Using SSD and HDD but Differing Partition Styles


  1. Posts : 428
    Windows 10 Pro 64-Bit
       #1

    Using SSD and HDD but Differing Partition Styles


    The setup example is this: windows 10 on SSD (MBR Partition Style), Secondary HDD for Programs/Other-Stuff (GPT Partition-Style), I install programs onto the secondary drive (steam, VLC Media Player, etc...)

    Will windows 10, at any point in the time I install updates or have to do repair installs for whatever reason, start having problems recognizing I got stuff installed on a GPT partitioned HDD, necessitating a need to convert the hard drive to an MBR partition table/style, or can I have the setup as an MBR/GPT or a GPT/MBR with no problems, or should I just stick with both storage drives being either MBR or GPT
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,172
    Windows 11 Pro, 22H2
       #2

    It's fine to have both MBR and GPT disks. Normally, if you install Windows on a BIOS based system then the boot disk will be MBR because only UEFI based systems can boot from a GPT partition. However, other partitions can still be GPT.

    Here is an article that does a good job explaining the differences:

    What’s the Difference Between GPT and MBR When Partitioning a Drive?
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 18,467
    Windows 11 Pro
       #3

    Partitions are neither GPT nor MBR. Only physical drives are MBR or GPT. There is no issue mixing GPT and MBR drives in a system. But it is not possible to mix GPT and MBR partitions on a drive because MBR v. GPT does not apply to partitions.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 512
    Windows 10 Version 1909 (Build 18363.815
       #4

    Just curious, what backup program are you using with this type setup?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 14,332
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #5

    NavyLCDR said:
    Partitions are neither GPT nor MBR. Only physical drives are MBR or GPT. There is no issue mixing GPT and MBR drives in a system. But it is not possible to mix GPT and MBR partitions on a drive because MBR v. GPT does not apply to partitions.
    To add to this, according to DiskPart my Internal 1TB HDD with a 150GB boot/system partition and 780GB Data partition is GPT. I also have an External USB 4TB HDD that is GPT and an External USB 2TB HDD that is not GPT. The mix of the drives is causing no problems.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 428
    Windows 10 Pro 64-Bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    then that is all I need, because at the time of this post I am now on an SSD/HDD setup, ssd holds the OS, HDD holds everything else, and the backup system I use is macrium reflect in cases of serious stuff

    thanks everyone, this topic is now considered solved
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 4,172
    Windows 11 Pro, 22H2
       #7

    @NavyLCDR is absolutely correct. In my post I initially referenced "MBR and GPT disks" but after that I referenced GPT partitions. I should have been clearer and said "partitions on GPT disks".

    Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the correction, @NavyLCDR.
      My Computers


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 14:50.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums