How to Convert SSD to GPT in CMD?

Converting an SSD to the GUID Partition Table (GPT) format using Command Prompt is a straightforward process, often necessary for larger drives or specific operating system installations. This method involves using the DiskPart utility, which is built into Windows.

Understanding GPT and MBR

Before proceeding, it's crucial to understand the difference between GPT and its predecessor, Master Boot Record (MBR).

Feature	MBR (Master Boot Record)	GPT (GUID Partition Table)
Max Partition Size	2 TB (Terabytes)	9.4 ZB (Zettabytes) - virtually unlimited
Max Partitions	4 primary partitions (or 3 primary + 1 extended)	128 primary partitions
Data Redundancy	Single point of failure (boot data in one location)	Multiple copies of the partition table spread across the disk
Boot Method	BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)	UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
OS Compatibility	Older Windows versions (e.g., Windows XP 32-bit)	Modern Windows versions (Windows 7/8/10/11 64-bit), macOS, Linux

GPT is recommended for new systems and drives, especially those larger than 2TB, as it offers better data integrity and supports more partitions. For more details, you can refer to Microsoft's documentation on Windows and GPT FAQ.

Prerequisites and Important Warnings

Crucial Warning: This process will erase all data on the selected SSD. Ensure you have backed up any important files from the SSD you intend to convert before proceeding.

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Administrator Privileges: You need to run Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Identified Target SSD: Know which disk number corresponds to your SSD to avoid accidentally wiping the wrong drive.
• Data Backup: Seriously, back up your data!

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert SSD to GPT

Follow these steps carefully to convert your SSD to GPT format using Command Prompt.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

1. Press the Windows key + S to open the search bar.
2. Type "cmd" or "Command Prompt".
3. Right-click on "Command Prompt" from the search results.
4. Select "Run as administrator". Confirm the User Account Control (UAC) prompt if it appears.

2. Launch DiskPart Utility

In the elevated Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

diskpart

You will see a new prompt: DISKPART>

3. List Available Disks

To identify your SSD, list all disks connected to your computer. Type:

list disk

Press Enter. This will display a list of all disks with their numbers, sizes, and whether they are MBR or GPT. Pay close attention to the Size column to identify your SSD.

4. Select Your SSD

This is the most critical step. Carefully identify the disk number corresponding to your SSD. For example, if your SSD is listed as Disk 1, you would type:

select disk 1

Replace 1 with the actual disk number of your SSD. Press Enter. DiskPart will confirm that the disk is now selected.

5. Clean the Selected SSD

To remove all partitions and data from the selected SSD, type the following command and press Enter:

clean

This command will erase all data, partitions, and formatting from the disk. There is no undo for this command.

6. Convert to GPT Format

Now, convert the cleaned disk to GPT partition style. Type:

convert gpt

Press Enter. DiskPart will confirm that the disk has been successfully converted to GPT format.

7. Exit DiskPart

Once the conversion is complete, exit the DiskPart utility by typing:

exit

Press Enter. You can then close the Command Prompt window.

Post-Conversion Steps (Optional but Recommended)

After converting to GPT, your SSD will be unallocated. You'll likely want to create new partitions and format them for use.

1. Open Disk Management: Right-click the Start button and select "Disk Management".
2. Initialize Disk: If prompted, initialize the disk (it should default to GPT).
3. Create New Simple Volume: Find your converted SSD (it will show as "Unallocated Space"), right-click it, and select "New Simple Volume".
4. Follow the wizard to create partitions, assign drive letters, and format them (e.g., NTFS for Windows).

By following these steps, you can successfully convert your SSD from MBR to GPT using the Command Prompt, ensuring compatibility with modern systems and larger storage capacities.