How to Convert GPT to MBR without Operating System (No Data Loss)  

How to Convert GPT to MBR without Operating System (No Data Loss)


Help! Cannot convert GPT to MBR

To convert a GPT partition to MBR without an operating system, you can use a tool like EaseUS Partition Master or AOMEI Partition Assistant. These tools allow you to convert the partition table from GPT to MBR, making it possible to install Windows 7 on the partition. You can download and run the tool from a USB drive or CD, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the conversion. Once the conversion is complete, you should be able to install Windows 7 on the partition.

Users may need to convert GPT to MBR to install a 32-bit Windows OS, but need to convert MBR to GPT to install a 64-bit Windows OS or use other 64-bit systems.

How to convert GPT to MBR during Windows installation

Converting a data disk from MBR to GPT in Windows OS is a relatively straightforward process. However, if you need to convert a GPT disk to MBR without an operating system, as in the scenario, it becomes a bit more challenging. In this case, the conversion can be accomplished during the Windows installation process.

Step 1. To convert a GPT disk to MBR in BIOS, insert a Windows installation CD/DVD and start the installation process. Press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt window. In the Command Prompt, type the command "diskpart" and press Enter.

Step 2. Type diskpart in the CMD and hit "ENTER".

Step 3. Type list disk and hit "ENTER". Mark the disk number you want to convert to MBR.

Step 4. Type select disk n and hit "ENTER". (n refers to the disk number of the disk you need to convert).

Step 5. Be extremely cautious when using the "clean" command, as it will completely erase all data on the disk. Before executing it, ensure that you have backed up any important files or data, as it will be permanently deleted. If you're certain, type "clean" and press enter, but be aware of the irreversible consequences.

Step 6. Type convert mbr and hit "ENTER". It will convert the selected drive into MBR.

Convert to MBR via CMD

How to convert GPT to MBR without operating system

Converting a GPT disk to MBR without an operating system can be challenging, as it may result in data loss. Additionally, using Diskpart to perform this operation can be irreversible and may cause significant damage. A safer approach would be to use a third-party tool, such as EaseUS Partition Master, which can convert a GPT disk to MBR without losing data. This tool allows for a safe and reversible operation, making it a more reliable choice for this task.

You can use Qiling Partition Assistant Professional to convert GPT to MBR without losing data or needing an operating system. This tool can help you manage your hard drive, including resizing partitions, formatting, and securely erasing SSDs. It's a perfect disk manager for Windows operating systems, including erver editions. It can help you manage your hard drive better and safely convert GPT to MBR without any issues.Server editions. It can help you manage your hard drive better and safely convert GPT to MBR without any issues.

Section 1. Create a bootable media

Step 1. Connect a 16GB or larger USB flash drive to a working Windows computer.

Note: You may be required to install Windows ADK or Windows AIK (Download Windows ADKIf you have installed Windows AIK/ADK in your system, you need to find the WIM file under the installed directory of AIK or ADK, and manually set the file path into the box.

Step 2. To make a bootable media, launch Qiling Disk Master, click "Tools" in the top toolbar, and choose "Make Bootable Media". This will take you into the Create Bootable Media Wizard.

Make Bootable Media

Step 3. Select USB Boot Device and choose your USB as the target place to store the ISO file, click "Proceed".

Choose USB Drive

Step 4. Wait till the progress is done. Click "Finish".

Finish

After creating a bootable media with Qiling Disk Master, you can use it to convert a GPT disk to an MBR disk, making it compatible with BIOS systems.

Section 2. Convert GPT to MBR without data loss

To convert GPT to MBR without losing data and without access to the operating system, you can use the command line interface of a Linux live CD or a Windows installation media to run the `bootrec /fixmbr` command. This command will rewrite the master boot record (MBR) of the system disk to a traditional MBR format, effectively converting the GPT partition table to MBR.

Step 1. To boot your computer, insert the bootable USB, enter the BIOS settings, and the Qiling Disk Master main interface will appear.

Boot Preference

Step 2. To convert GPT to MBR without losing data, right-click the hard drive and select "Convert to MBR" from the pop-up menu.

Convert Data Disk to MBR

Step 3. After that, you will wait to the main interface.

To convert a GPT disk to MBR without an operating system, you can use Qiling Disk Master. Simply right-click the GPT disk, select "Convert to MBR Disk" in the pop-up menu, and follow the wizard to complete the conversion, ensuring that your data remains intact. If you need to do the reverse, converting an MBR disk to GPT, you would follow a similar process, selecting "Convert to GPT Disk" instead, and the software will guide you through the conversion without data loss.

Notes:
If a GPT hard drive has more than 4 primary partitions, Qiling Disk Master will automatically convert the 4th and later partitions to logical partitions during the conversion process.
Qiling Disk Master enables you to convert a boot disk between MBR and GPT, but note that converting a boot MBR to GPT may prevent the disk from booting due to Windows 32-bit OS limitations, and also ensure your motherboard supports EFI/UEFI.

Final words

If you've accidentally formatted your system disk and need to convert GPT to MBR without an operating system, don't panic - Qiling Disk Master can help. This powerful tool allows you to easily organize your devices with features like releasing C drive space, converting file systems, cloning disks, and more, making it a reliable solution to fix this problem.

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