can i convert the disk to mbr and install Windows

AthanasianCreed · 31 Aug 2015

Sorry if this is hijacking a thread but i have a question about this as well. I know i need to disable secure boot in order to change the boot sequence. I ran into an issue trying to install Windows 10 on a GPT partition - it said it couldn't do it. So...after much searching, i learned (??) i need to use diskpart to clean the partitions to create one large unallotted space which would then allow me to install Windows. My question is, can i convert the disk to mbr and install Windows to it that way and run it in that mode. If i can do that, what would be the command to do that? > convert mbr after the clean command?? What about enabling secure boot?? Can i do that if i have installed Windows under MBR rather than GPT???

Sorry if this has been answered elsewhere but i'm hesitant to clean install Windows 10 without clear instructions. Could some kind soul outline the sequence of commands to do the above. Hopefully, i've been clear enough on what i'm attempting to do. If not, i'll do my best to clarify.

TIA!

AddRAM · 01 Sep 2015

Yes, you can install to MBR, that`s all I use, you may have to enable Legacy bios or Legacy and UEFI if the bios has that option, my Z87 does.

Disable secure boot before any install.

You can google the commands or find them easily in the tut section here or at Seven Forums, but convert MBR sounds right, I don`t remember off the top of my head, had it written down somewhere.

Convert GPT Disk to MBR Disk - Windows 7 Help Forums

It`s very simple to do.

AthanasianCreed · 02 Sep 2015

Thank you for the replies - you both have put my mind at ease if and when i deside to clean install Windows 10 on my laptop.

topgundcp · 02 Sep 2015

It 's better to let Windows do all that work for you ie. create the needed partitions whether you want to install using GPT or MBR. Here's the steps.

Make sure to disconnect all HD's/SSD's except the one you plan to install Windows.
In BIOS: disable Secure Boot. Set to UEFI if you want to install Windows in UEFI Mode otherwise set it to the legacy BIOS.
Boot the installation USB/DVD. Select the boot mode as shown in screen shot. It's important that you select the correct one so Windows will initialize the disk appropriately (GPT/MBR)
On the first screen, press and hold SHIFT key + F10. Command Windows pops up
diskpart
select disk 0
clean
exit
exit
Continue with the installation, click on Custom Installation and select the unallocated partition (disk 0). Do not format, click next and let Windows creates the needed partitions

AthanasianCreed · 02 Sep 2015

topgundcp said:

...Continue with the installation, click on Custom Installation and select the unallocated partition (disk 0). Do not format, click next and let Windows creates the needed partitions

Thank you 'topgundcp' for the detailed instructions, much appreciated!!

Regarding the above, if i want to set up as mbr, can i not format the drive to prevent the install of the 450 mb reserved partition?? Also, if i set up as mbr 1) do i need to add command > convert mbr to the above diskpart commands and 2) do i need to reenable secure boot in the BIOS? If i do, will i have a problem booting to Windows? Is it best just to leave as Legacy in BIOS?

Thanks for the help

GregH · 03 Sep 2015

I might be wrong but I think Windows will insist on the reserved partition. It uses it for house keeping.

genet · 03 Sep 2015

Here is info about UEFI Boot Mode (installing using the GPT partition style) and Legacy BIOS Boot Mode (installing using the MBR partition style). -> link

AthanasianCreed · 04 Sep 2015

Thank you 'genet' for the detailed instructions - very much appreciated!

GregH · 06 Sep 2015

I'm still not 100% clear on this one: can I install Windows 10 in UEFI boot mode if I am installing from a Microsoft Windows 10 Pro DVD?

If I pop the DVD into the drive and boot my PC to the boot selection page (F6 on my Asus Motherboard), I do not get an option for my DVD drive to run in UEFI mode. Just normal mode. I only get such an option if I have a USB ISO plugged in.