How to Check MBR or GPT Partition Style | MBR vs GPT | Convert GPT to MBR or MBR to GPT (2024)

When installing Windows or configuring hard drives, you'll come acrosstwopartitioning options -MBR (Master Boot Record) or GPT (GUID Partition Table). But how can you check which one your system is currently configured for?

In this guide, I'll explain what MBR and GPT are, when to use each, and how to identify your Windows partition scheme/style. Let's dive into the guide and ensure your storage setup is optimized for your needs.

What is MBR vs GPT Partitioning? Which One Should You Choose?

MBR (Master Boot Record)is theolderlegacy partitioning scheme that has a 2.2TB maximum partition size limit. MBR uses32-bitlogical block addresses.

GPT (GUID Partition Table)isnewerand has no practical limit on partition sizes. GPT uses64-bitaddressing for much larger drive capacities.

When to Use MBR or GPT Partitioning

Use MBR for:

• Older Windows versions like XP or Windows 7
• Smaller hard drives and SSDs below 2TB
• Booting legacy BIOS systems (not UEFI)

Use GPT for:

• Newer Windows 8, 10, and 11 installations
• Drives larger than 2TB that need bigger partitions
• Modern UEFI booting method
• Advanced features like Boot Partition and data redundancy

How to Check Your Partition Scheme/Style: 3 Simple Methods

Now, let’s jump forward to know how to check your partition scheme/style. There are different ways but this guide covers 3 simple ways to identify if your disk is using MBR or GPT partitioning.

Method 1.Checking if the Disk is MBR or GPTthrough PowerShell

Method 2.Checking if the Disk is MBR or GPTthrough CMD

Method 3.Checking if the Disk is MBR or GPTthrough Disk Management

Method 1.Checking if the Disk is MBR or GPT through PowerShell

With PowerShell, you can check the partition style with justa single command.

1. Open PowerShell byRight-clickingon the'Start'. You can open either‘Windows PowerShell’or‘Windows PowerShell (Admin)’. Each will do your work.
2. Type the following command;

get-disk 

This will display all disks with their partition scheme - either MBR or GPT.

Method 2.Checking if the Disk is MBR or GPT through CMD

Here's how to check your partition scheme using CMD:

1. Open theWindows search barand type‘cmd’, then you can simply click onOpenor canRun as Administrator. Alternatively, you can press‘Win+R’to openRun, then search for‘cmd’and clickOKto launch Command Prompt (CMD).
2. Typediskpartand hit enter then typelist diskto show all connected drives.
3. Note the disk number of the one you want to check. In the disk details, in theGPT columnif there is* (asterisk)then it means the partition scheme is‘GPT’, and if there isno *then it means the partition scheme/style is‘MBR’.

Method 3.Checking if the Disk is MBR or GPT through Disk Management

Checking your partition style is easy in Windows Disk Management:

1. Right-click the“Start”button or press“Wind+X”and select"Disk Management". Alternatively, you can also open Disk Management with the help of Run. Press theWin+Rto openRun, then typediskmgmt.mscinto the Run Search box and then clickOKto open Disk Management.
2. In Disk Management, right-click on theDisk #that you want to check, then click onProperties, and it will open a new window.
3. Go to the‘Volumes’tab and there you will findDisk Information. There you will see if yourPartition StyleisMBR (Master Boot Record) or GT (GUID Partition Table).
4. After checking, you can click OK to close the Properties window and then Disk Management.

How to Convert MBR to GPT (or GPT to MBR) Without Losing Data

Converting your hard drive or SSD between the MBR and GPT partition styles doesn't have to result in deleting all your data. The key is using the right conversion tool to minimize the risk.

While there are a few different utilities that can convert partitions, the one I recommend isEaseUS Partition Master. Here's why it's the best for safe conversions:

• It'scompletely freeto use for MBR to GPT or vice versa conversions.
• The process is simple and automated - no need for complex command line options.
• Allows conversionwithout deleting or destroyingany of your stored data.
• Anyone can understand its simple interface
• Provides full backup of partitions before making any changes.
• Allows resizing of partitions to properly align with GPT requirements.
• Includes different other useful features for free

By using EaseUS Partition Master, you can safely change between MBR and GPT styles without worrying about lost files, applications, or other important data. It's the simplest, most reliable method.

To use EaseUS Partition Master for safe MBR to GPT conversion:

1. Download and installEaseUS Partition Master.
2. Launch EaseUS Partition Master once installed.
3. Locate and press the"Disk Converter"tab.
4. Select the partition that you want to convert.
5. Double check it is the correct disk, then click'Convert'to convert.

The process is automated - EaseUS will handle the technical restructuring of the disk partitions behind the scenes. Your data remains intact.

NOTE:The same general steps can be followed to convert from GPT back to MBR as well.

EaseUS Partition Master simplifies and automates conversion between partition schemes. With its straightforward wizards, you can safely convert between MBR and GPT without any risk of losing your data, applications, or operating system.