When attempting to install Windows, you may encounter the error 'The Selected Disk is of the GPT Partition Style.' It typically means your disk uses GPT while your system requires MBR for compatibility. In this article, we cover the reasons behind this error and provide several effective fixes to resolve the problem, ensuring a smooth setup process.
Hi members, I'm installing fresh windows 10 on my HP laptop, I have formatted the previous Windows disk for a clean installation, but now it's showing me that Windows cannot be installed on this disk because the selected disk is of the GPT partition style. Is there any possible to change my disk from GPT to the supported format?? Or else what could be the best solution??
- Question from Emily
When attempting to install Windows, many users may encounter the error message: "The Windows cannot be installed to this Disk. The selected Disk is of the GPT Partition Style." This issue typically arises during a clean installation of Windows, particularly when users try to install on a disk formatted with GPT instead of MBR. The root cause of this error is often related to a mismatch between the disk’s partition style and the system's boot mode.
To understand why this error occurs, it's essential to know the difference between GPT and MBR.
👉 What is Disk GPT Partition Style: GPT (GUID Partition Table) is a modern partition style that is commonly used with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) systems. It supports large-capacity hard drives and multiple partitions. Modern systems that use UEFI boot mode require a GPT partitioned disk for Windows installation.
👉 What is Disk MBR Partition Style: MBR (Master Boot Record) is the older partition style used by legacy BIOS systems. It only supports hard drives up to 2TB and allows a maximum of four primary partitions. Legacy BIOS boot mode is designed for MBR partition-style disks when installing Windows.
If your system is set to boot in BIOS mode, it requires an MBR disk for installation, and a GPT disk will lead to this error. In this guide, we will explain the common causes of this issue and provide three effective fixes, so you can resolve it and proceed with your Windows installation smoothly.
When you encounter the error message "The selected Disk is of the GPT Partition Style," it's important to understand why this happens. The main issue stems from a mismatch between the partition style of the disk and the boot mode of your system. Here's why it occurs:
To resolve the "The selected disk is of the GPT Partition Style" error, there are several approaches you can take, depending on your specific situation. If your system is set to boot in BIOS mode, but your disk is partitioned with GPT, you'll need to either convert the disk to MBR or switch the boot mode to UEFI. Below are step-by-step methods to fix this issue.
If your system uses BIOS mode and you need to install Windows on the GPT disk, converting the disk from GPT to MBR is one solution. This will allow the BIOS to read the disk correctly. It is a straightforward process but will erase all data and volumes on the disk, so ensure there are no important files.
Step 1. When you see "The selected disk is of the GPT Partition Style" error, press "Shift" + "F10" to open Command Prompt. If it does not work, close the installation window and go back to the first screen, click "Repair your computer". Then, you can go to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt".
Step 2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit "Enter" after each one:
Restart your PC and proceed with the Windows installation to check if the error is still here.
If you'd prefer to keep your disk formatted as GPT and enable UEFI boot mode (recommended for modern systems), you can configure your computer to boot in UEFI mode rather than BIOS. This method involves changing your system's boot mode from BIOS to UEFI. Once UEFI mode is enabled, your computer will be able to install Windows on a GPT disk without issue. Follow these steps to adjust your system's boot settings:
Step 1. Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F2, Del, or Esc) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 2. Look for the "Boot Mode" setting. This is often under the "Boot" or "Advanced" tab.
Step 3. Change the boot mode from "Legacy" or "BIOS" to "UEFI".
Step 4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
Step 5. Boot from the Windows installation media and proceed with the installation. Windows will now recognize the GPT partition style.
If you're still encountering issues after enabling UEFI, creating a new Windows installation media with UEFI support is another option. This ensures that your installation media is set up to work with GPT partitioned disks. Using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, you can create a bootable USB drive that supports UEFI, ensuring compatibility with GPT disks.
Step 1. On another computer, download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's official website.
Step 2. Insert a USB drive (at least 8GB of free space) and run the Media Creation Tool.
Step 3. Select "Create installation media for another PC" and choose the correct language and edition.
Step 4. When prompted, choose "USB flash drive" and proceed with the creation of the bootable media.
Step 5. Once complete, insert the USB drive into your PC and reboot.
Step 6. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings and ensure the system is set to boot from "UEFI".
Step 7. Boot from the USB drive and proceed with the Windows installation, which will now support the GPT partition style.
While following the methods above to resolve the "Selected disk is of the GPT partition style" error may help you fix the installation issue, it’s important to note that certain steps like using the DiskPart tool to clean the disk will erase all data on the drive. If you’ve lost important files due to the partitioning process, you can recover them with the right data recovery tool like MyRecover.
In cases where data is accidentally deleted or wiped, such as during a partition conversion, MyRecover can help you restore lost files. It is a powerful and reliable data recovery tool that supports recovering 1000+ file types from both MBR and GPT partitioned disks. Whether you’ve lost personal files, documents, system files, design files, or archives, MyRecover ensures a smooth and efficient recovery process.
Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your computer from Microsoft Store or its official website.
Step 2. Run the programs and select the drive where the deleted or lost files were stored, then click "Scan" to search recoverable files.
Step 3. After the scanning process is completed, browse through the results and select the files you would like to recover, then click "Recover".
For users who need to recover more than 500 MB of data, the MyRecover Professional edition allows unlimited recovery capacity and file content preview. It also offers a powerful feature that allows you to recover data from an unbootable PC, ensuring your files remain accessible even when the system fails to start.
Step 4. Choose a safe location to save the recovered files to avoid overwriting original data.
Once the process is done, you'll see the message saying "Files have been recovered successfully". Then, you can access and check the recovered files in the destination folder by clicking on "Browse" button.
"The selected disk is of the GPT partition style" error is a common issue caused by a mismatch between the partition style (GPT) and the system’s boot mode (BIOS). Whether you choose to convert the disk from GPT to MBR, enable UEFI boot mode, or create new installation media with UEFI support, each method offers a viable solution to overcome this error.
However, during the process of resolving this issue, there is a risk of data loss, particularly if you use tools like DiskPart to clean the disk. If you’ve lost valuable data during these operations, don’t worry. MyRecover is an effective tool that can help you recover erased files from the hard disk, ensuring your important documents, photos, and system files are always safe.
Q1: How to fix the selected disk is of GPT partition style?
To fix the "Selected Disk is of the GPT partition style" error, either convert the GPT disk to MBR or change your system's boot mode to UEFI. If using BIOS, convert the disk to MBR using DiskPart. For UEFI, ensure your system is set to boot in UEFI mode to support GPT partitions.
Q2: How do I change my C drive from MBR to GPT?
To convert your C drive from MBR to GPT, use Disk Management or the Diskpart tool. Be aware that this process will delete all data, so back up your files before proceeding. You can also use third-party tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant for a safer conversion without data loss.
Q3: How to change GPT partition style to MBR without losing data?
Changing GPT to MBR without data loss requires specialized tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant. These tools provide a safe conversion process without erasing data, though it's still advised to back up your data as a precaution.
Q4: Can I install Windows on a GPT partition?
Yes, you can install Windows on a GPT partition, but your system must support UEFI boot mode. If your system uses BIOS, it requires an MBR disk. For UEFI systems, GPT is the recommended partition style for better performance and support for larger drives.
Q5: How to install Windows on GPT partition style disk?
To install Windows on a GPT disk, ensure your system is set to boot in UEFI mode. You can change the boot mode in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Then, use the Windows installation media to proceed with the installation on the GPT partition, ensuring compatibility.
Q6: Is GPT needed for SSD?
GPT is recommended for SSDs, especially if they are larger than 2TB. GPT allows better support for modern UEFI systems, faster boot times, and more partitions, making it the optimal choice for SSDs compared to the older MBR partition style.