Windows Cannot be Installed to This Disk GPT: How to Fix?

Part 1: Possible Causes of ‘The Selected Disk is of The GPT Partition Style’ Error

Before we delve into the solutions to resolve the "Windows cannot be installed to this disk GPT" error, let's first understand the underlying causes of this issue.

• Partition Style Mismatch: The most common cause of this error is attempting to install a 64-bit version of Windows using the legacy BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) mode, which requires the Master Boot Record (MBR) partition style.
• BIOS Compatibility: If your computer's motherboard doesn't support UEFI mode or is not configured correctly, you may encounter this error when installing Windows in UEFI mode on a GPT disk. Older systems or those with outdated BIOS versions might lack UEFI support.
• Disk Format: In some cases, the error might arise because the disk is not properly formatted as GPT before installation. Attempting a UEFI-based installation can lead to this error if the disk was previously used with MBR partitioning and not converted to GPT.
• Corrupted Installation Media: A corrupted or incomplete Windows installation media can sometimes trigger various installation errors, including the "GPT partition style" error.

Part 2: How to Fix Windows Cannot be Installed to This Disk GPT?

Fix 1: Wipe the Hard Drive and Convert GPT to MBR Using Diskpart

If you're encountering the "The selected disk is of the GPT partition style" error when attempting to install Windows in BIOS mode, you might need to convert your GPT-partitioned disk to the MBR partition style. Follow the below steps to fix Windows 10 cannot be installed to this disk GPT error.

• When you get the "The selected disk is of the GPT partition style" issue during system installation, you must press Shift + F10 to launch Command Prompt.
• In the command prompt, type diskpart and hit Enter.
• Execute the command list disk to display a list of all discs linked to your computer.
• Input select disk #, then press Enter. Replace # with the disk number indicating the GPT partitioned hard disk style.
• Enter Clean after typing it. This command erased all partitions and data on the specified disk.

• Enter the command convert mbr. This command is used to convert a disk to MBR format. When the message "DiskPart successfully converted the selected disk to MBR format" appears, you can close Command Prompt.

  

Fix 2: Convert GPT to MBR without Data Loss

Suppose you are afraid to wipe your hard drive and risk data loss. In that case, an ideal alternative is to utilize a trustworthy third-party utility, such as 4DDiG Partition Manager, to convert your GPT-partitioned disk to MBR without data loss.

This solution can help to fix Windows cannot be installed to this disk error. Indeed, 4DDiG Partition Manager is the ultimate MBR/GPT disk converter, with an easy-to-use interface and powerful features that allow you to manage your disk partitions flawlessly.

Key Features of 4DDiG Partition Manager:

• MBR/GPT Conversion: 4DDiG Partition Manager specializes in converting between MBR and GPT partition styles without data backup or loss.
• Data Preservation: Unlike traditional methods that involve wiping the drive, 4DDiG ensures your data remains intact throughout the conversion process.
• User-Friendly Interface: The software features an intuitive interface that makes the partition conversion process straightforward, even for users with limited technical knowledge.
• Partition Management: 4DDiG Partition Manager allows you to create, resize, delete, format, and manage partitions according to your needs.
• Disk Cloning: Effectively clone your entire hard drive in order to upgrade to a larger hard drive without data loss.

Here are the Steps to Convert GPT to MBR Using 4DDiG Partition Manager without data loss to fix Windows cannot be installed to this disk:

• Download and install the 4DDiG Partition Manager on your computer. Then run the application, select "Convert Disk" from the left navigation panel, and click "Convert GPT to MBR" to continue.

  

• Select the disk to be converted, then click "Continue" to access the execution interface.

  

  The software will download the PE component if the selected disk is the system disk. A prompt window will display after a successful download. Confirm that everything is correct, then press the "Sure" button. The computer will automatically restart and enter the PE environment.

  
  Note:

  If the disk you wish to convert is an external disk, the program will automatically convert it without requiring a restart or entering the PE environment.

• Select "Convert GPT to MBR" after the program launches in the PE environment. And then select the disk to be converted and press the "Continue" button.

  

• 4DDiG Partition Manager is currently converting GPT to MBR. The number of partitions on the disk determines the speed of disk conversion.

  

• Now you have achieved successful conversion. To boot your computer, please follow the directions below.

  

People Also Read:

The Selected Disk Has an MBR Partition Table: How to Fix it?

Fix 3: Boot to UEFI Mode

When you get the message "Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style", which indicates that your computer is now in legacy BIOS mode. To boot to UEFI mode, first, confirm whether the firmware supports UEFI in BIOS and then switch to it if the mode is accessible. Follow the below steps:

• Turn off your computer completely.
• Switch on the system. When you see the logo, press the BIOS key: Esc, Delete, F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12. (In most cases, the computer screen will display the BIOS key.)
• Select and access the "Boot" tab using the arrow keys.
• Select UEFI with the down arrow.
• Exit BIOS after saving the modifications.

• Proceed with the Windows installation.

  

Note:

If no UEFI mode is accessible, the system only supports BIOS mode. To resolve the dell windows cannot be installed to this disk issue, you should only convert GPT to MBR.

FAQs about GPT Partition Style

1.How to change the GPT partition style in BIOS?

Changing the GPT partition style to MBR within the BIOS involves initiating a conversion process or altering the boot mode. However, the partition style isn't directly changed within the BIOS settings. To convert GPT to MBR, you can use utilities like Diskpart or specialized third-party software like 4DDiG Partition Manager. Alternatively, if supported for a seamless GPT installation, switch to UEFI boot mode in BIOS. Remember that any partition changes should be approached cautiously and with data backup.

2.Why is Windows 10 not installing on the GPT partition?

Windows 10 might not install on a GPT partition due to compatibility issues if the system is attempting to boot in legacy BIOS mode. Windows 10 requires UEFI mode for GPT installations. Additionally, the error could be caused by corrupted installation media or conflicting third-party software disrupting the installation process.

People Also Read:

MBR VS GPT, What's the Difference

Conclusion

In conclusion, resolving the "Windows cannot be installed to this disk" error related to GPT partitioning involves understanding the partition styles, boot modes, and potential compatibility issues. Whether you convert GPT to MBR through tools like Diskpart or 4DDiG Partition Manager or opt for a seamless GPT installation by booting in UEFI mode, these solutions empower you to overcome installation obstacles. Thus, you must prioritize data backup and careful execution to ensure a successful Windows installation on your preferred partition style.