all data on the hard disk will be lost:

1. First open the "Administrative Tools" item in the Control Panel and then "Computer Management". Category view users first have to select "System & Security".
2. In the left pane of the window, select "Disk Management".
3. Make sure that the disk does not contain any volumes or partitions. If this is not the case, click with the right mouse button on the relevant volume and then select "Delete volume ..." or "Delete partition ...".
4. Right-click the disk you want to convert and select "Convert to GPT Disk" from the context menu.

Change MBR to GPT with MiniTool Partition Wizard

If you want to change from MBR to GPT without data loss, you can alternatively use a free partitioning program such as MiniTool Partition Wizard. Since, of course, something could go wrong here, you should not forego backing up important data:

1. Download the MiniTool Partition Wizard program here. After that, install and launch it.
2. Right-click the disk you want to convert. In the context menu, select the "Convert MBR Disk to GPT Disk" item. Be sure to click on the drive and not on a partition.
3. The conversion starts with a click on the Apply button.

In another practical tip, we will show you how to partition hard disks under Windows 8.