GPT Disk

When you refer to "GPT disk," it typically pertains to the GUID Partition Table (GPT)
disk partitioning scheme. GPT is a modern partitioning scheme used on computer
storage devices, such as hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). It replaces the
older Master Boot Record (MBR) partitioning scheme and offers several advantages.
Here's a comprehensive explanation of the GPT disk:

Partitioning Scheme:
GPT is a standardized partitioning scheme that defines the structure and organization
of partitions on a disk. It uses globally unique identifiers (GUIDs) to identify each
partition and provides more flexibility and scalability compared to MBR.

Disk Capacity:
GPT supports larger disk capacities compared to MBR. While MBR has a limitation of
2TB (terabytes), GPT can handle disks up to 9.4 zettabytes (ZB) in size, allowing for
better utilization of modern high-capacity drives.

Partition Layout:
GPT divides the disk into multiple partitions, each with a unique GUID. It supports up
to 128 primary partitions by default, although some systems may have limitations on
the number of partitions they can recognize and use.

Protective MBR:
GPT disks include a protective Master Boot Record (PMBR) at the beginning of the
disk. This protective MBR ensures compatibility with systems that do not support GPT,
as it prevents them from mistakenly treating the disk as unpartitioned or uninitialized.

Partitioning Information:
GPT stores partitioning information in multiple copies throughout the disk for
redundancy and robustness. This information includes partition type, unique GUID,
partition size, start and end offsets, and other attributes.

Partitioning Tools:
Various operating systems and disk management tools support GPT partitioning,
allowing users to create, resize, delete, and manage partitions on GPT disks. These
tools include the Disk Management utility in Windows, Disk Utility in macOS, and
command-line tools such as parted and gdisk in Linux.
UEFI Compatibility:
GPT is the default partitioning scheme for systems that use Unified Extensible
Firmware Interface (UEFI) instead of the traditional BIOS. UEFI firmware supports GPT
disks and offers additional features like secure boot and faster boot times.

Data Integrity:
GPT disks incorporate CRC32 checksums in the partition table entries to verify the
integrity of critical data structures. This feature helps detect and recover from disk
corruption or errors and enhances the overall reliability of the disk.

Compatibility:
While GPT is widely supported by modern operating systems, some older systems and
certain specialized software may not fully recognize or work with GPT disks. In such
cases, compatibility issues may require converting the disk to MBR format.

In summary, a GPT disk refers to a storage device partitioned using the GUID
Partition Table scheme. GPT offers advantages such as support for larger capacities,
improved partition management, redundancy, data integrity, and compatibility with
UEFI systems. It is the recommended partitioning scheme for modern storage devices,
facilitating efficient disk utilization and reliable data storage.

MBR Disk
MBR (Master Boot Record) is a widely used disk partitioning scheme that has
been in existence since the early 1980s. Here's a comprehensive explanation of the
MBR disk:

Partitioning Scheme:
MBR is a legacy partitioning scheme used on computer storage devices, such as hard
drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). It defines the structure and organization of
partitions on the disk.

Disk Capacity:
MBR has a limitation on disk capacity. It can support disks up to 2 terabytes (TB) in
size. Larger capacity disks may require alternative partitioning schemes, such as GPT
(GUID Partition Table).
Partition Layout:
MBR divides the disk into four primary partitions or three primary partitions and one
extended partition. Each primary partition can be used to store an operating system,
data, or other file systems. The extended partition can be further divided into logical
partitions.

Master Boot Record:

The MBR resides in the first sector (sector 0) of the disk. It contains the boot loader
code, which is responsible for loading the operating system during system startup.
Additionally, the MBR includes a partition table that stores information about the
partitions on the disk.

Partition Information:
The MBR partition table stores information about each partition, including the partition
type, start and end sectors, and other attributes. It uses a 16-byte entry for each
partition, limiting the number of primary partitions to four.

Booting Process:
During the boot process, the system BIOS or UEFI firmware reads the MBR from the
disk's first sector. The boot loader code within the MBR locates the active partition and
transfers control to its boot sector. The boot sector contains further instructions to load
the operating system.

Disk Signature:
MBR disks contain a disk signature, a randomly generated number stored in the MBR,
which helps identify the disk uniquely within a system.

Compatibility:
MBR is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including various versions
of Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is also supported by many disk management tools
and utilities.

Limitations:
MBR has certain limitations. Apart from the capacity limitation, it supports a maximum
of four primary partitions. To create more partitions, one of the primary partitions can
be designated as an extended partition, which can then be divided into logical
partitions. However, this additional level of indirection can sometimes introduce
complexities.
Legacy Considerations:
While MBR has been widely used, newer systems and modern firmware, such as
UEFI, favor the GPT partitioning scheme. GPT offers advantages over MBR, including
support for larger capacities, more partitions, and enhanced data integrity features.

In summary, an MBR disk refers to a storage device partitioned using the

Master Boot Record scheme. It is a legacy partitioning scheme that supports disks up
to 2TB in size, divides the disk into primary and extended/logical partitions, and
contains the boot loader code in the MBR sector. While MBR has widespread
compatibility, it has limitations compared to newer partitioning schemes like GPT.

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1- How to Convert Disk to MBR or GPT without Data Loss ?

In Disk Management:
In this case, if you also turn to Disk Management, you’ll need to backup
important files, and then delete all existing partitions. If not, the option
“Convert to GPT Disk” or “Convert to MBR Disk” .

MBR vs. GPT: Which One Is Better or Which One to Choose.

 GPT is better if you are planning to create more than 4

partitions.

We have said an MBR disk can hold 4 primary partitions at most

while a GPT disk supports up to 128 primary partitions in
Windows, so you can choose GPT if you want more partitions.

 GPT is better than MBR if your hard disk is larger than 2TB.

Since you can only use 2TB of space from a 512B sector hard
disk if you initialize it to MBR, you’d better format your disk to GPT
if it is larger than 2TB. But if the disk is employing 4K native sector,
you can use 16TB space.

 GPT is better if you seek for security.

GPT disks use primary and backup partition tables for redundancy
and CRC32 fields for improved partition data structure integrity, so
you can choose this partitioning scheme if you value data security.
 Choose GPT rather than MBR for your system disk if UEFI
boot is supported.

Compared with booting from MBR disk, it’s faster and more stable
to boot Windows from GPT disk so that your computer
performance could be improved, which is largely due to the
design of UEFI. Please remember to enter your computer’s BIOS
and enable UEFI boot if it isn’t.

 choose MBR for system disk if your motherboard doesn’t

support UEFI boot.

Under Legacy boot mode, you can only initialize your system disk
to MBR if you want Windows bootable.

 Choose MBR as system disk if you have a 32 bit Windows

to install.

Only 64 bit version of Windows can boot from GPT disk.

 Choose MBR for system disk if you are still using the
very old Windows OS.

If you are running Windows XP or older systems, MBR is the only

choice for system disk even if it is a 64 bit system. If not, Windows
will be unbootable or cannot be installed.