零格式化:快速将BIOS / MBR转换为UEFI / GPT!| MBR2GPT工具,为Windows 11做好准备
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- What is UEFI?
- Benefits of UEFI
- Transitioning to UEFI
4.1. Deploying Windows 10 in UEFI Mode
4.1.1. Converting from MBR to GPT
4.1.2. Changing Firmware Settings
- Using the MBR2GPT Tool for Conversion
5.1. Converting a Windows 10 Machine in Legacy BIOS to UEFI Mode
5.2. Automating the Conversion during an In-Place Upgrade
- Considerations for Using MBR2GPT
6.1. BitLocker Compatibility
6.2. Limitations of MBR Disks
- Troubleshooting and Additional Resources
- Conclusion
Article: Transitioning to UEFI and Converting from MBR to GPT
Introduction
In the world of Windows operating systems, the transition from legacy BIOS to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) has brought significant improvements in security and performance. With the release of Windows 10 and the Creators Update, Microsoft introduced the MBR2GPT tool, a powerful utility that allows users to seamlessly convert their machines from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table) without data loss. In this article, we will explore the benefits of UEFI, discuss the process of transitioning to UEFI, and dive into the details of using the MBR2GPT tool for conversion.
What is UEFI?
UEFI, or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, serves as the interface between the operating system and the platform firmware. Unlike the traditional BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) that has been around for decades, UEFI offers faster startup, shutdown, sleep, and resume times. It also provides advanced features such as Secure Boot, Device Guard, and Credential Guard, which enhance the security of the system. UEFI is a requirement for utilizing these security features effectively.
Benefits of UEFI
Before delving into the process of transitioning to UEFI, let's explore the benefits it offers. The shift to UEFI brings a multitude of advantages, making it a preferable choice for modern systems. Some of the key benefits are:
- Faster startup, shutdown, sleep, and resume times, resulting in improved overall system performance.
- Increased security with features like Secure Boot, which safeguards the startup process from malicious software.
- Advanced controls for application access through Device Guard, allowing users to have greater control over application execution.
- Prevention of pass-the-hash attacks with Credential Guard, ensuring the protection of user credentials.
Transitioning to UEFI
To fully harness the benefits of UEFI, it is best to deploy Windows 10 in UEFI mode right from the start. However, if You have already deployed Windows 10 in BIOS mode on UEFI-capable machines or are planning an in-place upgrade from Windows 7, there are a few necessary steps to adopt UEFI.
- Deploying Windows 10 in UEFI Mode:
The first step is to convert the disk from using the MBR partition style to the GPT partition style, which is required to run Windows in UEFI mode. Next, the firmware settings of the machine need to be reconfigured from BIOS mode to UEFI mode. This can be done either using tools provided by the PC manufacturer or manually changing the settings in the firmware menu.
Using the MBR2GPT Tool for Conversion
The MBR2GPT tool, introduced with the Windows 10 Creator's Update, simplifies the process of converting a Windows 10 machine from legacy BIOS to UEFI mode. It allows for a non-destructive conversion that retains all the existing partitions and file systems, saving users time and effort that would otherwise be spent on backing up, repartitioning, reinstalling Windows, and restoring data.
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Converting a Windows 10 Machine in Legacy BIOS to UEFI Mode:
To convert an existing Windows 10 machine to UEFI using the MBR2GPT tool, follow these steps:
- Boot the system into Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment).
- Locate the MBR2GPT tool in the system32 directory and review the usage information.
- Run the MBR2GPT tool with the convert option to initiate the conversion process.
- The tool will shrink the Windows partition and Create a new system partition within the freed-up space.
- After the conversion, reboot the machine and verify that it is now running in UEFI mode.
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Automating the Conversion during an In-Place Upgrade:
For organizations upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10, the MBR2GPT conversion can be automated using task sequence-based deployment tools such as Microsoft Deployment Toolkits (MDT) or System Center Configuration Manager. By integrating the MBR2GPT tool into the upgrade task sequence, the conversion can be performed seamlessly as part of the upgrade process, ensuring a smooth transition to UEFI.
Considerations for Using MBR2GPT
While the MBR2GPT tool is a powerful utility for converting systems to UEFI, a few considerations should be kept in mind:
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BitLocker Compatibility:
If the disk being converted has BitLocker encryption enabled, it is vital to suspend the protection before initiating the conversion. After the conversion is complete, existing BitLocker protectors will need to be removed and recreated to resume protection.
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Limitations of MBR Disks:
MBR disks can have a maximum of four primary partitions. To ensure a successful conversion, the disk to be converted should have up to three partitions, allowing the MBR2GPT tool to create a new UEFI system partition.
Troubleshooting and Additional Resources
For troubleshooting issues with the MBR2GPT tool and to learn more about its functionality, refer to the official documentation provided by Microsoft. The documentation offers comprehensive guidance on using the tool effectively and addressing any potential challenges that may arise during the conversion process.
Conclusion
Transitioning to UEFI and converting from MBR to GPT brings numerous benefits, including improved system performance and enhanced security features. With the MBR2GPT tool provided by Microsoft, the conversion process has been Simplified, allowing users to adopt UEFI with ease. Whether you are upgrading from Windows 7 or looking to optimize your existing Windows 10 machines, the MBR2GPT tool is an invaluable resource. So, don't hesitate to make the switch and unlock the full potential of UEFI for your devices.