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Hello, we're trying to extend a basic volume (3TB in size) to a dynamic volume, but the option is disabled. Could anyone assist quickly with this issue? Thank you.
A user posted on a Microsoft forum that the Convert to Dynamic Disk option was grayed out when he wanted to extend a 3TB basic volume to a dynamic disk. He wanted to know how to fix the issue of the Convert to Dynamic Disk option being unavailable. In this article, we will tell you why this happens and how to solve it.
What causes the "Convert to Dynamic Disk" option to become grayed out and unavailable?
Judging from the user's issue, the problem occurred when he attempted to extend a basic volume larger than 2TB. This is why he could not convert basic disk to dynamic disk. For an MBR disk, its partitioning system is limited to 2TB of storage space. Hence, if you convert a disk larger than 2TB to dynamic, the allocated space will not allow Disk Management to carry out the conversion.
How to Solve the "Convert to Dynamic Disk" Option Being Grayed Out
Since the issue mainly concerns the disk capacity on an MBR disk, you can solve it by converting the disk from MBR to GPT. Unlike MBR, a GPT disk doesn't have the same limitations and can hold virtually an unlimited number of partitions. The disk size is also no longer restricted to 2 TB. You have three options to convert the disk: a partition manager tool – AOMEI Partition Assistant, Disk Management on your computer, or the DiskPart command prompt.
For beginners, the first method is easiest. Don't worry about the “grayed-out” error.
- 1. (Recommended) Convert MBR to GPT Without Data Loss
- 2. Convert MBR to GPT with Disk Management
- 3. Convert MBR Disk to GPT with DiskPart Command Prompt
1. (Recommended) Convert disk from MBR to GPT without losing data
All the traditional methods will cause data loss. Even if you make a full backup for all volumes, it still takes a long time to restore the backup. So we recommend you choose AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.
AOMEI Partition Assistant allows you to convert a disk from MBR to GPT or GPT to MBR without deleting or wiping data. So, you don't need to spend much time on backup and restore processes. In addition, you can use this tool to resize partitions on Windows, format partition, or merge partitions into a larger one.
Download Partition Master now and follow the instructions below for a safe and reliable conversion process.
2. Convert the disk from MBR to GPT using Disk Management
In Disk Management, you can convert disk types, delete volumes, and extend or shrink volumes, among other things. Follow the steps below to convert a disk from MBR to GPT. This method involves volume deletion, so make sure you have a full backup first.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel, go to " Administrative Tools ", and then select "Computer Management".
Step 2: Click on "Disk Management." You will see all of your disk partitions. Right-click one and select "Delete Volume." Repeat this step for all partitions.
Step 3: Right click on the MBR disk and choose "Convert to GPT Disk".
3. Convert an MBR disk to GPT using the DiskPart command prompt
You can also convert the disk to GPT using the Command Prompt, but this will require you to delete your volumes. Remember to back up first.
Step 1: Run as administrator by pressing the Win key and then choosing Command Prompt.
Step 2: Type diskpart, then type list disk and press Enter.
Step 3: If Disk 1 is an MBR disk, type select disk 1. After selecting the MBR disk, type clean to delete all data from the disk.
Step 4. Type convert gpt and press Enter to continue.
Bottom line
In short, the conversion to dynamic disk greyed out issue is caused by the limitation of the MBR disk system. Next time when you encounter the same problem, please first check the size of your MBR disk and then choose one method you like to solve it. Anyway, we recommend using the Partition Master tool for it can save your data and is easy to use.
"Frequently Asked Questions about 'Convert to GPT' Grayed Out"
Why are the GPT conversion options grayed out?
The "Convert to GPT disk" option is grayed out because your disk contains partitions. Disk Management can only convert an empty disk to GPT.
Why can't I convert my hard drive to GPT format?
Check whether the disk has partitions or is a system disk. Disk Management cannot convert a system disk with partitions.
How do I enable the conversion to GPT?
Step 1: Open Disk Management.
Step 2: If the disk contains any existing partitions, delete them.
Step 3: Right click on the MBR disk and select "Convert to GPT Disk".
4. Why is "Convert to MBR" grayed out?
This is the same reason as for the greyed-out Convert to MBR option – a partition exists on the target disk.