"MBR2GPT Disk Layout Validation Failed | 3 Proven Fixes"

Updated by

Linda 

Updated on April 22, 2024

As we know, the MBR2GPT.exe tool was developed by Microsoft to facilitate the conversion of a disk's partition style from MBR to GPT without the need for formatting or erasing any data. Numerous Diskpart users have reported encountering the "MBR2GPT disk layout validation failed" issue when attempting to convert an MBR drive to GPT using MBR2GPT.exe. A genuine scenario from a forum was discovered:

Don't worry. This article will explain the cause of this issue and teach you how to solve it with three practical and safe methods. If you know someone who's affected by this problem, share this helpful page on your social media to assist them:

How to Fix MBR2GPT Disk Layout Validation Failed - 3 Solutions

The MBR2GPT.exe tool is useful and crucial when dealing with a hard drive larger than 2TB or a disk with more than four primary partitions, as MBR drives don't support these conditions. However, when attempting to use this command line, you must meet several requirements, or the conversion from MBR to GPT disk will fail.

Method 1: Use a Superior Disk Converter - Tool Partition Master

Due to the restrictions and limitations of the Windows system, you will be unable to convert an MBR drive to a GPT drive using MBR2GPT.exe if it is not a system disk. In such a situation, you can resort to its best alternative - tools Partition Master Professional. This reliable tool enables you to convert disks between MBR and GPT without data loss. Furthermore, it is highly compatible with all Windows versions, including Windows 11/10/8/7, Windows 8.1, XP, and Vista.

Step 1. Download and launch tools Partition Master on your PC.

Step 2. Go to Disk Converter, select "Convert MBR to GPT" and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 3. Select the target MBR disk that you want to convert to GPT and click "Convert" to start the process.

You can also refer to the steps in the video:

If you regret this decision in the future, tools like Partition Master can help you convert GPT back to an MBR disk without formatting:

Guide on Converting GPT to MBR with 3 GPT to MBR Converters

In this article, learn how to convert a GPT disk to an MBR disk using Disk Management, Diskpart, or tools like Partition Master.

Method 2: Upgrade to a Higher Edition of Windows

One possible cause of the MBR2GPT disk layout validation failure is an incompatible Windows version, as the MBR2GPT.exe tool only functions with Windows 10 version 1703 or later. Consequently, upgrading your Windows to a newer version, such as Windows 11, might be necessary. Here are the comprehensive steps for updating to Windows 11:

Step 1. Click the "Start" icon and go to "Settings."

Step 2. Select the following option to check for Windows updates: "Update & Security" > "Windows Update" > "Check for updates."

"Check for Windows updates"

Step 3. If any updates are available for your computer, download and install them.

Method 3: Remove a Primary Partition on an MBR Drive

If you already have four primary partitions on the MBR drive, the error message will also appear. In this case, you can try deleting one of them to resolve the issue and successfully convert the MBR drive to a GPT drive. This section will guide you through the process using the tool Partition Master, after ensuring proper data backup:

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, and click "Partition Manager".

Make sure to back up important data before deleting any partitions on the disk.

Step 2. Select to delete partition or delete all partitions on the hard drive.

Delete single partition: Right-click on the partition you want to delete and choose "Delete". Delete all partitions: Right-click the hard drive from which you want to delete all partitions, and select "Delete All".

Step 3. Click "Yes" to confirm the deletion.

Step 4. Click "Execute xx Task" and then click "Apply" to save the changes.

0:00 - 0:26 Remove individual volumes; 0:27 - 0:53 Erase all partitions.

Why Does MBR2GPT Disk Layout Validation Fail?

Upon resolving the "MBR2GPT disk layout validation failed" issue, it's crucial to understand the reasons behind it to avoid similar occurrences in the future. This error can stem from three primary causes:

Inapplicable Windows Version: The MBR2GPT utility only works with Windows 10 versions 1703 and later. An incompatible Windows system might lead to an MBR2GPT disk layout failure. For instance, if your computer is running a Windows 7/8 system, you won't be able to successfully use the MBR2GPT.exe tool.

?Non-system Disk: The MBR2GPT utility in Diskpart can only convert the system disk from MBR to GPT; otherwise, it will display the error message "MBR2GPT Disk Layout Validation Failed."

?Four Primary Partitions on the MBR Drive: You cannot convert if the target MBR disk already has four primary partitions. In this case, delete one of them to proceed.

Conclusion

This article explored why the MBR2GPT disk layout validation fails and how to resolve the issue using efficient and reliable methods, such as employing the Partition Master tool, upgrading the Windows edition, or deleting a primary partition. Among these solutions, Partition Master is our top recommendation due to its professionalism as a disk converter, enabling users to effortlessly convert MBR to GPT. Consequently, download and install this superior disk converter to prevent conversion failures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing MBR2GPT Disk Layout Validation Failed

To better understand the MBR2GPT disk layout validation failure, we've gathered some related questions for you to review.

**1. What does MBR2GPT validate do?** The MBR2GPT validate command is a utility used to check the compatibility and readiness of a disk with the GUID Partition Table (GPT) format. It verifies if the existing Master Boot Record (MBR)-based disk can be successfully converted to GPT without any issues. This tool typically performs checks such as ensuring there's enough space for the additional partitions required in a GPT disk, assessing the current partition layout, and detecting any potential problems that might hinder the conversion process. The validation step is important before attempting the actual conversion to prevent data loss or system instability.

The MBR2GPT.exe command helps users convert a disk from the Master Boot Record (MBR) partition style to the GUID Partition Table (GPT) partition style without deleting any data on the drive.

2. How to convert MBR to GPT in Windows 10?

Follow the guide below to change a drive from MBR to GPT: 1. Launch the "Start" button. 2. Write "Command Prompt" into the search box, right-click the first result, and choose "Run as administrator." 3. Enter the following command line: **mbr2gpt /validate /allowFullOS**, which will validate the drive after you type it in.

3. Is it possible to convert MBR to GPT without formatting?

Yes, this is feasible with the assistance of the tool Partition Master. This robust utility enables you to convert an MBR disk to GPT disk without formatting by utilizing its "Disk Converter" feature.