If you are trying to install Windows on a new hard drive or SSD and you encounter the error message “Windows can not be installed to this disk (The selected disk is of GPT partition style),” don’t worry, there is a quick fix.
First, it’s important to understand what GPT partition style is. GPT stands for GUID Partition Table, which is a newer partitioning scheme that is replacing the older MBR (Master Boot Record) partitioning scheme. GPT allows for larger disk sizes and more partitions than MBR.
The error message you are seeing is because your computer is set to boot in Legacy BIOS mode, which only supports MBR partitioning. To install Windows on a GPT partitioned disk, you need to boot in UEFI mode.
Here’s how to fix the problem:
1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the key that appears on your screen during startup (usually F2, F10, or Delete).
2. Look for an option called “Boot Mode,” “Boot List Option,” or “UEFI Boot.” Change the setting to “UEFI” or “UEFI Boot.”
3. Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup.
4. Boot from your Windows installation media (DVD or USB drive).
5. When you reach the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen, select the GPT partitioned disk and click “Next.”
6. Windows should now install without any issues.
If you are unable to change the boot mode to UEFI, it may be because your computer does not support UEFI. In that case, you will need to convert the disk to MBR partitioning. However, this will require you to delete all existing partitions on the disk, so make sure you have backed up any important data before proceeding.
To convert the disk to MBR partitioning, follow these steps:
1. Boot from your Windows installation media.
2. When you reach the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
3. Type “diskpart” and press Enter.
4. Type “list disk” and press Enter to see a list of all disks on your computer.
5. Type “select disk X” (replace X with the number of the GPT partitioned disk) and press Enter.
6. Type “clean” and press Enter to delete all partitions on the disk.
7. Type “convert mbr”Conclusion the “Windows can not be installed to this disk (The selected disk is of GPT partition style)” error message can be easily fixed by changing the boot mode to UEFI. If your computer does not support UEFI, you can convert the disk to MBR partitioning, but this will require deleting all existing partitions on the disk. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding. We hope this solution helps you successfully install Windows on your new hard drive or SSD.