Converting MBR to GPT for Secure Boot on Windows 11

Introduction

This instructional guide focuses on converting a Master Boot Record (MBR) disk to a GUID Partition Table (GPT) on systems without a standard partition scheme. Transitioning to GPT is necessary for enabling secure boot, a requirement for Windows 11.

Background

• 3 years prior: A video was created using the MBR2GPT command in Windows.
• Purpose: To enable secure boot, which MBR does not support, necessitating a GPT partition.

Challenges

• Many users encounter issues due to non-standard partition schemes.
• Common in Dell and HP systems leading to MBR2GPT failure.

Requirements

• Must have a system with UEFI BIOS.
• Verify UEFI presence by checking BIOS settings for secure boot options.

Procedure

Preparing Tools

1. Download Rufus: For creating bootable USB drives.
2. Download Hiren's BootCD: Required for partition management.

Creating Bootable Media

• Use Rufus to create a bootable UEFI USB drive with Hiren's BootCD.
• Note: Ensure the system can boot UEFI using the media as verification.

Disk Preparation with Hiren's BootCD

1. Delete unnecessary partitions (Windows, data, etc. should remain).
2. Convert disk to GPT using partition management tools.

Creating EFI Partition

1. Open a Command Prompt as Administrator within Hiren's BootCD.
2. Use diskpart commands to:
   • Create a new EFI partition (100 MB).
   • Format it as FAT32.
3. Assign a letter to the partition (e.g., V:).

Boot File Configuration

• Use BCDBoot to configure boot files on the new EFI partition.

Finalizing Partition Alignment

1. Use EaseUS Partition Master to:
   • Move the main partition to utilize disk space optimally.

System Reboot & Testing

• Reboot the system to test new UEFI boot configuration.

Post-Reboot Steps

• Disable fast startup by turning off hibernation via Command Prompt.
• Perform a repair install to restore recovery partition:
  • Use Windows 10 ISO for repair (prior to upgrade to Windows 11).

Restoring Power Configurations

• Re-enable hibernation for fast startup.

Conclusion

With the above steps, your machine should comply with secure boot requirements, facilitating an upgrade to Windows 11. Further exploration of the system requirements for Windows 11 is discussed in additional content for insights into Microsoft's approach.

Note: Ensure every step is followed precisely to avoid system boot issues.