How to Check and Convert MBR or GPT in Windows 10

ByJim Miller

MBR and GPT are two different partitioning systems used in Windows computers. MBR, or Master Boot Record, has been around since 1993 but has some limitations. On the other hand, GPT, or GUID Partition Table, is a newer and more advanced partitioning system. In this article, we will explore how to check whether your disk drive is using MBR or GPT and how to convert them if needed.

Is My Drive MBR or GPT?

If you are unsure about the partitioning system on your drive, here are four different ways to find out:

1. Device Management

Press the ‘Windows key' + ‘X' on your desktop and select Disk Management. Right-click on your drive, go to Properties, and select the Volumes tab. Here, you will find whether your drive is using MBR or GPT.

2. Device Manager

Open the Run command prompt by pressing the ‘Windows key' + ‘R' and type “devmgmt.msc” to open Device Manager. Expand the Disk drives option, double-click on your drive, and click on the Populate button under the Volumes column to find out the partitioning system.

3. Command Prompt

Launch the Command Prompt by searching for it in Windows or using the Run command. Type “diskpart” and “list disk” on separate lines to display the partitioning system. If there is an asterisk (*) under the GPT column, your drive is using GPT; otherwise, it is using MBR.

4. PowerShell

Press the ‘Windows key' + ‘X' and select PowerShell. Type “Get-Disk” to see the partitioning system of your drive.

Now that you know the partitioning system of your drive, let's explore how to convert from MBR to GPT.

How to Convert MBR to GPT

If your drive is using MBR and you want to convert it to GPT, there are two methods you can use:

1. MBR2GPT

If you are using Windows 10 with Creators Update (V1703) or later, you already have the MBR2GPT tool installed. This tool allows you to convert your drive's partitioning system without losing your data. Before you begin, make sure your disk meets the requirements listed in the article. Launch the Command Prompt with admin rights and follow the instructions provided in the article to convert your drive using the MBR2GPT tool.

2. MiniTool Partition Wizard

If you are not using Windows 10 with Creators Update, you can use a third-party tool called MiniTool Partition Wizard to convert your drive from MBR to GPT. This tool is free, compatible with Windows 7/8/10, and provides a simple way to convert the partitioning system. Download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard, open the Disk & Partition Management section, right-click on the disk you want to convert, and select Convert MBR Disk to GPT Disk. Apply the changes to initiate the conversion process.

Now you have learned how to check whether your drive is using MBR or GPT and how to convert from MBR to GPT if needed. Remember to backup your data before making any changes to your disk drive.