Do all Windows 10 machines support External HDD higher than 2TB?


  1. Posts : 8
    Windows 10 Home
       #1

    Do all Windows 10 machines support External HDD higher than 2TB?


    I'm aware about compatibility issues with Internal HDDs higher than 2TB (require UEFI and GPT iirc).

    I'm planning to buy a 5TB External HDD. But some of the machines I intend to use this on do not have UEFI boards.

    Are there hardware/software requirements to be able to use a >2TB External HDD?

    Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,434
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    Yes, there are hardware requirements, but the computer does not have to support UEFI. Windows has its own built-in GPT driver.

    I just noticed you said external drive. The USB enclosure must support 5TB.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 31,700
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #3

    Legacy BIOS machines require the boot drive to be MBR.

    Windows 10 is perfectly capable of using GPT on additional drives, either as an additional internal drive or an external HDD.
      My Computers


 

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