Does Converting MBR to GPT Erase Data? Learn the Truth

Summary: Through this blog post, we are going to answer some more searched user queries: Does converting MBR to GPT erase data? The answer is it depends upon the method you choose to go with. Now, the time has come when users want to upgrade to new hardware or install the latest OS. It is where you need to move the disk partition structure from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table). Let’s start with the reasons first before heading towards the conversion methods to avoid any unnecessary data loss.

Why Convert MBR to GPT? Reasons to Switch

There are various factors which users take into consideration while moving from MBR disk to GPT. Read the below points to understand:

• MBR only supports drives up to 2 TB. While on the other hand, GPT supports much larger drives.
• There are only 4 primary partitions. But, GPT allows up to 128 partitions on Windows without the requirement of any logical or extended partition.
• Speaking of UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), you need to use GPT in order to boot Windows in UEFI mode.
• It gives you faster boot times and better security features.
• GPT creates multiple copies of the partition data which increases fault tolerance in terms of your system.

Does Converting MBR to GPT Erase Data?

So, it depends on how you do it. Like it’s the intent which defines the answer. It can be yes, if you want to erase data and you use methods like Diskpart or Disk Management which is best as the process. If not, then you tend to go with a safe automated solution to keep the data safe which you want to while having the process. Majorly users don’t do research about all this and go with these methods. As, a result they lost all their data without knowing.

Convert MBR Disk to GPT – Manual Steps to Approach

In this particular section, we are going to talk about different methods to move from MBR to GPT easily. Go through the steps from below wordings to do so. Follow all these methods to know which one is best according to your work.

#1. Using Disk Management Tool

As, this is a built-in method which comes with your system. But, keep one thing in mind as this will delete all your disk data.

1. In this, you need to press the Win + X button, and then Choose Disk Management.

2. Right click on the destination disk > Choose Delete Volume for all partitions on the disk.

3. After deleting, you have some space created on the disk, just right click on that particular disk > Select Convert to GPT Disk.

4. Now, you have successfully converted MBR to GPT in your desired partition where you have created unallocated space.

#2. Convert MBR to GPT Using Diskpart Command

If you are comfortable with command line control, using DiskPart allows you to convert MBR to GPT directly from the console. But it does so by wiping your entire drive. Go ahead and do this but only if you have backed up all the important data first.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type:

diskpart

list disk

select disk X (replace X with your disk number)

clean

convert gpt

exit

Note: Clean command wipes all data and partitions.

#3. Using MBR2GPT Tool – For System Disk Only

Want to move to a GPT disk without losing your data? A reliable built-in utility that can convert the system disks without losing files is MBR2GPT.

Necessity:

• This is only supported in Windows 10 v1703 and later.
• The disk has to have a valid Windows installation.
• There should be enough space in the partition.

The follow the quick steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Next type:

mbr2gpt /validate /disk:X /allowFullOS

mbr2gpt /convert /disk:X /allowFullOS

3. Swap X with the number of the disk.
4. This is the method for converting the system disk without loss data.

Limitations of Using Manual Methods

There are some drawbacks of using these methods. Let’s get aware of all these points:

• High chances to potentially corrupt your files or something can go wrong during the process including an accidental power failure.
• Make sure your computer uses UEFI mode.
• MBR2GPT will only work on disks that are healthy and contain a valid OS partition.
• You need to decrypt the drive before converting to prevent problems.

MBR to GPT Conversion Methods – Comparison Table

This is the section created to let you understand what to follow or not to. Have a look into those below parameters:

Method	Data Loss	Suitable For
Disk Management	Yes	Quick conversion with data wipe
DiskPart	Yes	When you plan to clean and re-partition
MBR2GPT	No (if conditions met)	System disk with Windows 10 or later
Professional Software	No	Most user-friendly and safest way

Ending Words

Does converting MBR to GPT erase data? It does not always, but it can depending on the procedure and what you actually want to do. So, for that we have described various manual methods like if you use Disk Management or DiskPart, your data will be deleted. For some kind of data protective conversions, you can use MBR2GPT. But, beyond all this, you can opt for a given professional solution to permanently delete all the data before MBR to GPT conversion. Always make sure that your system is compatible with all requirements and make a full backup before moving and to be safe.