3 Steps to Convert SSD from MBR to GPT without Data Loss

Why convert SSD MBR to GPT?

Both MBR and GPT are the style of partition. For MBR disk, it only sustains four primary partitions and the size of a partition is 2TB. If you need to create more partitions, you can set the fourth partition as an extended partition, and then you are allowed to build more partitions or logical drives. However, GPT has unique identities (GUID) to define the partition. With GPT, you can make unlimited partitions on the hard disk. This can help you take full advantage of the disk space.

What's more, based on the official declaration of Microsoft,  the UEFI is required if you choose to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11, which means you have to choose GPT disk for Windows 11.

Additionally, the partition on GPT disk has built-in backup which is stored on the end of the disk while the original one is stored on the start. When one of the two is destroyed, you can restore it with the other.  From the above differences between MBR and GPT,  it is easy to conclude that GPT has obvious advantages over MBR disks. So, many users choose to convert SSD from MBR to GPT. 

3 steps to convert SSD from MBR to GPT without deleting partitions

Can I change my SSD from MBR to GPT? The answer is yes. Although Windows built-in tools can help convert SSD MBR to GPT Windows 10, they require you to delete all partitions, which can certainly cause data loss. Thus, we recommend AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, the powerful disk partition management software to you. With the help of the software, you can convert SSD to GPT easily without deleting partitions. Besides, it has many other features that can be widely used in your work such as resizing/moving partitions, merging partitions, allocating free space, Windows to Go Creator, and more. The following will show you the details of how to change SSD to GPT without damaging data.

Step1: Install and launch it. Select the SSD MBR disk you want to convert and right-click it. Then choose Convert to GPT or click the MBR disk and select Convert to GPT from the right column.

Step2: Click OK to continue.

Step3: In order to save the change, click the Apply button on the toolbar.

With AOMEI Partition Assistant software, you can easily convert HDD or SSD from MBR to GPT, or GPT to MBR.  If you prefer to use Windows snap-in tools like Disk Management or DiskPart.exe, you should note they can only convert an empty disk between MBR and GPT. So, to perform the conversion smoothly, you have to delete all partitions and data ahead of time. To avoid losing data, you can back up the disk first of all.

FAQs

Can I change my SSD from MBR to GPT?

Yes, you can convert your SSD from MBR to GPT without losing data. But it's important to note that this process is risky. Therefore, it is a good idea to backup your important data before proceeding.

Why can't I convert my SSD to GPT?

Converting an SSD from MBR to GPT can face obstacles due to the existing partition structure, system compatibility with UEFI, disk size limitations, and possible incompatibilities with Disk Management tools. Use third-party tools if necessary and troubleshoot any disk errors or system configurations hindering the conversion process.

How to convert SSD from MBR to GPT using CMD?

To convert an SSD from MBR to GPT using Command Prompt (CMD), follow these steps: 

Step 1. Right-click on the Start button and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Step 2.  Then type the following commands one by one:

diskpart

list disk

select disk X

convert gpt

Step 6. Once the conversion is complete, type exit and press Enter to exit.

Summary

Therefore, AOMEI Partition Assistant is a better choice than Windows Disk Management and DiskPart.exe tools when it comes to converting SSD from MBR to GPT. Besides this feature, it also allows you to convert FAT32 to NTFS, convert dynamic disk to basic one, change primary partition to logical partition, etc. And you can turn to Server Edition if your PC is running with Windows Server Edition.