What Firmware Is Required to Use the GPT Partitioning System on a Hard Drive?
I want to use the GPT partition scheme since it's newer and better. But I don't know what firmware is required to use it. I heard it's different from what MBR drive uses. And if it's ok, I need a fast way to convert MBR to GPT. Thanks a lot.
Best Answered by
Roxanne· Answered on Aug 11, 2023
The GPT (GUID Partition Table) partition scheme is a standard for partition table layout on physical hard drives. GPT requires your computer's firmware support to be used. Generally speaking, the MBR disk needs to boot on the legacy-based computer, while the GPT disks can only support UEFI mode.
Part 1. Check Boot Mode
Thus, ensure what boot mode your computer supports if you want to use the GPT partition system on a hard drive. Here is a quick step that can allow you to check the BIOS mode your computer is using without accessing the BIOS setup utility:
- Press the "Windows + R" keys to enter the Run box. Type MSInfo32 and hit "Enter."
- Locate the "BIOS Mode." If your PC is using BIOS, it will show Legacy. Or conversely, if it uses UEFI so it will show UEFI.
If your computer is newer and supports UEFI BIOS mode, you can learn how to enable and disable UEFI mode.
Part 2. Convert MBR to GPT
If your computer supports UEFI BIOS, you can convert your hard drive from MBR to GPT. Windows can help you with that using its MBR2GPT command, which requires skills and is slightly leveled up for beginners. To simplify the conversion process, I recommend you use an easy-to-use conversion tool - EaseUS Partition Master. Its disk converter enables you to convert disk between MBR and GPT, even between basic and dynamic.
Here is how to change the MBR drive into the GPT drive:
Step 1. Install and launch EaseUS Partition Master on your target PC.
Step 2. Go to "Disk Converter," click to use "Convert MBR to GPT," and hit "Next" to move on.
Step 3. Select the target MBR drive, and click "Convert" to enter the conversion process.
