How to Change Mbr to Eufi Partition

Switching from MBR to EUFI partition can boost your PC’s performance, enable faster boot times, and support modern hardware. This guide walks you through the process safely, without losing your data, using built-in Windows tools and best practices.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the difference between MBR and EUFI: MBR is older and limited to 2TB drives, while EUFI supports larger drives, faster booting, and better security.
• Back up your data first: Always create a full system backup before making partition changes to avoid data loss.
• Use Windows built-in tools: Disk Management and Command Prompt can help convert MBR to EUFI without third-party software.
• Check your system compatibility: Ensure your motherboard supports EUFI and your OS is 64-bit for a successful conversion.
• Convert during OS installation: The safest method is to reinstall Windows in EUFI mode after converting the disk.
• Enable EUFI in BIOS: After conversion, enter BIOS/UEFI settings to switch from Legacy to EUFI boot mode.
• Troubleshoot boot issues: If your PC won’t start, use Windows Recovery tools or bootable media to fix boot records.

How to Change MBR to EUFI Partition

If you’ve noticed your computer is running slower than it should, or you’re trying to install a newer version of Windows but hitting roadblocks, the issue might be your disk partition style. You could be using the older MBR (Master Boot Record) format when your system would benefit greatly from switching to EUFI (Extensible Firmware Interface), also known as UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface).

Don’t worry—this isn’t as scary as it sounds. With the right steps, you can change MBR to EUFI partition safely and unlock faster boot times, better security, and support for larger hard drives. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the differences between MBR and EUFI to converting your disk and enabling EUFI in your system’s firmware.

Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or just getting started, this step-by-step tutorial will help you make the switch with confidence. Let’s dive in.

What Is MBR and EUFI?

Before we get into the how-to, let’s clarify what MBR and EUFI actually are—and why the switch matters.

MBR, or Master Boot Record, is a legacy partitioning scheme that’s been around since the early days of personal computing. It’s used to tell your computer where the operating system is located so it can boot up. However, MBR has some serious limitations:

– It only supports hard drives up to 2TB in size.
– It allows a maximum of four primary partitions (or three primary and one extended).
– It uses the older BIOS firmware, which boots slower and lacks modern security features.

EUFI, on the other hand, is the modern replacement. It stands for Extensible Firmware Interface, though it’s more commonly referred to as UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). EUFI offers several advantages:

– Supports drives larger than 2TB.
– Allows unlimited primary partitions (within reason).
– Enables faster boot times.
– Includes Secure Boot, which helps prevent malware from loading during startup.
– Works with modern hardware and operating systems like Windows 10 and 11.

In short, if your system supports it, switching from MBR to EUFI is almost always a good idea.

Why Change MBR to EUFI?

You might be wondering: “If my computer is working fine, why bother changing anything?” That’s a fair question. But here’s why making the switch is worth your time:

Faster Boot Times: EUFI initializes hardware more efficiently than BIOS, which means your PC can start up significantly faster—sometimes in just a few seconds.

Better Security: EUFI includes Secure Boot, a feature that checks the digital signature of your operating system before loading it. This helps block rootkits and other low-level malware.

Larger Drive Support: If you’ve upgraded to a 4TB or 8TB hard drive, MBR won’t recognize the full capacity. EUFI removes this limitation.

Modern OS Compatibility: Windows 11, for example, requires EUFI and Secure Boot to install. Even if you’re on Windows 10, future updates and features may depend on EUFI.

Improved Hardware Support: Newer motherboards, CPUs, and peripherals are designed with EUFI in mind. Sticking with MBR means you’re not taking full advantage of your hardware.

So, while MBR isn’t “broken,” EUFI is simply better in almost every way. The good news? You can switch—without losing your files—if you follow the right process.

Before You Begin: Important Preparations

Changing your disk from MBR to EUFI isn’t something you should rush into. A few simple preparations can save you from headaches—or worse, data loss.

1. Back Up Your Data

This cannot be stressed enough: always back up your files before making system-level changes. Even though we’ll use safe methods, there’s always a small risk something could go wrong.

Use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a backup tool like Windows Backup, Macrium Reflect, or Acronis True Image. Make sure your backup includes:

– Personal files (documents, photos, videos)
– Installed programs (if possible)
– System image (optional but recommended)

2. Check Your System Compatibility

Not all computers support EUFI. Here’s how to check:

– Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
– Look for “BIOS Mode” under System Summary.
– If it says “UEFI,” your system already uses EUFI.
– If it says “Legacy,” you’re on MBR and can proceed.
– Also check that your OS is 64-bit. EUFI requires a 64-bit version of Windows. To verify:
– Go to Settings > System > About.
– Under “Device specifications,” look for “System type.” It should say “64-bit operating system.”

3. Ensure Your Motherboard Supports EUFI

Most computers made after 2012 support EUFI. If you’re unsure:

– Check your motherboard model (use CPU-Z or look it up in Device Manager).
– Visit the manufacturer’s website and look for EUFI/UEFI support in the specs.

4. Prepare a Windows Installation USB

Even if you’re not reinstalling Windows right away, having a bootable USB with Windows 10 or 11 is essential. You’ll need it to:

– Convert the disk safely
– Repair boot issues
– Reinstall Windows if needed

To create one:

– Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
– Plug in a USB drive (8GB or larger).
– Run the tool and follow the prompts to create installation media.

Keep this USB handy—you’ll need it later.

Step-by-Step: How to Change MBR to EUFI Partition

Now that you’re prepared, let’s get into the actual conversion. There are two main methods:

1. Convert MBR to EUFI without reinstalling Windows (advanced, riskier)
2. Convert during a clean Windows installation (recommended for most users)

We’ll cover both, but we strongly recommend Method 2 for safety and reliability.

Method 1: Convert MBR to EUFI Without Reinstalling Windows (Advanced)

This method uses Windows’ built-in MBR2GPT tool to convert your disk from MBR to EUFI without losing data. It’s powerful, but only works if your system meets certain conditions.

Step 1: Verify System Requirements

Before running MBR2GPT, ensure:

– You’re running Windows 10 version 1703 or later (or Windows 11).
– The disk is a basic disk (not dynamic).
– There are no more than three primary partitions.
– The system partition is not encrypted (e.g., with BitLocker).
– You have at least 100MB of free space on the system drive.

To check disk type:

– Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.
– Right-click your main disk (usually Disk 0) and select Properties.
– Go to the Volumes tab. It should say “Basic.”

Step 2: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

– Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Step 3: Validate the Disk

Type the following command and press Enter:

“`
mbr2disk /validate /disk:0 /allowFullOS
“`

Replace 0 with your disk number if different. This checks if the conversion is possible.

If you see “Validation completed successfully,” you’re good to go.

Step 4: Convert the Disk

Now run the conversion:

“`
mbr2disk /convert /disk:0 /allowFullOS
“`

This will convert the disk from MBR to EUFI. The process takes a few minutes and doesn’t delete your files.

Step 5: Enable EUFI in BIOS

After conversion, you must switch your system from Legacy to EUFI mode:

– Restart your computer.
– Enter BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, DEL, or ESC during startup).
– Look for a setting like “Boot Mode,” “Boot Priority,” or “UEFI/Legacy Boot.”
– Change it from “Legacy” or “CSM” to “UEFI Only.”
– Save and exit.

Your PC should now boot in EUFI mode.

Important Notes for Method 1

– This method doesn’t work on all systems. If MBR2GPT fails, use Method 2.
– Always back up first—even though data loss is rare, it’s not impossible.
– Some antivirus programs may interfere. Temporarily disable them if needed.

Method 2: Convert MBR to EUFI During Windows Installation (Recommended)

This is the safest and most reliable way to switch to EUFI. It involves reinstalling Windows, but you can keep your files if you choose the right options.

Step 1: Boot from Windows Installation USB

– Insert your Windows installation USB.
– Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (press F2, DEL, etc.).
– Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
– Save and exit. Your PC should boot from the USB.

Step 2: Begin Windows Setup

– Select your language and click Next.
– Click Install Now.
– Enter your product key (or skip if upgrading).
– Accept the license terms.

Step 3: Choose Custom Installation

When asked “Which type of installation do you want?” select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

Step 4: Delete Existing Partitions

This step converts the disk to EUFI format:

– Select each partition on your main disk (usually Disk 0) and click Delete.
– Continue until all partitions are removed and you see “Unallocated Space.”

Warning: This will erase all data on the disk. That’s why backing up is critical.

Step 5: Install Windows

– Select the unallocated space and click Next.
– Windows will automatically create the necessary EUFI partitions (EFI system partition, MSR, primary, etc.).
– The installation will begin. This takes 15–30 minutes.

Step 6: Complete Setup

Follow the on-screen prompts to:

– Set up your region, keyboard, and user account.
– Connect to Wi-Fi.
– Choose privacy settings.

Once complete, your system will boot in EUFI mode.

Step 7: Verify EUFI Mode

To confirm the switch worked:

– Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
– Check “BIOS Mode.” It should now say “UEFI.”

You’ve successfully changed MBR to EUFI partition!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful preparation, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.

PC Won’t Boot After Conversion

If your computer shows a black screen or “No bootable device” error:

– Re-enter BIOS and ensure EUFI mode is enabled.
– Check that the boot order includes the correct drive.
– Use your Windows installation USB to boot into Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

MBR2GPT Fails with Errors

Common errors include:

– “The disk layout is not supported”: You may have too many partitions or a dynamic disk. Use Disk Management to clean up.
– “The volume is encrypted”: Disable BitLocker first.
– “Insufficient free space”: Free up space on your system drive.

Windows Installation Stuck or Fails

– Ensure your USB is properly created and not corrupted.
– Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0).
– Update your BIOS/UEFI firmware from the manufacturer’s website.

Secure Boot Prevents Installation

Some systems require Secure Boot to be enabled for Windows 11. If you’re installing Windows 10, you can usually disable it temporarily:

– Enter BIOS > Security > Secure Boot > Disable.
– Re-enable after installation if desired.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

– Use a wired internet connection during installation to avoid driver issues.
– Update your drivers after installation, especially chipset and storage drivers.
– Enable Fast Startup in Power Options to maximize boot speed benefits.
– Keep your BIOS/UEFI updated for best compatibility and security.

Conclusion

Changing MBR to EUFI partition might sound technical, but it’s a straightforward process when you follow the right steps. Whether you use the advanced MBR2GPT tool or opt for a clean Windows installation, the benefits—faster boot times, better security, and support for modern hardware—are well worth the effort.

Remember: always back up your data, verify system compatibility, and use a Windows installation USB as a safety net. With these precautions, you can upgrade your system confidently and enjoy a smoother, more secure computing experience.

Now that you know how to change MBR to EUFI partition, you’re ready to unlock your PC’s full potential. Go ahead—make the switch and feel the difference.