Convert MBR to GPT Without Losing Data – Windows 11 Guide

Are you facing the "Windows cannot be installed to this disk" error during a Windows 11 upgrade? This issue normally leads to boot loops, blue screens, or failure to detect an OS. Many users also struggle post-conversion, with the PC refusing to boot until they switch firmware.

This article covers efficient methods to convert MBR to GPT without data loss. Furthermore, we will introduce you to efficient recovery software to retrieve lost data.

Part 1. What Is MBR and GPT?

To know how to convert MBR to GPT Windows 11, let's have a quick breakdown of the difference between MBR and GPT:

Why You Might Need to Convert MBR to GPT

Now, let's explore some key points to know why you need to convert MBR to GPT for Windows 11:

1. Windows 11 and UEFI Requirements: To install or upgrade to Windows 11 on a modern UEFI‑based PC, you often need a GPT system. Many newer motherboards and laptops are optimized, so staying on MBR results in errors.
2. Using the Full Size of Large Drives: MBR can only use about 2 TB of space on a disk, so beyond this, it can't be fully addressed. Whereas GPT supports much larger disks, allowing you to use high-capacity HDDs and SSDs.
3. Creating More Partitions: MBR is limited to 4 primary partitions, which can quickly become restrictive. On the other hand, GPT typically supports up to 128 primary partitions on Windows.
4. Taking Advantage of Secure Boot: UEFI firmware and features like Secure Boot are designed to work best with GPT disks. So, moving MBR to GPT lets your system use these modern protections and boot options more reliably.
5. Improving Reliability: MBR stores critical boot information in a single sector at the start of the disk. Whereas GPT keeps multiple copies of the partition, making it easier to recover from corruption.

Part 2. Precautions Before Converting MBR to GPT

Before you change from MBR to GPT without data loss, it's crucial to take a few safety steps to protect your data:

1. Backup Important Data: At first, save critical files to an external drive or cloud storage so you can recover them if something goes wrong. Verify the backup by opening a few files from the destination to confirm they are accessible and not corrupted.
2. Ensure Stable Power: Plug in your laptop or use a UPS on a desktop to avoid shutdowns during the conversion. Furthermore, avoid starting the process during times when power cuts are common in your area.
3. Confirm the Correct Disk: Check which disk uses MBR and which is your actual system or data disk. Moreover, double‑check the disk number and capacity in Disk Management before running any command.
4. Close Running Applications: Some programs heavily use the disk, such as download managers. Moreover, it saves your work and closes unnecessary background apps to reduce interference.
5. Temporarily Adjust Security Software: Pausing or temporarily disabling real‑time antivirus software blocks low‑level disk changes. Re‑enable your security software as soon as the conversion finishes successfully.

Part 3. Convert MBR to GPT Using Windows Built-in Tools

Here we have listed built-in tools to convert MBR to GPT without losing data on your Windows with a detailed step-by-step guide below:

Disk Management

Disk Management is a built-in Windows tool, so you do not need to download or install any third‑party software. It uses a point-and-click GUI, which is easier for non-technical users than other command-line interfaces. When the disk has essential data, you can delete all volumes and convert to GPT in a few clicks. Furthermore, this method is ideal for converting non‑system disks without any damage, so let's explore its guide:

1. Initiate by right-clicking on the "Windows" icon and choosing the "Disk Management" option from the pop-up.

   

2. Upon entering the interface, right-click the disk and choose the "Properties" option from the pop-up.

   

3. Here, review the partition type in the "Volumes" tab available in the pop-up.

   

4. Now, right-click the desired volume and hit the "Delete Volume" option to delete it.

   

5. Lastly, again right-click the disk and choose the "Convert to GPT Disk" option to start the conversion procedure.

   

Diskpart

To change from MBR to GPT without data loss, users can also opt for the diskpart utility. It is a command-line interface that is easy to use for both beginners and professionals. If your disk management does not provide the option to convert the disk, this method often works. Moreover, you can instantly remove all partitions in simpler steps. Upon hearing its features, let's move on to its detailed guide:

Instructions. Initiate by entering the command-line interface and entering the "Diskpart" command and pressing the Enter button. Afterwards, insert the "List Disk" command and hit the Enter button. Now it will show all available disks, so type the "Select Disk 1" command and then enter the "Clean" command. Lastly, write the "Convert GPT" command to start the disk conversion procedure.

Note: This method is an efficient way to convert a disk, but it relies on the clean command, which completely wipes all data from the drive. So, it's risky to use unless you've already created a full backup of anything important on that disk.

MBR2GPT Commands

The MBR2GPT tool is specifically designed to convert an existing system disk without deleting partitions. Within the command prompt, users simply insert the command and start the conversation procedure instantly. Being supported by Windows, it is the safest method to convert MBR to GPT for Windows 11. Moreover, it is considered ideal if you are upgrading from Windows 10 to 11, so have a look at its guide:

Instructions. Initiate by entering the command "C:\Windows\System32>mbr2gpt /validate /disk:0 /allowFullOS" and hit the "Enter" button. After completing this procedure, restart the computer and verify the GPT disk.

Pro Tip: Use Recoverit to Recover Data If Conversion Goes Wrong

While shifting from Windows 10 to 11, you tried to convert MBR to GPT without data loss. However, you did something wrong, and you mistakenly deleted the essential partition. In this situation, we recommend using Recoverit, which lets you retrieve up to 500 MB for free with its latest V14 version. This tool supports numerous file formats, including PDFs, images, and videos.

Users simply select the target location, and the system starts scanning for the desired files. This tool also lets you restore data from multiple data loss scenarios, including power outages or accidental deletions. Moreover, this tool can be accessed on major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac.

Key Features

1. Pinpoint Files: Users can pinpoint the desired files by specifying their name, size, and folder name.
2. Recovery Types: Recoverit offers various recoveries, including Linux data recovery, system crash recovery, and NAS data recovery.
3. Preview Feature: This tool lets you preview the recovered outcome to ensure that the file is complete and accurate.

Expert Guide to Use Wondershare Recoverit

Upon hearing its extensive features, Recoverit lets dive into its detailed stepwise guide to know how to recover lost files:

1. Choose the Location in the Hard Drive and Locations
   Upon entering the tool, click on the "Hard Drives and Locations" menu from the left sidebar. Next, choose the desired data loss location under the Quick Access tab.

   

2. Run the Scanning Procedure to Recover Lost Files
   After selecting the location, it will automatically start the scanning procedure with the "Quick Scanning" procedure. Here you can also pinpoint the desired files by their file name and size.

   

3. Examine and Preview the Lost Files
   Lastly, preview the recovered outcome to ensure its accuracy and hit the "Recover" button to complete the procedure.

   

Part 4. 4 Common Errors While Converting MBR to GPT and How to Fix Them

While converting MBR to GPT for Windows 11, we have enlisted some common errors along with their fixes below:

Error 1. Windows cannot Be Installed to This Disk

This error occurs when you are trying to install Windows on an MBR disk rather than a GPT disk. It can be resolved using the Diskpart utility to wipe and convert the disk. Furthermore, you can also back up your Windows partition and then try using third-party software to convert MBR to GPT.

Error 2. Mbr2GPT: Disk Layout Validation Failed

It occurs when the system disk layout does not meet MBR2GPT's requirements and includes too many partitions. For this issue, you need to opt for the Disk Management utility to remove extra recovery partitions, so you have at most 3 primary partitions. If the partition is too small, extend it first and then run the conversion procedure.

Error 3. MBR2GPT: Cannot Find OS Partition

Sometimes MBR2GPT cannot detect a valid Windows installation, or you are selecting the wrong disk. Before converting, ensure that you have selected the right partition using Disk Management. However, if you are using the diskpart tool, make sure you enter the accurate disk number, for example, "mbr2gpt /validate /disk:0 /allowFullOS."

Error 4. MBR2GPT: Cannot Find Room For The EFI System Partition

This error refers to your free space at the beginning or end of the disk to start the conversation process. To cater to this, shrink the partition in the disk management utility to create unallocated space. Furthermore, you can also remove or move small OEM/recovery partitions that block free space.

Verifying the Conversion

Now, let's explore a quick guide to verify the change from MBR to GPT without data loss:

1. Initiate by opening the search bar for the Disk Partition in the Windows search bar and choose "Create and Format Hard Disk Partition."

   

2. As you enter the interface, right-click the desired disk and choose the "Properties" option.

   

3. Here, click on the "Volumes" tab and verify the "Partition Style" from the options.

   

Conclusion

Summing up, users can easily convert MBR to GPT without data loss before switching to the new Windows. This article has covered quick and easy methods for conversion with detailed guides. However, if you mistakenly delete essential data, we recommend using Recoverit, which provides both Quick and Deep scanning modes.