How to Convert MBR to GPT in Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Tracy King 

Last updated on May 10, 2024

Applies To: Converting MBR to GPT on data or system disk under Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012.

When the need arises to convert a disk from one partitioning style to another – say, from MBR to GPT, or from GPT to MBR – the question of which tool to use for the job can be vexing.

On this page, we will show you 3 different methods to convert MBR to GPT in Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, 2008, etc.

Try these methods to convert MBR to GPT on a Windows server

Solution 1: Convert MBR to GPT using a disk conversion tool
Solution 2: Convert MBR to GPT with Disk Management in Windows Server
Solution 3: Convert MBR to GPT using DiskPart CMD

"Reasons for MBR to GPT Conversion Error and Solutions"

"Can I convert MBR to GPT without formatting in Windows Server?"

Why can't I convert MBR to GPT on my server computer? The "Convert to GPT" option is grayed out. How can I fix this issue?

When you encounter problems converting an MBR disk to GPT, the underlying causes typically include:

• The target disk is an system disk, and Disk Management cannot convert the OS disk to GPT.
• The "Convert to GPT Disk" option in Disk Management requires deleting partitions.

So, how to fix the issue and change the disk type on a Windows server computer? Choose one of the listed solutions to resolve the problem with ease.

Solution 1: Convert MBR to GPT using Disk Conversion Software In the Windows operating system, you can safely convert an MBR (Master Boot Record) disk to GPT (GUID Partition Table) using a professional disk conversion tool. Here are the general steps to follow: 1. **Select a Reliable Disk Conversion Software**: First, download and install a reputable disk conversion utility like AOMEI Partition Assistant, tools Partition Master, or MiniTool Partition Wizard. Make sure the software is compatible with your version of Windows. 2. **Run the Disk Conversion Software**: After installation, launch the software. It should automatically detect and list all hard disks connected to your computer. 3. **Choose the Disk to Convert**: In the software interface, find the disk you want to convert and click on it to select it. 4. **Execute the MBR to GPT Conversion**: Look for and click on the option "Convert MBR Disk to GPT" or something similar. In the confirmation dialog, be aware that the process may erase all data on the disk, so back up important files beforehand. 5. **Start the Conversion**: Click "OK" or "Start" to initiate the conversion process. This might take some time, depending on the size of the disk. 6. **Verify the Conversion Result**: After the conversion is complete, restart your computer and check in the BIOS or UEFI settings to confirm that the disk has successfully been converted to GPT. Note that if your system disk is in MBR format and you're running Windows, you might need to use Windows' built-in Disk Management tool in Safe Mode for the conversion, or utilize a specific feature of the third-party software mentioned above for a non-destructive conversion. Always back up crucial data before performing any operation.

Applies to: Converting from MBR to GPT without losing data or reinstalling the Windows Server operating system.

For a one-click solution to convert disk from MBR to GPT on Windows Server computer, you're advised to seek help from reliable disk conversion tools like tools Partition Master Enterprise.

It offers an “MBR to GPT Disk Converter” feature that can automatically change the disk style to GPT without affecting any saved data, installed programs, or even the Windows Server operating system.

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Here's a guide on how you can successfully convert your disk to GPT using this software yourself:

Step 1: Download and run AOMEI Partition Assistant.

Step 2: Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, select “Convert MBR to GPT”, and then click “Next” to continue.

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

So, what is the most effective and reliable solution to convert between MBR and GPT disks? Here are the tools recommended by the editor:

• Rely on MBR to GPT disk converter software for a data-safe conversion in Windows Server.
• If no important files are saved on the target MBR drive, you can give Disk Management a try.
• DiskPart CMD is also a free option if you're familiar with Windows Server management.

For further guidance, you can seek help from this page:

How to Enable UEFI Mode

Here are the steps to enable UEFI: Step 1. Right-click the Windows icon and select "Shut down or sign out".

Solution 2: Convert MBR to GPT in Windows Server with Disk Management

Applies to: Changing the disk partition style manually in Windows Server.

If you don't have any important files saved on the MBR disk and prefer a free method to convert the disk, then “Disk Management” is a reliable utility worth a try.

Before you proceed, back up important data on the disk.

Please note that, if you need to back up disk partition data instantly, reliable backup software like Todo Backup tool can help.

Step 1: Press Windows + S, type Disk Management, and click “Create and format hard disk partitions” from the search results.

Open “Disk Management”

Step 2. Right-click on an existing partition on the MBR disk in Disk Management and select “Delete Volume”.

Click on the **Delete Volume** option. 

Step 3: Click “OK” to confirm the deletion.

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to delete all existing volumes on the drive.

Step 4. Right-click the unallocated drive after the MBR disk is removed and select "Convert to GPT." Click "OK" to confirm.

Wait for the process to complete, and your disk will be formatted as GPT. You can now create new partitions on your Windows Server disk and save your important files back to the disk. Return to Method 1.

Solution 3: Convert MBR to GPT with DiskPart CMD

Applies To: Using the CMD command line in Windows Server to convert an MBR disk to GPT with DiskPart.

Some Windows Server administrators prefer to run and manage disk partitions on a computer using the CMD command-line tool DiskPart. If you're one of them, try the tutorial steps below.

Also, before you proceed, back up any important personal or business files to an external drive.

Step-by-step guide to convert MBR to GPT using DiskPart CMD in American English: 1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Right-click the "Start" button and choose "Command Prompt (Admin). 2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter. This will launch the DiskPart tool: ``` diskpart ``` 3. After confirming DiskPart has started successfully, type the following command and press Enter to list all disks: ``` list disk ``` 4. Examine the displayed disk list and note the number of the disk you want to convert. Be careful not to choose the wrong disk, as it may result in data loss. For instance, if your target disk is Disk 0, type the following command and hit Enter to select it: ``` select disk 0 ``` 5. Once the disk is selected, verify its current type by typing the following command and pressing Enter: ``` detail disk ``` 6. If the disk is MBR, enter the following commands to convert the MBR disk to GPT: ``` clean convert gpt ``` 7. After the conversion, create a new partition to ensure the GPT change takes effect. For example, to create a primary partition: ``` create partition primary ``` 8. Finally, exit the DiskPart tool by typing the following command and hitting Enter: ``` exit ``` 9. Close the Command Prompt window. Your disk is now converted from MBR to GPT. Before performing these steps, make sure to back up important data, as the conversion process could potentially lead to data loss.

Step 1: Press Windows + S, type cmd, and then click to open Command Prompt in the search results.

Step 2: Type “diskpart” in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

Step 3: Type the following commands to begin converting the disk from MBR to GPT, pressing Enter after each one:

• List disks
• Select disk * (replace * with the number of your MBR disk)
• Clean
• Convert to GPT

Step 4: After the conversion is done, you will get an unallocated GPT disk. Then, you can run the following command lines to create a primary partition on the converted disk:

• list disk
• select disk * (Replace * with the GPT disk number.)
• create partition primary size=** (Use MB as the unit.)
• Assign letter=* (Replace * with the new drive letter.)
• Format fs=ntfs quick

Create partition using cmd

5. Type exit to close the DiskPart tool.

After that, you will get a new GPT disk converted from MBR, on which you can save files or install Windows Server system.

Back to the first method.

Conclusions

We have gathered 3 methods to help you convert disk from MBR to GPT in Windows Server on this page.

Method 2 and 3 are practical tips for experienced Windows Server users. However, if you prefer an integrated and lower-risk approach, then a disk conversion tool - AOMEI Partition Assistant is worth a try, with which you can seamlessly and successfully convert the disk to GPT.