Is It Possible to Convert BitLocker Encrypted GPT Drive to MBR?
I have found some guides on how to do this in diskpart, but they don't mention if it would work with Bitlocker. I want to run SpinRite on that drive. I have a good experience with it on SSD. It seems to have fixed my father's pc weird performance problems, and I think there might also be troubles with my work laptop drive. What can I do?
Best Answered by
Roxanne· Answered on May 11, 2023
Yes, it is possible to convert Bitlocker encrypted GPT drive to MBR. Bitlocker, a technology first used in Windows Vista, provides full-volume encryption that can help add an extra layer of security to your storage devices, including internal and external hard drives and removable devices. Thus, if you want to convert Bitlocker encrypted GPT drive to MBR, you need first to remove the Bitlocker encryption. Next, We will show you the details about removing Bitlocker encryption and converting the drive to MBR.
Turn off BitLocker
Windows allows you to disable the BitLocker encryption in many ways, and we will offer two methods that are effective to reach:
- Use command lines: Press the "Windows + X" keys and click "Command Prompt (Admin) " >Type manage-bde -off Y:(Replace the Y with your disk number).
- Use Windows Control Panel: Press "Windows + R" to type control in the box and hit OK > Click "BitLocker Drive Encryption" > Find the target drive and click "Turn off BitLocker."
After turning off the Bitlocker encryption, you can continue with the disk conversion process.
Convert GPT to MBR
Diskpart of Windows can convert between MBR and GPT, but it will erase your data and cause many problems. If you fear this built-in utility will damage your important data, use a reliable third-party tool. EaseUS Partition Master can enable you to execute basic and advanced partition operations, including converting GPT to MBR without data loss.
Follow the instructions given below to use EaseUS Partition Master:
Notice: It's essential to back up the disk data so as to avoid losing or damaging it due to system malfunction, hardware failures, or human operation errors.
Step 1. Click the button to download and install everything you need to run this software.
Step 2. Use the "Convert GPT to MBR" feature under the "Disk Converter" tool on the left side and click "Next."
Step 3. Tick the target GPT disk in the menu, and click "Convert" to finish.
After the conversion, you need to switch the boot mode from UEFI to Legacy, and the below link will teach you how:
More Information: How to Disable UEFI Mode and Set Up Legacy Mode?
