Can I Convert the Disk with OS from MBR to GPT and What Should I Do?
I'd like to know if changing the disk partition styles from MBR to GPT for a disk with OS on without losing the OS is possible. I have Windows 7 and want to install side by side Fedora 22. So, I need a GPT disk. But I have only my HD, which contains Windows 7 and is already MBR. What should I do?
Best Answered by
Roxanne· Answered on May 09, 2023
Before answering your question, you need to verify if your computer supports UEFI. If it does, you can convert the disk with OS from MBR to GPT. However, if your computer doesn't have EFI firmware, which was absent on most computers before mid-2011, you cannot convert the disk with OS from MBR to GPT. Unfortunately, GPT system disks can only boot from UEFI-supported motherboards, which means Fedora can only accept GPT as the carrier for installing the system. Hence, if you want to install Fedora, you need a GPT disk. The next section will include more details.
Situation 1: Your computer supports UEFI
In this situation, you can convert MBR to GPT and then install Fedora. In order to convert GPT to MBR without erasing data on the disk, you can try to use third-party disk conversion software like EaseUS Partition Master. It can finish the conversion process within three simple steps and does not require you to delete any partition or data on the MBR disk.
Here is a simple step-by-step tutorial on how to use EaseUS Partition Master:
Notice: To protect your sensitive data from damaging or wiping for some artificial operation reasons, we suggest you make a full backup for your MBR disk.
Step 1. Download EaseUS Partition Master on your computer and run it.
Step 2. Navigate to the "Disk Converter" section and choose the "Convert MBR to GPT" feature, and click "Next."
Step 3. Select the target MBR disk to convert to GPT and click "Convert" to force the process.
After the conversion, your need to reinstall the Windows and Fedora in two different partitions on the GPT, which can prevent the two systems from disturbing each other.
Situation 2: Your computer does not support UEFI
Since your computer does not support UEFI boot mode, you can neither change the disk from MBR to GPT nor install Fedora on your MBR disk. EaseUS experts suggest you install Fedora on a UEFI-supported computer with a GPT disk.
