Different between MBR and GPT partition

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Introduction

In this post, we will discuss the differences between MBR (Master Boot Record) and GPT (GUID Partition Table) and help you choose the right partition style for your PC or Mac.

Whenever you buy a new computer or a hard disk drive, you must partition the drive before it can be used. Disk partitioning means dividing a physical hard drive into multiple independent volumes, allowing you to organize your data into different segments according to your needs. MBR and GPT are two distinct ways of storing partitioning information on a drive. This layout tells your operating system where each partition starts and ends, as well as which partition is bootable.

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Key Differences Between MBR and GPT Partitions

• Age and Standard: MBR is an older standard (introduced in 1983 with IBM PC DOS 2.0), while GPT is a newer standard designed to replace it.

• Compatibility: MBR supports almost all legacy and modern operating systems, making it highly compatible. GPT is newer and typically requires modern 64-bit operating systems (like Windows 11, 10, or macOS) and UEFI firmware.

• Size Limits: MBR only supports disk sizes up to 2 TB. GPT bypasses this restriction and supports massive drives—up to 9.4 ZB (Zettabytes).

• Partition Limits: MBR allows for a maximum of 4 primary partitions. If you need more, you must turn one primary partition into an "extended partition" to create logical drives inside it. GPT supports up to 128 primary partitions natively in Windows without needing extended partitions.

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How to Convert Between MBR and GPT

⚠️ Important: Both of the methods below will entirely wipe the targeted drive. Make sure to back up or move your data before proceeding.

Method 1: Using the Windows Disk Management Interface

1. Back up or move your data to another drive.

2. Open Disk Management (right-click the Start button and select Disk Management).

3. If the disk contains any partitions or volumes, right-click each volume and click Delete Volume or Delete Partition until the disk shows as "Unallocated."

4. Right-click the empty MBR disk you want to modify and select Convert to GPT Disk (or vice versa).

Method 2: Using the Command Line (Diskpart)

1. Back up your data before starting.

2. Open the Start menu, search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.

3. Type diskpart and press Enter.

4. Type list disk and press Enter. Take note of the disk number you want to convert.

5. Type select disk <disk number> (Replace <disk number> with the actual number, e.g., select disk 1).

6. Type clean and press Enter. Note: This will erase all data and partitions on the selected disk.

7. Type convert gpt (or convert mbr if you are reverting back) and press Enter.

8. Once successful, type exit to close Diskpart.

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