When you encounter the prompt "Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk has an MBR partition table", it is usually because the current hard disk uses the MBR partition table but the computer starts in UEFI mode; the solution has two main directions: one is to convert the hard disk from MBR to GPT, and the other is to adjust the BIOS settings to switch to Legacy mode to run; the specific steps are as follows: 1. Enter the BIOS to confirm whether the current startup mode is UEFI or Legacy; 2. If you choose to continue using UEFI, use the diskpart tool to execute list disk, select disk X, clean, convert through the command prompt The gpt command converts the hard disk to GPT format (this operation will clear the hard disk data); 3. If you do not want to change the hard disk structure, you can enter the BIOS to change the boot mode to Legacy or CSM mode to be compatible with the MBR hard disk (but there are compatibility and performance restrictions); 4. Before installation, you should plan in advance whether Secure Boot is enabled, whether important data needs to be backed up, and whether the original system structure needs to be retained to avoid repeated switching.

You encounter the prompt "Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk has an MBR partition table", usually because your current hard disk is using the MBR (main boot record) partition table, and your computer is booted in UEFI mode. UEFI mode requires the hard disk to use GPT (GUID partition table), so the system will prevent installation.

To solve this problem, there are actually two main directions: one is to convert the hard disk from MBR to GPT, and the other is to adjust the BIOS settings to allow the system to run in Legacy mode. Let’s talk about how to do it in detail below.

1. Confirm the current startup mode (UEFI or Legacy)

Before you start modifying your hard drive, confirm in which way your installation media is started:

• Enter the BIOS setting interface (usually press the Del/F2/F10 and other keys when powering on)
• Find "Boot Mode" or similar options
• If "UEFI" is displayed, then this is the problem

You can choose to continue using UEFI mode and switch to GPT, or switch to Legacy mode to continue using MBR. The former is recommended because GPT is more suitable for large-capacity hard drives and is more stable.

2. Convert MBR to GPT (recommended method)

If you decide to continue using UEFI mode, you need to convert the hard drive from MBR to GPT format. The operation is as follows:

1. Click "Repair Computer" on the installation interface
2. Go to "Troubleshooting → Advanced Options → Command Prompt"
3. Enter the following commands in turn (click Enter for each line you enter):
   • diskpart
   • list disk (View the current hard disk number)
   • select disk X (X is the hard disk number of the system you want to install)
   • clean (clear hard disk data, note that this step will delete all content)
   • convert gpt
4. After completion, close the window and re-enter the installation interface to select the hard disk normally

?? Note: This method will clear all data on the hard disk. Please back up important files in advance.

3. Switch BIOS to install Legacy mode (optional)

If you don't want to clear the hard drive or change the partition structure, you can try to switch the boot mode:

• Enter BIOS settings
• Change "Boot Mode" to "Legacy" or "CSM" mode
• Save and exit and restart the installer

This way you can continue to install Windows using the MBR hard drive. But be aware:

• Some new motherboards may not support Legacy mode
• Startup speed and compatibility are not as good as UEFI
• Hard disks larger than 2TB are not supported as system disks

4. Plan the hard drive status in advance (avoid repeated tossing)

To avoid switching modes back and forth, it is recommended that you clarify a few points before starting the installation:

• Are you planning to enable Secure Boot? If so, GPT UEFI must be used
• Is there any important data on the hard disk? If so, backup first and then transfer to GPT
• Want to keep your existing operating system? If you want a dual system, it is best to keep the original partition structure consistent

Basically these are the operations. Although it seems a bit complicated, as long as you understand your current state and prescribe the right medicine, it is not difficult to deal with it.

The above is the detailed content of How to fix 'Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk has an MBR partition table'. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!