How to Fix "Can't Convert to Dynamic Disk" Error [Step-by-Step Guide]

Sherly updated on Jan 11, 2024 | Home >Computer Instruction

Dynamic disk usage allows users to build various mirrored and striped volumes. Unfortunately, many Windows customers have reported encountering the issue that Windows tools, such as Disk Management, cannot convert their disks to dynamic disks and display various error messages in Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, or 7. This article will discover some answers to your questions about this issue.

Why You Can't Convert to Dynamic Disk

The error "Can't Convert to Dynamic Disk" is a common problem faced by most users; let's look at why it happens.

  • Invalid pack name

"Pack name invalid" is one error message. This issue happens in China, Japan, and Korea while running Windows Vista, 7/8. It asks you to name your machine whenever you install a new Windows.

  • The object does not support the operation

When changing the basic disk to a dynamic disk, certain users may see "The object does not support the operation." The dynamic disk doesn't operate on Firmware or removable disks. If a volume spanned a detachable disk, the volume breaks. Basic disks on laptops can't be turned into dynamic disks. 

  • No storage

When converting it to a dynamic disk, you may receive an error indicating "no enough space to accomplish this process." To construct the database for the dynamic disk, you must have at least 1 MB of storage space in MBR. 

  • Security is enabled

You might encounter the problem "The disk could not be changed to dynamic because security is configured on the partition" while converting basic to dynamic disk through Disk Management. You can't activate a dynamic disk on a disk with system partitions. Dynamic disk deletes all disk partitions.

  • Convert to dynamic disk option grayed out

When you attempt to convert the basic disk to a dynamic disk using Windows Disk Management, you may find the option to convert to dynamic disk greyed out.

convert to dynamic disk gray out

Four Fixes for "Can't Convert to Dynamic Disk" Error

If you are facing any error like the "Can't Convert to Dynamic Disk," you can use any of the following fixes to resolve the issue; let's have a look:

Fix 1. Convert MBR to GPT

Fix 2. Change/Modify PC's Name

Fix 3. Create Storage Pools

Fix 4. Upgrade Motherboard Driver

Now, let's start with the first fix to convert MBR to GPT.

Fix 1. Convert MBR to GPT

A great way to resolve this error is with the help of EaseUS Partition Master Professional, a trustworthy disk conversion application; you can easily and quickly switch your disk from the MBR to the GPT with only a few clicks. On two fronts, it outperforms Disk Management and DiskPart:

• To facilitate disk conversion, EaseUS Partition Master does not remove any partitions.

• While migrating from MBR to GPT or vice versa, EaseUS Partition Master does not delete any data on the drive.

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

Step 1. Download and launch EaseUS Partition Master on your computer.

Step 2. Go to Disk Converter, select "Convert MBR to GPT" and click "Next" to continue.

convert MBR to GPT - 1

Step 3. Select the target MBR disk that you tend to convert to GPT, and click "Convert" to start the conversion.

convert MBR to GPT - 2

It would help if you familiarized yourself with the following list of key features offered by EaseUS Partition master:

  • Convert MBR to GPT or vice versa
  • Move Windows 11 to a new solid-state drive with a single click
  • Fix the error caused by low disk space by extending C over many disks
  • Make the switch from an MBR (Master boot record) disk to a GPT disk for Windows 11

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

Fix 2. Change/Modify PC's Name

If you're getting the "the name is invalid" notice while trying to convert to a dynamic disk, altering your computer's name may help. Here, therefore, are the procedures in their entirety.

Step 1: Open the Run Windows by pressing the Win + R keys together. Type in sysdm.cpl followed by clicking OK.

Step 2: In the pop-up box, choose the options you want by clicking the Change button.

change user name

Step 3: Give your PC its new moniker on the next page. The name must not include any double-byte characters. To permanently commit the new name, choose OK.

Fix 3. Create Storage Pools

You may utilize Storage Pools to set up a mirrored volume to avoid losing data from basic to dynamic disk when security is turned on. Without upgrading your basic disk to dynamic, you may utilize your storage space similar to a mirrored volume. How to set up a storage pool is detailed below.

Step 1: Open the Control Panel and navigate to System > Storage.

Step 2: Find More storage options, and click Manage storage spaces.

manage storage space

Step 3: Select Create a new pool and storage space in the pop-up box.

Step 4: On the next screen, choose the disks you want to utilize and then hit the Create pool button to finalize the storage pool creation process.

Step 5: set up your fresh warehouse. The next page allows you to modify the storage area's name, drive letter, file system, resilience type, and size. Then, press create.

Fix 4. Upgrade Motherboard Driver

Upgrade your MB drivers to the latest Windows 64bit drivers if you get the "Operation not supported on this item" error message even if the device in question is not a detachable disk. You may successfully make the switch to a dynamic disk following the update.

Conclusion

Are you unable to convert basic to dynamic disk? There might be several factors contributing to this issue; nevertheless, there is no need for you to be concerned. Examine if any of the methods above will work for you. If it still does not resolve, we recommend using the easeus partition master to resolve this issue without mixing or confusing any data available.

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FAQs Related to Can't Convert to Dynamic Disk

We have discussed how to fix the "can't convert to dynamic disk" error. Now, if you have any further relative questions, read the answers below to help.

1. How much space do you need to convert to a dynamic disk?

To construct the database for the dynamic disk, you must own at least 1MB of unallocated space at the end of the MBR disk. This area is automatically allocated in Windows 2000 and Windows XP Professional.

2. Can I convert the C drive to a dynamic disk?

Follow these steps to change a basic disk to a dynamic one:

Step 1. Select Manage by clicking the Manage above button, then right-clicking the Computer icon.

Step 2. Choose Disk Management from the Computer Management menu.

Step 3. Select the disk you want to convert by right-clicking it in the window's bottom part.

Step 4. Click the OK button once you have chosen the disk you want to convert.

Step 5. Convert.

3. Can I convert a basic disk to a dynamic without losing data?

Yes. You can do so if you have a dynamic disk and want to use it with a simple disk format. Using Windows' built-in disk management utility, the basic disk may be swiftly transformed into a dynamic one. However, if there are partitions on the dynamic drive, the conversion to basic will fail.

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Updated by Sherly

Sherly joined EaseUS in 2022 and she has always loved writing articles and enjoys the fun they bring. She receives professional training here, focusing on product performance and other relative knowledge. She has written over 200 articles to help people overcome computing issues.

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