Can Windows 11 Run on MBR Partition? Discover the Truth

Wondering if you can run Windows 11 on an MBR partition? The short answer is no. Windows 11 requires a GPT partition, but don’t worry - I’ve got you covered with some straightforward solutions to help you convert your MBR partition to GPT and get Windows 11 up and running.

How to Install Windows 11 on MBR Disk?​

1. Ensure Your PC Meets Windows 11 System Requirements​

1. Check Storage Space:
   • Ensure you have at least 64 GB of free space on your C drive.
2. Enable TPM 2.0:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
   • Click Restart now under Advanced Startup.
   • After restarting, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
   • Navigate to the security settings and make sure TPM is enabled.
3. Enable Secure Boot:
   • In the UEFI Firmware Settings, go to the boot settings and enable Secure Boot.
4. Check for UEFI Support:
   • Ensure your system firmware supports UEFI. This is required for Windows 11 installation.

By verifying these requirements, you ensure your PC is ready for Windows 11 installation, even if it has an MBR disk.

How do I know if my Windows 11 is MBR or GPT?​

1. Press the Windows key + X and choose Disk Management.
2. Locate the disk where Windows is installed, right-click it, and choose Properties.
   
3. Go to the Volumes tab, and you’ll find the Partition style.
   

Which is better, GPT or MBR?​

MBR is an older partition table system designed for older PCs. Its disk limit is 2 TB, so if you’re using a PC with a large drive, GPT is always a better choice.

Windows 11 can’t run on an MBR partition, but if you can convert it using our solutions, you will be able to transition to Windows 11 smoothly.

2. Convert MBR to GPT Using Disk Management​

1. Backup Important Files:
   • Use a backup tool like AOMEI Backupper to backup all important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
2. Open Disk Management:
   • Right-click the Start button and select Disk Management.
3. Delete All Partitions (Warning: This will erase all data on the disk):
   • Right-click each partition on the MBR disk and select Delete Volume.
4. Convert to GPT:
   • Once all partitions are deleted and the disk shows as unallocated space, right-click the disk and select Convert to GPT Disk.
5. Switch from Legacy to UEFI Boot:
   • Enter BIOS settings during boot (usually by pressing F2 or DEL).
   • Navigate to Boot settings and change from Legacy to UEFI.
   • Save changes and exit BIOS.

Converting MBR to GPT allows for a clean installation of Windows 11, complying with its requirement for GPT disk format.

3. Use AOMEI Partition Assistant for MBR to GPT Conversion​

1. Install AOMEI Partition Assistant:
   • Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.
2. Convert MBR to GPT:
   • Launch the program, right-click the system disk, and select Convert to GPT.
   • Click OK to confirm and then Apply to execute the conversion.
3. Enable UEFI Boot Mode:
   • Enter BIOS settings and change the boot mode from Legacy to UEFI.

Using AOMEI Partition Assistant simplifies the conversion process and minimizes the risk of losing data.

4. Direct Installation on MBR with TPM and Secure Boot Enabled​

1. Enable Secure Boot and TPM:
   • Follow the steps in Solution 1 to enable Secure Boot and TPM in BIOS.
2. Create Windows 11 Bootable USB:
   • Download the Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft's website.
   • Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.
3. Install Windows 11:
   • Boot from the USB drive by selecting it during startup (usually by pressing F12 or ESC).
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11. When prompted, select the custom install option and choose the MBR disk.

Even though Windows 11 prefers GPT, this method allows for installation on an MBR disk if the system requirements are met.

5. Use EaseUS Partition Master for MBR to GPT Conversion​

1. Download and Install EaseUS Partition Master:
   • Download and install EaseUS Partition Master on your current Windows setup.
2. Convert Disk:
   • Open EaseUS Partition Master, select the MBR disk, and choose Convert MBR to GPT.
   • Follow the prompts to complete the conversion.
3. Ensure UEFI Boot Mode:
   • Enter BIOS, change the boot mode from Legacy to UEFI, and save changes.

EaseUS Partition Master offers a user-friendly way to convert your disk without complicated manual steps.

6. Manual Conversion Using DiskPart and MBR2GPT​

1. Use DiskPart to Prepare Disk:
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Type diskpart and press Enter.
   • Use list disk, select disk X (replace X with your disk number), and clean to prepare the disk.
2. Run MBR2GPT Tool:
   • In Command Prompt, type mbr2gpt /convert /disk:X /allowFullOS and press Enter.
   • Replace X with your disk number.
3. Switch to UEFI:
   • Enter BIOS and change the boot mode to UEFI.

This method uses native Windows tools to convert the disk, ensuring compatibility with Windows 11.

By following these methods, you can successfully install Windows 11 on an MBR disk or convert it to GPT to meet the installation requirements.