Why convert GPT to MBR?
GPT (GUID Partition Table) and MBR (Master Boot Record) are two types of partition tables that are used for describing the partition on a disk. GPT is newer than MBR, so it has more advantages than MBR in many aspects. From the form table down below, you can see the comparison between MBR and GPT.
But it doesn’t mean MBR is out of date. There are some factors to determine that you need to convert a GPT disk to MBR. As can be seen from the table, MBR is more compatible, which supports BIOS and old systems while GPT supports UEFI and new systems. So there are some users still planning to convert GPT to MBR. But how to convert GPT disk to MBR?
How to convert GPT to MBR with Hirens Boot CD?
When it comes to convert GPT to MBR, you may want to use the Hirens Boot CD. It puts lots of the diagnostic, recovery, repair utilities you need on a convenient CD. You probably know you need to create a bootable CD to use these functions. But you may feel confused because its operational procedure is somewhat complex. Here we will tell the details about how to convert GPT to MBR with Hirens Boot CD.
Part 1. Create Hiren’s Boot CD
First of all, you need to prepare a blank CD/DVD and download the Hirens Boot CD zip file, then burn the image to the CD/DVD.
Step 1. Download Hirens Boot CD and insert a blank CD/DVD or flash drive to your computer, and extract the zip file. Double-click to open BurnCDCC.exe.
Step 2. In the pop-up window, choose CD/DVD as the Device. Check the Read Verify, Finalize, Auto Eject. Then click “Start” to burn the files.
When it is completed, you would have a Hirens bootable CD. Then go for part 2 to learn how to start converting GPT to MBR using the Hirens boot CD.
Part 2. Convert GPT to MBR with Hirens Boot CD
Now follow these steps to convert GPT to MBR.
Step 1. Reboot your computer from the Hiren Boot CD, then you will see lots of utilities on the window. Select “Dos Programs” > “Partition Tools”
Step 2. Now, you will see what the Hiren Boot CD contains, you can choose a partition tool to perform the GPT to MBR conversion, here we choose “Gparted Partition Editor” as an example. Then press “Start” to open it.
Step 3. After a few minutes, you will enter to Gparted desktop, then open Partition Editor, then click “Device menu” > “New partition table” > “MBR” > “Apply”.
Warning: this operation will erase all data on the entire disk. If there are some important data on it, please backup the disk beforehand,
Now, just wait for the operation to finish. And you can insert the Hirens bootable CD to any other computers for converting GPT disk to MBR, even including the computer that cannot boot into OS successfully.
Hirens Boot CD alternative to convert GPT to MBR without CD
As shown above, you can use Hirens Boot CD to convert GPT to MBR, but you need to create a bootable CD/USB or USB, then reboot the computer to operate. It is a little bit troublesome, right? Can it be easier with a good converter?
Yes, it can be. A GPT to MBR converter is highly recommended here-AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. With AOMEI Partition Assistant, you don’t need to create a bootable CD, and you can convert data or system disk between GPT to MBR without data loss.
Click here to know its detailed steps: How to Convert GPT to MBR?
