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Partitioning the mbr disk when installing windows 10. Installing the operating system. How to change hard drive type

This instruction tells you what to do if you clean install Windows 10 or 8 (8.1) from a flash drive or disk on a computer or laptop, the program reports that installation on this disk is impossible because the selected disk contains an MBR partition table. In systems EFI Windows can only be installed on a GPT disk. In theory, this could happen when installing Windows 7 with EFI boot, but I haven’t encountered it myself. At the end of the manual there is also a video where all the ways to fix the problem are clearly shown.

The error text tells us (if something in the explanation is not clear, it’s okay, we’ll look into it later) that you booted from an installation flash drive or disk in EFI mode (not Legacy), but on the current hard drive on which you want to install system, there is a partition table that does not correspond to this type of boot - MBR, not GPT (this may be due to the fact that Windows 7 or XP was previously installed on this computer, as well as replacing hard disk). Hence the error in the installer “Windows cannot be installed on the disk partition.” See also: . You may also encounter the following error (follow the link for its solution):

There are two ways to fix the problem and install Windows 10, 8 or Windows 7 on a computer or laptop:

  1. Convert the disk from MBR to GPT, and then install the system.
  2. Change boot type from EFI to Legacy in BIOS (UEFI) or by selecting it in Boot Menu, as a result of which the error stating that there is an MBR partition table on the disk will not appear.

This instruction will cover both options, but in modern realities I would recommend using the first of them (although debates about which is better - GPT or MBR, or rather, the uselessness of GPT can be heard, however, this is already becoming standard partition structure for hard drives and SSD).

Fixing the error “On EFI systems, Windows can only be installed on a GPT disk” by converting an HDD or SSD to GPT


The first method involves using EFI boot (which has advantages and is better left alone) and simple conversion disk to GPT (more precisely, converting its partition structure) and subsequent installation of Windows 10 or Windows 8. This is the method I recommend, and it can be implemented in two ways.

  1. In the first case, all data from the hard drive or SSD will be deleted (from the entire drive, even if it is divided into several partitions). But this method is fast and does not require any additional funds- this can be done directly in the Windows setup program.
  2. The second method saves data on the disk and in the partitions on it, but will require the use of a third-party free program and recording boot disk or flash drives with this program.

Converting a disk to GPT with data loss

If this method suits you, then just click Shift keys+ F10 in the Windows 10 or 8 installer, this will open the command prompt. For laptops, you may need to press Shift + Fn + F10.

In the command line, enter the commands in order, pressing Enter after each (there is also a screenshot below demonstrating the execution of all commands, but some of the commands in it are optional):

  1. diskpart
  2. list disk(after executing this command, in the list of disks, mark the number for yourself system disk, on which you need to install Windows, hereinafter referred to as N).
  3. select disk N
  4. clean
  5. convert gpt
  6. exit

After executing these commands, close the command line, click “Update” in the partition selection window, and then select unallocated space and continue the installation (or you can first use the “Create” item to partition the disk), it should be successful (in some cases, if the disk is not displayed in the list, you should restart the computer from the bootable USB flash drive or Windows disk again and repeat the installation process).

Update 2018: Or you can simply delete all partitions from the disk without exception in the installation program, select unallocated space and click “Next” - the disk will be automatically converted to GPT and the installation will continue.

How to convert a disk from MBR to GPT without losing data

The second method is in case there is data on the hard drive that you under no circumstances want to lose when installing the system. In this case, you can use third-party programs, of which for this particular situation I recommend Minitool Partition Wizard Bootable, which is bootable iso with a free program for working with disks and partitions, which, among other things, can convert a disk to GPT without losing data.

You can download the ISO image of Minitool Partition Wizard Bootable for free from official page http://www.partitionwizard.com/partition-wizard-bootable-cd.html (update: they have removed the image from this page, but you can still download it, as shown in the video below in current instruction) after which it will need to be burned either onto a CD or made bootable USB flash drive(for this ISO image When using EFI boot, you simply need to copy the contents of the image onto a flash drive previously formatted in FAT32 to make it bootable. The Secure Boot feature must be disabled in the BIOS).

After booting from the drive, select to start the program, and after it starts, do the following:


If in the second step you receive an error message that the disk is a system disk and it cannot be converted, then you can do the following to get around this:


That's all. Now you can close the program, boot from the installation Windows drive and perform the installation, the error “installation on this disk is not possible because the selected disk contains an MBR partition table. On EFI systems, Windows can only be installed on a GPT disk” will not appear, and the data will be safe.

Video instruction

Fixing an error when installing without converting the disk

The second way to get rid of the error On EFI systems, Windows can only be installed on a GPT disk in the Windows 10 or 8 installer - do not turn the disk into GPT, but turn the system into a non-EFI one.

How to do it:

  • If you start your computer from a bootable USB flash drive, then for this purpose, select the item with your USB drive without the UEFI mark, then the boot will occur in Legacy mode.
  • You can do the same in the BIOS settings (UEFI) and put in first place a flash drive without the EFI mark or UEFI in first place.
  • You can disable EFI boot mode in the UEFI settings and install Legacy or CSM (Compatibility Support Mode), in particular if you boot from a CD.

I think I took everything into account possible options fixes the described error, but if something continues to not work, ask - I will try to help with the installation.

Consideration of the error “there is an MBR partition table on the selected disk”, identification of solutions, and also a description of the solution to the problem regarding disabling the Secure Boot property. The selected disk contains an MBR partition table, which means Windows is installed on this PC.

This problem occurs when updating operating system from Windows 7, XP, Vista to later using a storage device, HDD remains in the old conversion - MBR.

And Windows 10 and 8 support GPT hard drive orientation because they are an EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) system, or UEFI, which replaced BIOS as a more advanced base operating system.

Of course, this innovation is counterbalanced by arguments regarding the impossibility of working with devices that support BIOS configuration, older computer models that are still in use, etc.

However, it is not difficult to get out of the situation when old format MBR disk stands in the way of installing what you want Windows numbers. That is, ways to solve the problem:

  • converting the hard drive to GPT (then the MBR is completely formatted);
  • changing the base operating system to BIOS (then EFI, or UEFI, ceases to operate, and related innovations).

Nevertheless, despite some resistance towards the new base OS (and, accordingly, the GPT disk format), it is the conversion of disks or even the sale of disks with the original GPT that is gaining momentum.

How to resolve the error

Read also: TOP 6 Ways to completely clear hard drive “C” of unnecessary files on Windows 7/10

If the disk has an MBR partition table, you can convert it to GPT, after which the information will be completely erased from it, despite the fact that the hard drive consists of several parts.

To do this, you only need the program that installs Windows.

Sometimes the option of making changes to the base OS is used, that is, changing it to the BIOS. But this path will require additional: third-party free program, recording on the storage device of this program.

How to Convert Hard Drive to GPT

Read also:

To open a line for entering commands, you must press Shift and F10 simultaneously (this manipulation is only suitable for OS 10 and 8 on a PC). It might work on a laptop additional button Fn to the above combination.

It is important to type the command and then press enter:

  • diskpart;
  • list disk (when these two words are entered, it is better to note the number of the disk that you are going to install; here it is denoted by H);
  • select disk N;
  • clean;
  • convert gpt.

Upon completion of the process, you need to open the command line again and select update in the window where you select partitions.

After which it is selected empty space, installation continues. By the way, you can first use the creation point to distribute the disk into parts.

Advice: if suddenly the disk is not in the list, you can reboot your personal computer from a flash drive (which is bootable) with the OS and complete the installation.

How to convert a disk to GPT while preserving the information

Read also: We create our own bootable USB flash drive with utilities for Windows (7/8/10)

If the selected partition contains an mbr partition table, you need to convert the disk, and data loss is undesirable, there is a way out.

After which (assuming we load the basic EFI operating system), you can rewrite what is in the image onto a flash drive.

But before that, you need to format it in FAT32 so that it is bootable. Moreover, the Secure Boot parameter must be deactivated in the BIOS.

After completing the boot process from the storage device, you need to launch the program by selecting the appropriate button. When the launch occurs:

1 Select the disk destined to undergo conversion. Please note that this is nothing else, just a disk.

2 In the column on the left you must select the position that corresponds to the goal. conversion

3 Then you need to select Apply and agree to the warning in the window that appears. Then all that remains is to wait for the time proportional to the size of the disk. That is, if it is small in size, the duration will not be prolonged. But when his memory is very full, there are many small components or, conversely, several very large ones, then he will have to be patient.

It happens that when choosing convertible disk, the computer begins to protest. That is, it gives an error and gives arguments that the disk is a system one and it will not be possible to carry out the user’s intention.

Then you can do the following:

1 Find in the initial stages of the disk Windows boot loader, select it (usually it takes up to five hundred megabytes).

2 Find in menu top line and click Delete. Then apply the process by clicking Apply. It is recommended to use the freed up space for the bootloader, which will be located in a FAT32 (file system).

After the above described manipulations, you can close the program and install Windows according to the intended scheme.

Changing the base operating system as an option to solve the problem with MBR partitions

Read also: How to Save Passwords When Reinstalling System: 2019 Methods

As described earlier, there are two options for solving the problem of errors regarding MBR partitions.

The first was to change the hard drive format, that is, this MBR should be replaced by GPT, which fully meets the requirements of the basic EFI OS with which new Windows systems work.

But the option of changing not the disk format, but the base OS, is also available, that is, from EFI to BIOS.

Many experts believe that this idea does not correspond to current realities, where it is difficult to survive on a rather primitive OS (compared to the new version).

They think the computers are filling up big amount information, programs, etc. And with the BIOS policy, the PC will not perform its functions, which will ultimately lead to great inconvenience in operation.

But, perhaps, this particular scheme will be more suitable for someone, if only because the PC itself is from older models, and it would be difficult for it to cope with such innovations.

When booting a PC using the installation flash drive, it is important to use the Boot Menu. It should be taken into account that the button that is needed is the one that leads to the use of a storage device without a UEFI (EFI) icon. This will cause the computer to start in Legacy order.

By the way, in the settings of the storage device in the BIOS, you can configure parameters with EFI or without using UEFI in the same way.

Moreover, the EFI parameters completely allow you to deactivate the boot function from using UEFI, and then install Legacy or Compatibility Support Mode.

This option is also suitable when using a storage device inserted into a disk drive.

It should be noted that sometimes this option may fail or cause an error, but to fix this, it is enough to change the BIOS parameters to deactivate Secure Boot, sometimes it is worth checking the OS setting, it should not be Windows.

Guide to disabling Secure Boot

Read also: Windows Installer package error: causes and solutions in 2019

This is not a setting that belongs to any version of Windows, but rather a property of the operating system. It controls absence third party programs and systems when starting the computer.

That is, in general, this is required part, but sometimes it gets in the way. And the case where it is impossible to install another OS may be precisely because of the Secure Boot property. What you need to know to deactivate it:

In order to configure the operating system correctly, you need to go to the appropriate window.

So, in Windows 8, you can simply go to change settings through the left panel and in additional parameters find PC settings (UEFI).

For each Windows OS number there is an individual path to these properties.

There are also more universal method: during the process, when the PC turns on, simultaneously use the “delete” and F2 keys. It should be taken into account that Notebook can react to a combination of Fn and F2.

Disabling Asus Hardware from Secure Boot

Read also: How to change the Windows network type: Instructions for all versions (7/8/10)

To disable laptops or motherboards under this name, you need to go to the EFI options, where the boot tab will lead to secure boot, and then you need to select “other OS” in the “type OS”. F10 will help fix the settings.

It should be noted that in certain cases with Asus you should find the security or bot tab, and configure Security Boot there.

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Very often, users have problems installing Windows 10 or 8 at the stage of working with partitions due to the fact that the partition style is made using MBR tables, which is completely unsuitable for new operating systems, because they contain new technologies.

Let's try to figure out how to fix this problem and bring the Windows installation to its logical conclusion.

What to do if Windows installation is not possible due to partition style - MBR tables

For reference. First of all, you need to figure out what could be causing the error in question. In general, the reason for this can be the only factor: installation flash drive or a disk with Windows OS is made in EFI mode (typical of the tenth and eighth versions), but the necessary partition for installing the system is MBR style, not GPT. Most often this happens if up to this point the computer was using Windows XP or 7.

To solve the problem, you can use two fundamentally different approaches:

1. Make the transition from MBR to GPT partition style

2. Leave the current style and change the BIOS (UEFI) value from EFI to Legacy in the boot priority menu.

Let's take a closer look at each of the ways to solve the problem.

Change MBR disk to GPT style

To carry out the operation to change the MBR disk style to GPT, call the console and use service commands to complete this procedure, however, it involves deleting all information located on the hard drive. This creates difficulties in transferring important data, but this method is more correct.

1. To perform the conversion using the console, at the stage of the error, click Shift+F10. In the window that appears, type sequentially following commands:

  • Diskpart (call a procedure that should remake a specific disk);
  • list disk (after this operation, all available disks for installing the OS will be displayed on the screen. Be sure to remember the number that appears next to the disk on which you plan to install);
  • select disk N (instead of the N symbol, use the number that marked the disk in the previous step);
  • clean (this stage cleans the selected disk, that is, deletes all data);
  • convert gpt (direct conversion);
  • create partition primary (partition creation);
  • assign (direct connection to the system);
  • exit (exit the “master” of this procedure).

After the actions taken, the process Windows installations will continue as usual. Only sometimes there are cases when a reboot is required to full installation OS.

If you want to convert an MBR disk to GPT without losing all information, you need to use one of special programs, but in the opinion of experts this method is less acceptable.

Solve the problem without converting MBR disk to GPT

This method, in normal language, does not imply changing the partition style, but changing the boot method (from EFI to Legacy). This procedure can be done in the following ways:

When selecting the device you want to boot from, find and select Boot from removable media, but without the EFI pointer.

Reach required result It is possible in the BIOS when setting the boot priority of a particular device. In the UEFI settings, you can change the EFI parameters to Legacy (this is done in the tab that contains device boot priority items, etc.).

Important, no matter which method you choose, be sure to set the Secure Boot item to “Off” in the BIOS.

Both options have a right to life, but based on personal observations of IT specialists, it is best to use conversion using service commands (with complete removal all information in the section).

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Windows Installation: Using MBR or GPT Partition Style

When you install Windows on a UEFI-based computer using Setup Windows style Your hard drive's partitions must be configured to support UEFI mode or legacy BIOS compatibility mode.

For example, if you receive the error message “Windows cannot be installed on this drive. On specified disk GPT partition style is not used" means your computer is booted in UEFI mode, but the hard drive is not configured to support this mode. You can do the following:

    Reboot your computer in legacy BIOS compatibility mode. This option allows you to maintain the existing section style. additional information see section.

    Reformat the drive to support UEFI using the GPT partition style. This option allows you to take advantage of the computer's UEFI firmware capabilities.

    You can do this yourself by reformatting the drive using the instructions below; and if you need to save data, use third party program to convert the disk to GPT format.

Why should I convert my drive?

Many computers support the ability to use UEFI version as a BIOS, which speeds up booting and shutdown and provides a number of security benefits. To boot your PC in UEFI mode, you will need a drive formatted using the GPT format.

Many computers are ready to use UEFI, but are equipped with a Compatibility Support Module (CSM) that is configured to use outdated version BIOS. This BIOS version was developed in the 1970s and implements compatibility of various older equipment and network configurations; For it to work, the disk must be in MBR format.

However, the basic MBR disk format does not support disks larger than 4 TB. It's also difficult to configure more than four partitions. Format GPT disk allows you to configure disks larger than 4 terabytes (TB) and allows you to easily configure as many partitions as you need.

Reformatting a disk using a different partition style

Removing and Converting a Disk Using Windows Setup

    When choosing an installation type, specify Selective.

    On the screen Select a partition to install Windows, highlight each partition on the disk and select Delete. The disc will show single area unallocated space.

    Select the unallocated space and click the button Further. Windows will detect that the computer was booted in UEFI mode and will reformat the drive using the GPT format and begin installation.

Cleaning the disk and converting it to GPT manually:

    Turn off your PC and insert the DVD or USB key with Windows installation into it.

    Boot your PC from DVD or USB key in UEFI mode. For more information, see .

    In Windows Setup, press the keyboard shortcut Shift+F10 to open a command prompt window.

    Open the diskpart tool:

    Specify the drive you want to reformat.

    Select the drive and reformat it.

IN last years production of computers with an outdated input/output system began bootstrap BIOS has changed on motherboards with a fundamentally new type of long-term storage device firmware. This type has the abbreviated name UEFI and has a graphical interface similar to Windows, a more robust system for duplicating and restoring boot data, internal antivirus protection and the possibility of using computer mouse. This was required due to an increase in output hard drives with a volume of over two terabytes and an advanced partition type (GPT), which are not supported by the BIOS. To administer the bootloader, the built-in UEFI-boot utility is used, which is reminiscent of the BIOS in structure and significantly speeds up starting a laptop or desktop computer. When installing Windows 10 on a computer with a UEFI interface, use a USB drive adapted for modernized booting.

Setting up UEFI before installing Windows 10 from a flash card

UEFI is GUI, which is responsible for the pre-boot environment of the operating system.

UEFI is essentially a replacement for the outdated basic BIOS input/output system, which has been successfully used in many decades. computer technologies. The world does not stand still, but moves forward by leaps and bounds, so it’s time to part with an old, trusted “friend” who has repeatedly helped when problems arise. various problems. Created back in 2005 and improved over the past ten years, the “Extensible Firmware Interface” is much more responsive to the requirements of modern computer hardware. The need for its implementation arose a long time ago, and now all new models personal computers are released with UEFI installed.

Controlling the startup of a laptop or desktop computer The UEFI-boot boot loader program, similar to the BIOS, begins to start when the computer is turned on before Windows startup 10. With its support, all components and modules are polled to determine their readiness for work, and then Windows 10 itself is checked. License code a program that prevents viruses from modifying the bootloader and installing pirated copies of Windows 10, can be located in a non-volatile memory chip built into motherboard, V hidden area hard drive or to your own network storage. UEFI management and debugging are easy to use and adapted to create maximum convenience

users.

If you have an idea about BIOS debugging, then there will be no problems setting up UEFI:

After completing this algorithm of actions, you can begin installing Windows 10.

Video: how to configure UEFI before booting Windows 10 from a flash card

Converting an MBR drive to a GPT driveBefore converting an MBR disk to a GPT disk, rewrite the entire block of information to a removable flash card, because all data will be erased

. After conversion, the entire block of information is rewritten back to the hard drive.

  1. To convert a hard drive with MBR partitions to GPT partitions, two methods are used:
  2. Using the Diskpart.exe interpreter: By using standard utility

"Disk Management": No need to convert at all hard drive when installing Windows 10. It is enough to turn off the “ Secure Boot

"and install "top ten" from a regular flash drive. The whole usefulness of the GPT table is that it supports drives with a capacity of over two terabytes, so if the drive is smaller, then there is no point in converting it.

Video: How to convert MBR drive to GPT and vice versa using Command Line

Creating a UEFI flash card for installing Windows 10 To install Windows 10 from a flash card, you must first assign a boot priority in UEFI . There is a choice of primary boot for both a hard drive with MBR partitions and a hard drive with a GPT table. To assign a priority in UEFI, go to the “Boot Priority” block and set the flash card with installation 10.


Windows files

Video: How to assign boot priority in UEFI

In cases where a bootable flash drive for Windows 10 is created in the MediaCreationTool program, a product of Microsoft Corporation, the FAT32 file allocation table structure is generated automatically. The program simply does not offer any other options, immediately making the flash card universal. Using it, you can install “tens” on a standard hardware with BIOS or UEFI. There is no difference.

If your computer has an integrated bootloader that supports UEFI interface, to install Windows 10, you may only use storage media formatted according to the FAT32 standard.

There is another option for creating a universal flash card using the administrator console " Command line" The algorithm of actions in this case will be as follows:

  1. Launch the Run service through Accessories services in the Start button menu.
  2. Type the following commands and confirm them by pressing Enter:

    3. Download from the site Microsoft file with ISO image "tens".

    Double-click the image file, opening it and simultaneously connecting it to the virtual drive.

    After selecting all the files and directories of the image, copy them by clicking the “Copy” button.

    Insert everything into the free area of ​​the flash card.

    Copy files to free place flash drives

    This completes the process of creating a universal bootable flash card. You can start installing “tens”.

    Removable drive prepared for installation of Windows 10

The created universal flash card will be bootable both for computers with basic system BIOS I/O, and for those where UEFI is integrated.

Video: how to create a bootable USB flash drive for Windows 10 using WINDOWS 7 USB/DVD DOWNLOAD TOOL, Command Line or Windows Media Creation Tool

Creating a flash card only for computers with MBR partitions that support UEFI

Quickly create a bootable flash drive for Windows 10 installed on a UEFI-enabled computer using software third party developer. One such program is Rufus. It is quite widespread among users and has proven itself well. Its main disadvantage is the impossibility of creating a universal bootable flash card. Does not provide installation on a hard drive. Allows you to perform a wide range of operations:

  • flash the BIOS chip;
  • generate a bootable flash drive using an ISO image of Ten or systems such as Linux;
  • use on devices with an uninstalled operating system;
  • carry out low-level formatting.

To create a bootable flash card with using Rufus pre-downloaded software from the developer's website.

When creating a flash card for a computer that supports UEFI with a hard drive that has MBR partitions, the procedure is as follows:

Video: how to use Rufus

Create a flash card only for GPT computers that support UEFI

When creating a flash card for a computer that supports UEFI with a hard drive that has a GPT boot table, you need to use the following procedure:

The Rufus program is constantly being improved and updated by the manufacturer. New version The programs can always be obtained on the official website of the developer.

To avoid problems with creating bootable media, you can resort to more effective option restoration of the “tens”. To do this, you need to install the system from the Microsoft website. Once the installation is complete, the system will prompt you to create rescue media for recovery. Select a flash card in the media selection and wait until the copy is created. In case of any failures, perform a recovery system parameters without deleting documents and installed applications. In this case, there is no need to carry out reactivation system product, so disturbing the user with a constantly pop-up reminder.

Standard errors that occur when installing Windows 10 on a GPT disk

When installing on a hard drive with GPT partitions operating systems Windows family latest generation- versions 7, 8 and 10 - problems arise due to incorrectly selected installation settings.

The first error is when the user tries to install a 32-bit Windows version 10, which is not compatible with GPT disks.

As a result, UEFI imposes installation restrictions and stops writing files to the hard drive. You can fix this error by using the 64-bit version, which is accepted by UEFI, when installing Windows 10. Second error - trying to install on Windows computer 10 when UEFI mode is disabled. To enable it, you need to set required parameters


for the bootloader program. Depending on the manufacturer, the interface of the base operating system may differ, but they are present in any version of UEFI. To turn on UEFI mode , need to be set correct parameters

for the bootloader program