Cannot install Windows to GPT partition

THX1138 · 07 Feb 2018

I have Windows 10 Pro installed on a partition of an SSD (one of four partitions; the other three being rather small and, I suppose, created by Windows 10 itself during the previous installation procedure.

I attempted to reinstall Windows 10 to this partition but Windows gives an error message saying that it cannot be installed to this partition because it's GPT-style. How can it possible be, if Windows 10 cannot be installed to a GPT partition, that I have Windows presently installed on a GPT partition?

I want to install Windows without wiping the drive because I'd to have access to the Windows.old folder when I'm done.

dalchina · 07 Feb 2018

Hi, what are you trying to achieve?
You can do an in-place upgrade repair install, which means replace all existing Windows system files with a new copy with no updates - this procedure is a good repair procedure and keeps all programs and data and most settings.

If that's what you want to achieve, you have to log in as normal, then run setup.exe from your mounted win 10 iso or from your Win 10 boot medium. This will create a new Windows.old.
Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade Installation Upgrade Tutorials

If you want to clean install, you will have to delete existing partitions- that's a normal part of the procedure.
Clean Install Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

The 4 partitions I assume you are seeing would be those for a normal UEFI installation.

THX1138 · 07 Feb 2018

I am experiencing BSODs and I cannot update my graphics drivers due to a bug (that NVIDIA forum couldn't help with) which tells me to restart my computer every time I try to update the driver (despite having restarted seconds before). I guess I'll try the repair install first. Boy do I hate reinstalling Windows and all my programs re-configuring all the settings. Thanks for your help.

dalchina · 07 Feb 2018

You're welcome. By all means try the repair install - but please first check your Windows version.
Windows key + R, winver.

If you are using build 16299 (the Fall Creator's Update) then that's ok. Otherwise post back.

As you mention BSODs, there is a special forum section for that. I think you will end up posting there, focussing on that.

Boy do I hate reinstalling Windows and all my programs re-configuring all the settings.

I can understand that - I have not reinstalled Windows on this PC since I bought it new with no OS about 2.5 years ago.

One excellent way to reduce the likelihood of doing that is to routinely use disk imaging. E.g. Macrium Reflect (free). We continually urge people to use disk imaging.

If something goes badly wrong- even if your disk fails- you can restore your image (to a new disk in that case) and have your PC back working as it was (assuming no other hardware failure). With a 3rd party (Laplink e.g.) program you can use your image to automatically install your programs and apply settings to a new installation. And you can simply take the image and restore it to a new PC- even if the hardware is different, that can work. There are other possibilities too.