How to Check MBR or GPT Partition Style | MBR vs GPT | Convert GPT to MBR or MBR to GPT

When installing Windows or configuring hard drives, you'll come across two partitioning 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 the older legacy partitioning scheme that has a 2.2TB maximum partition size limit. MBR uses 32-bit logical block addresses.

GPT (GUID Partition Table) is newer and has no practical limit on partition sizes. GPT uses 64-bit addressing for much larger drive capacities.

When to Use MBR or GPT Partitioning

Use MBR for:	Use GPT for:
Older Windows versions like XP or Windows 7 Smaller hard drives and SSDs below 2TB Booting legacy BIOS systems (not UEFI)	Newer Windows 8, 10, 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 GPT through PowerShell

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

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

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

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

1. Open PowerShell by Right-clicking on the 'Start'. You can open either ‘Windows PowerShell’ or ‘Windows PowerShell (Admin)’. Each will do your work.


2. Type get-disk and hit enter.
   


3. 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 the Windows search bar and type ‘cmd’, then you can simply click on Open or can Run as Administrator. Alternatively, you can press ‘Win+R’ to open Run, then search for ‘cmd’ and click OK to launch Command Prompt (CMD).

2. Type diskpart and hit enter then type list disk to show all connected drives.


3. Note the disk number of the one you want to check. In the disk details, in the GPT column if there is * (asterisk) then it means the partition scheme is ‘GPT’, and if there is no * 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 the Win+R to open Run, then type diskmgmt.msc into the Run Search box and then click OK to open Disk Management.

2. In Disk Management, right-click on the Disk # that you want to check, then click on Properties, and it will open a new window.

3. Go to the ‘Volumes’ tab and there you will find Disk Information. There you will see if your Partition Style is MBR (Master Boot Record) or GPT (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 is EaseUS Partition Master. Here's why it's the best for safe conversions:

• It's completely free to use for MBR to GPT or vice versa conversions.
• The process is simple and automated - no need for complex command line options.
• Allows conversion without deleting or destroying any 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 install EaseUS 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.