Coolshrimp Modz | How to Convert MBR to GPT on Windows 10

How to Convert MBR to GPT on Windows 10

Convert your disk from MBR to GPT with Microsoft's built-in mbr2gpt tool — no reinstall, no data loss — and switch to UEFI boot.

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Converting MBR to GPT on Windows 10

In this tutorial you'll convert your disk from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table) on Windows 10 — without reinstalling or losing data — using Microsoft's built-in mbr2gpt tool. GPT supports larger disks, more partitions, and is required for UEFI boot (and for upgrading to Windows 11).

Back Up First

Converting partition types can be risky. Back up your important data before proceeding, and make sure your motherboard actually supports UEFI boot — after conversion the PC will only boot in UEFI mode.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

  1. Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
  2. Type cmd to search for the Command Prompt.
  3. Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator".

Run Command Prompt as administrator

Step 2: Validate the Conversion

In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

mbr2gpt /validate /allowFullOS

This performs a validation to check if your system can be converted without issues.

Note

If validation fails, the usual causes are: more than 3 primary partitions on the disk, BitLocker enabled (suspend it first), or the disk isn't the system disk. The tool won't touch anything until validation passes.

Step 3: Convert MBR to GPT

  1. If validation succeeded, run the conversion:
mbr2gpt /convert /allowFullOS
  1. Once the conversion completes, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

mbr2gpt conversion output

Step 4: Access BIOS/UEFI Settings

During startup, press the key for your BIOS/UEFI settings. The key varies by make and model (commonly F2, F10, or Del).

Step 5: Change Boot Mode

  1. In the BIOS/UEFI settings, locate the boot mode options.
  2. Change the boot mode from Legacy/BIOS to UEFI (disable CSM if present).
  3. Save the settings and exit.

Conclusion

Your system now boots using GPT and UEFI. You can verify in Disk Management (right-click the disk → Properties → Volumes → Partition style shows "GUID Partition Table"). This also unlocks Secure Boot, which Windows 11 requires.

Tip

If you continue to experience slow boot times after converting, the disk probably isn't the bottleneck — check out our guide: A Guide to Diagnosing a Slow Windows PC.

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