Understanding GPT Partition


  1. JamesJoey
    Posts : 159
    Windows 10
       New #1

    Understanding GPT Partition


    I just purchased a new PC.
    My old PC, which I had for more than 10 years had a 1 tb hdd.
    If I understand drives the the drive is MBR.
    The new drive is a SSD BPT.
    When I got this new one home the first thing I did was delete the extra partitions.
    Needless to say when I tried to run Windows setup from a boot disk Windows said
    it couldn't install because the disk is unbootable or something to that nature. Somehow
    using Diskpart I got it to install.

    My question is why didn't Windows require an EFI System partition like my new one?

    With the older drive I had only 2 partitions System and my data partition.
    Apparently I can't do that with this new PC. If I delete the EFI partition Windows won't install.

    Yes I know these partitions use up a tiny amount of space. To me that isn't the point.

    James
      My Computer
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  3. Kyhi
    Posts : 4,144
    Windows 3.1 to Windows 11
       New #2

    Your OLD MBR system supports 4 primary partitions..
    The NEW GPT system supports UEFI & 128 Primary Partitions

    You messed up deleting the partitions - as you found out..
      My Computer
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  4. Try3
    Posts : 16,976
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       New #3

    James,

    If you are gong to carry on experimenting, I suggest you start making system images so you can get back to square one if it all starts going wrong.

    Macrium Reflect [free edition] is an imaging utility that is often recommended in this forum and is so well-known here that you can get plenty of help for it.

    Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect - TenForumsTutorials
    Macrium USB - TenForums

    Macrium Software Macrium Reflect Free
    Macrium Reflect KnowledgeBase - user guide [version-independent link]

    It can also make bootable system images. This facility is called viBoot^^^.
    Macrium viBoot - Macrium KB
    Macrium viBoot - Create Virtual Machine using Macrium Image - TenForumsTutorials
    ^^^ viBoot used to require Windows 10 Pro because of the virtualisation method it worked with but v8 is more flexible. To find out if it really will work with Windows 10 Home, watch out for any progress made in New viBoot VM Options - TenForums


    And also consider Backup and Restore Device Drivers - TenForumsTutorials

    Best of luck,
    Denis
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  6. JamesJoey
    Posts : 159
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    I do have imaging software but I failed to create an image before I removed the partition.
    I don't plan to experiment. It was bad enough, scary to, trying to get Windows to install.
      My Computer
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  7. SIW2
    Posts : 4,595
    several
       New #5

    scary?
      My Computer
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  8. MeAndMyComputer
    Posts : 1,345
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       New #6

    @JamesJoey, "I don't plan to experiment. It was bad enough, scary to, trying to get Windows to install."
    --- Since you are using a modern PC, treat it accordingly.

    Is the PC running now as it should be especially with WU's being up-to-date?
    --- Clean out bloatware & set up your apps etc.
    --- Before moving on, create a "pristine" system image backup.

    Fill in your System Specs
    System Specs - Fill in at Ten Forums

    Post a screenshot of Disk Management
    How to Post a Screenshot of Disk Management
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  9. JamesJoey
    Posts : 159
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    The PC is running like a champ.
    It's the first PC I got with Solid State Drive and I'm amazed at how fast it boots up.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  10. dalchina
    Posts : 43,029
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       New #8

    My question is why didn't Windows require an EFI System partition like my new one?
    Hi, your old PC used legacy BIOS, MBR.

    Your new one uses UEFI, GPT.

    UEFI Windows configurations by default have 4 partitions.
    MBR Windows configurations may have 2.

    This article covers Windows partitions:
    a. UEFI/GPT partitioning
    b. Your old PC's MBR partitioning
    TeraByte Unlimited Knowledge Base

    This article compares GPT and MBR disk layouts in general.
    What’s the Difference Between GPT and MBR When Partitioning a Drive?
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

 

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