Convert GPT to MBR Without Operating System (2 Methods)

Overview of MBR and GPT

Master Boot Record (MBR) and GUID Partition Table (GPT) are two partitioning schemes for HDD, SSD, and removable devices. Each disk should be initialized to an appropriate partitioning scheme because Windows uses the partition style to understand how to access the data on the disk.

Though MBR and GPT are both ways of managing how a disk works, they are distinct from each other in terms of structures, support for disk capacity and number of partitions, compatibility, etc. The advantages of GPT disks can be summarized as supporting up to 128 partitions, allowing volumes larger than 2 TB, providing higher data security and integrity of partition data structures, etc.

However, you may need to convert a GPT disk to MBR due to various reasons, such as encountering an error “Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style” when installing Windows, Windows failing to boot because it is installed on an MBR disk in UEFI boot mode, etc.

In such situations, you need to change the partitioning scheme between MBR and GPT. But how to convert GPT to MBR without operating system? Follow the instructions below.

Convert MBR to GPT Without Operating System (2 Ways)

Are you looking for a way to convert MBR to GPT without operating system? This post introduces two effective methods with detailed steps.

Read More

How to Convert GPT to MBR Without Operating System

Way 1. Use MiniTool Partition Wizard

To convert GPT to MBR without access to OS, you can seek help from MiniTool Partition Wizard, a professional partition manager. It provides you with a feature called Bootable Media Builder to assist you in creating bootable media so as to convert GPT to MBR without OS.

This feature is embedded in each paid edition of MiniTool Partition Wizard. You can click the button below to get the free edition installed on a working computer, and then upgrade it to an advanced edition.

MiniTool Partition Wizard FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

In this way, the original data on the disk will not be affected after the disk conversion is completed.

Here are the major steps to convert GPT to MBR without an OS by using MiniTool Partition Wizard:

Step 1. Launch the registered MiniTool Partition Wizard. Click the Bootable Media icon and follow this guide to create a bootable USB drive.

Step 2. Next, insert the bootable USB drive into the computer without an OS and boot from the bootable media.

Step 3. After coming to the main interface of MiniTool Partition Wizard, right-click the GPT disk, and then choose the Convert GPT Disk to MBR Disk option from the context menu.

Step 4. Finally, click the Apply button in the bottom left corner. Now, the GPT disk is converted to MBR for use.

Click to Tweet

Way 2. Use Command Lines

Apart from MiniTool Partition Wizard, you can convert GPT to MBR without operating system by using CMD. By using this way, you can only change a disk from MBR to GPT partition format as long as the disk contains no partitions or volumes.

Step 1. On a working computer, download the Windows Media Creation Tool and follow the instructions to make a bootable USB drive.

Step 2. Connect the created bootable media to the PC without an OS, then press F2/F12/F10/Delete to get into BIOS. In BIOS, use the arrow key to select to boot from the USB drive.

Step 3. Press the Shift + F10 keyboard shortcut when you see the installation wizard to bring up the Command Prompt window.

Step 4. When you come to the command line window, type these commands to perform disk conversion. Note that you need to press Enter after each command.

• diskpart
• list disk
• select disk * (you need to replace * with the actual MBR disk number)
• clean
• convert mbr

This is all about how to convert GPT to MBR from BIOS.

Diskpart Fix RAW Partition Without Losing Data

Drive became RAW accidentally? This post shows you how to perform diskpart fix RAW partition without losing data.

Read More

MiniTool Power Data Recovery FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Wrapping Things Up

In a word, this post shows you how to convert GPT to MBR without operating system with pictures. If you encounter any issues when using MiniTool software, feel free to send an email to [email protected]. We are ready for help.