How to install Windows 10 onto a GPT (GUID) hard disk?

Install Windows 10 onto a GPT (GUID) hard disk: Many PCs now include the ability to use the UEFI version of BIOS, which can speed up boot and shutdown times and can provide additional security advantages. To boot your PC in UEFI mode, you’ll need to use a drive formatted using the GPT drive format.

Many PCs are ready to use UEFI, but include a compatibility support module (CSM) that is set up to use the legacy version of BIOS. This version of BIOS was developed in the 1970s and provides compatibility to a variety of older equipment and network configurations, and requires a drive that uses the MBR drive format.

However, the basic MBR drive format does not support drives over 4TB. It’s also difficult to set up more than four partitions. The GPT drive format lets you set up drives that are larger than 4 terabytes (TB), and lets you easily set up as many partitions as you need.

Reformatting the drive using a different partition style

To wipe and convert the drive by using Windows Setup

1. Turn off the PC, and put in the Windows installation DVD or USB key.
2. Boot the PC to the DVD or USB key in UEFI mode.
3. When choosing an installation type, select Custom.
4. On the Where do you want to install Windows? screen, select each of the partitions on the drive, and select Delete. The drive will show a single area of unallocated space.
5. Select the unallocated space and click Next. Windows detects that the PC was booted into UEFI mode, and reformats the drive using the GPT drive format, and begins the installation.

To manually wipe a drive and convert it to GPT:

1. Turn off the PC, and put in the Windows installation DVD or USB key.
2. Boot the PC to the DVD or USB key in UEFI mode.
3. From inside Windows Setup, press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt window.
4. Open the diskpart tool:
   • diskpart
5. Identify the drive to reformat:
   • list disk
6. Select the drive, and reformat it:
   • select disk
   • clean
   • convert gpt
   • exit
7. Close the command prompt window.
8. Continue the Windows Setup installation.
   • When choosing an installation type, select Custom. The drive will appear as a single area of unallocated space.
   • Select the unallocated space and click Next. Windows begins the installation.

Please Note: Diskpart will remove all your previous partition and data (if any)

Click here to Download Windows 10 Disc Image (ISO File)

Keywords

• How to convert MBR to GPT during Windows 10 installation?