Updated by

Sherly

Written by

Linda

Updated on April 22, 2024

As technology advances, computer users have the opportunity to start anew by upgrading their old Windows system to Windows 11. Prior to this, it is necessary to convert the system disk from MBR to GPT. However, while attempting this conversion using Disk Management, some users encounter an issue where the option to convert to GPT is grayed out in Windows 10. To save your time, we have compiled the most effective solutions to fix this grayed-out problem below:

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⏱️Duration 5-7 minutes
?Tools
  • Disk converter tool - Partition Master
  • Windows built-in tool - Disk Management
  • Windows utility - Diskpart
?Supported Systems Windows 10
?Steps

Use Partition Master to Convert...Full steps

Convert to GPT Using Disk Management...Full steps

Run Diskpart to Convert to GPT...Full steps

Why is "Convert to GPT disk" grayed out? Disk Management can only convert the original disk to GPT or MBR when the system disk is unoccupied. In other words, the option will become available again only when there are no partitions on the disk. In this guide, we will introduce how to address this issue and proceed with the conversion between MBR and GPT using tools. Keep reading to find the detailed steps.

3 Ways to Fix "Convert to GPT Greyed Out" in Windows 10.

Upon understanding the reasons behind the "convert to GPT greyed out Windows 10" error, we will present you with three top solutions to convert MBR to GPT. We recommend using the tool Partition Master due to its user-friendly interface and high efficiency in conversions. Notably, unlike other methods, this third-party tool can complete the process without deleting partitions. Nonetheless, backing up your data and files remains crucial to prevent data loss. Follow the tutorial below to successfully execute the conversion process.

Method 1: Convert MBR to GPT using Partition Master Tool (Without Data Loss)

Are you looking for a flawless solution to convert MBR to GPT without data loss? The tools Partition Master tool will fulfill your needs and can easily transform your system disk from MBR to GPT in just a few steps. Most importantly, it ensures the safety of your data and prevents any data loss. Download tools Partition Master now and start the seamless disk conversion process.

Here's how to convert MBR to GPT using the tool Partition Master:

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

Step 2. Proceed to Disk Converter and choose "Convert MBR to GPT," then click "Next" to continue.

convert MBR to GPT - 1

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

convert MBR to GPT - 2

Other Powerful Features of Partition Master Tools

Aside from converting MBR to GPT, Partition Master offers assistance in various situations. Here are some other features of this tool:

If you encounter any of the above situations, install Partition Master on your computer to easily fix the problem.

Method 2: Convert MBR to GPT via Command Prompt (Deleting All Partitions)

The second option is to convert MBR to GPT using Diskpart. Like Disk Management, Diskpart will delete all data on the MBR disk before changing it to a GPT disk. Thus, if you plan to perform the conversion using command lines, we recommend backing up your data beforehand.

Here are the swift steps to convert MBR to GPT using DiskPart:

< strong >Step 1. < /strong > Type < strong >cmd< /strong > to open "Command Prompt"

open command prompt

Step 2. Right-click it and choose "Run as administrator."

Step 3. Type diskpart, press "Enter," and click "Yes" when prompted.

Step 4. Enter the following commands one by one, and press "Enter" after each:

    1. list disk
    2. select disk 2 (Replace 2 with the disk number of your MBR disk.)
    3. clean
    4. convert gpt

Step 5. Type exit to close the window once the conversion is done.

Method 3: Convert MBR to GPT via Disk Management (With Data Loss)

The last way is to enable the convert to GPT greyed-out option and then use Disk Management to change MBR to GPT. As we stated above, once you have deleted all the partitions on the MBR disk, the convert to GPT option will not be greyed out anymore. Then you can start to convert the disk from MBR to GPT.

Follow the tutorial to resolve the issue of GPT convert option being grayed out using Disk Management:

Step 1. Back up data on the MBR disk before conversion.

Step 2. Type "Disk Management" in the search box.

Step 3. Delete all partitions and volumes on the MBR disk. (The grayed-out option will become available.)

Step 4. Right-click the target MBR disk and select "Convert to GPT Disk."

convert MBR to GPT

If you find this article helpful in resolving the issue with the greyed out Convert to GPT option in Windows 10, feel free to share it on social media to assist others:

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Conclusion:

This article aims to explain the reasons behind the "convert to GPT greyed out Windows 10" issue and provide guidance on how to convert a disk from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table). By following the tutorial, you'll discover that using the tool Partition Master is the simplest and fastest method to convert MBR to GPT without data loss or partition deletion. However, if you opt for alternative approaches, it is crucial to back up all essential data on your basic disk thoroughly. We hope this article assists you in resolving your problem. For further information on the "convert to GPT greyed out Windows 10," we have compiled additional articles below:

"Frequently Asked Questions about 'Convert to GPT' Option Being Greyed Out in Windows 10"

After reading about converting to GPT on a grayed out Windows 10, you might have some questions. In this section, we've compiled a few relevant queries and provided brief answers to help you better comprehend the topic.

1. How can I determine if my BIOS is using MBR or GPT?

Right-click on the disk and select the "Properties" option. Next, check the "Partition style" under the "Volumes" section. This will indicate whether the disk is MBR or GPT.

2. Why can't I boot my SSD with GPT?

There are two possibilities: First, if your SSD is a GPT disk, but the PC is set to boot in BIOS mode, you'll need to switch to UEFI setup. Second, if your SSD is an MBR disk, make sure Legacy BIOS is enabled. Otherwise, you won't be able to boot from your SSD.

3. How to enable UEFI for the GPT disk? To enable UEFI for a GPT (GUID Partition Table) disk, follow these steps: 1. **Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup:** - Restart your computer and press the key indicated on the screen during startup to enter the BIOS or UEFI setup utility. Common keys are F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc, but it may vary depending on your system manufacturer. 2. **Check Current Boot Mode:** - In the BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the "Boot" or "Startup" section and look for the current boot mode. It might be listed as "Legacy Support," "BIOS Compatibility," or something similar. 3. **Enable UEFI Boot:** - If UEFI is not already enabled, find an option to switch from "Legacy Support" to "UEFI Only" or "UEFI Boot." Some systems may require disabling "Legacy Support" first. 4. **Change Boot Priority:** - Ensure that "UEFI Boot Priority" or a similar setting is enabled, which will prioritize booting from UEFI-compatible devices. 5. **Secure Boot:** - If you plan to use Secure Boot (an optional UEFI feature), check if it's enabled. This setting helps prevent unauthorized operating systems from loading. If you need to install a custom OS or disable it temporarily, make sure you know how to manage Secure Boot keys. 6. **Save and Exit:** - Once you've made the necessary changes, save the settings and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup. Your computer will restart using the new boot mode. 7. **Verify UEFI Boot:** - After the restart, check if your system is now booting in UEFI mode. You can do this by looking for a UEFI identifier during the boot process, checking the system information in the operating system, or using a tool like "bcdedit" in Windows or "efibootmgr" in Linux. Remember that enabling UEFI may require a GPT-formatted disk. If your disk is not already GPT, you'll need to convert it from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT, which typically involves backing up your data, reformatting the disk, and reinstalling the operating system.

Firstly, before resolving this issue, you need to be aware of how to check whether your Windows is using UEFI or Legacy. If you're unsure about how to change the boot mode from BIOS to UEFI, follow this step-by-step tutorial:

Step 1. Restart the computer and press the F2 key to enter the BIOS setup utility.

Step 2. Click "Boot," select "UEFI/BIOS Boot Mode," and press Enter.

Step 3. Change the boot mode from "Legacy" to "UEFI."