Change boot system from Legacy > UEFI and set hard disk from MBT > GPT

2 min read 26-10-2024

the ifix

Change boot system from Legacy > UEFI and set hard disk from MBT > GPT

In today’s computing environment, transitioning from a Legacy BIOS to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) and converting your hard disk from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table) is essential for taking advantage of modern hardware capabilities. This guide will walk you through the process of making these changes while ensuring your data remains intact.

Understanding the Problem

When you want to upgrade your system's boot method from Legacy BIOS to UEFI and change your hard drive’s partition scheme from MBR to GPT, it involves several critical steps. Below is the original scenario:

Original Code/Problem Scenario:

Change boot system from Legacy > UEFI and set hard disk from MBT > GPT

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing for the Transition

Before you begin the transition, backup all important data to avoid any loss during the conversion process. Tools like Acronis True Image or Macrium Reflect can be very useful for creating disk images.

2. Check Your BIOS Settings

Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and press the designated key (usually F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) to enter the BIOS setup.
Change Boot Mode: Look for options related to boot configuration and switch from Legacy to UEFI. This setting may be labeled as “Boot Mode,” “Boot List Option,” or something similar.
Save Changes and Exit: Make sure to save your changes before exiting.

3. Converting MBR to GPT

To convert your hard disk from MBR to GPT, you can utilize Windows built-in tool Diskpart. Follow these steps carefully:

Open Command Prompt: Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select "Run as administrator."
Use Diskpart Utility:
```
diskpart
```
List Disks:
```
list disk
```
Select the Disk to Convert: Replace X with the disk number you want to convert.
```
select disk X
```
Clean the Disk: This step removes all partitions and data. Ensure you’ve backed up your data.
```
clean
```
Convert to GPT:
```
convert gpt
```
Exit Diskpart:
```
exit
```

4. Reinstalling Operating System

After converting your disk to GPT, you will need to reinstall your operating system to utilize UEFI settings effectively. Make sure you have a UEFI-compatible installation media.

5. Final Check

Once you have installed your operating system, double-check that your system is booting in UEFI mode:

Access BIOS again and check the boot menu.
Ensure the hard disk shows the GPT partition style by using Disk Management in Windows (right-click Start, then select Disk Management).

Why Convert from MBR to GPT?

The GPT partition scheme offers several advantages over MBR:

Support for Large Drives: GPT can handle disks larger than 2TB, while MBR can only manage up to 2TB.
Increased Number of Partitions: MBR is limited to four primary partitions, whereas GPT allows up to 128 partitions without the need for extended partitions.
Redundancy: GPT stores multiple copies of partitioning and boot data across the disk for improved data integrity.

Conclusion

Transitioning to UEFI and converting to GPT is a vital step for modern computers, ensuring better performance and compatibility with newer technologies. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily make these changes to your system.

Useful Resources

By following this comprehensive guide, you will not only enhance your system's performance but also ensure it remains up-to-date with current technological standards. Happy computing!