How to Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI in Windows |
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![]() In older versions of Windows, you were forced to reinstall the entire operating system if you wanted to convert legacy BIOS or Master Boot Record (MBR) to UEFI or GUID Partition Table (GPT). However, a new and simple tool called MBR2GPT was introduced in Windows 10. It lets you convert legacy BIOS to UEFI with just two commands. Here is how you can convert legacy BIOS to UEFI in Windows 10. If you’re a Windows 11 user, you shouldn’t do anything, as UEFI mode is enabled by default on your device. Do not skip any of the prerequisites of legacy BIOS to UEFI conversion mentioned below, as it can lead to system failure and even hardware issues in some cases. ContentWhy Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI?Prerequisites for Legacy BIOS to UEFI ConversionDo I Need to Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI in Windows 11?How to Check Whether You Are Using Legacy BIOSHow to Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFIHow to Fix the MBR2GPT "Disk Layout Validation Failed" ErrorFrequently Asked QuestionsAlso read: How to Boot into UEFI Directly from Windows 10 Why Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI?You probably have some inkling why you’d want to change from the legacy BIOS to UEFI, but just to confirm, here’s what you need to know. Both BIOS and UEFI perform the same function on your PC – namely under-the-hood software integrated into your motherboard chip that lets you control various important low-level things. Your BIOS/UEFI lets you control things like boot order, connected hardware, fan speeds, the physical lights on your computer and system time. Modern motherboards even let you undervolt and overclock your CPU! It’s powerful stuff. UEFI is basically the new BIOS, performing the same job but better. With UEFI, you get faster boot times (ostensibly), higher drive capacities, better update methods and driver support, and a 64-bit mode (where BIOS is only 16-bit). In other words, switching to UEFI is a bit of an upgrade and worth doing. Note that even modern computers (including Windows 11) tend to still call the motherboard software the BIOS, even if it’s technically UEFI. Also read: How to Safely Bypass the TPM 2.0 Requirement in Windows 11 Prerequisites for Legacy BIOS to UEFI ConversionThere are many secondary requirements listed below for a flawless conversion. If you ignore any of these prerequisites, your Windows hardware may fail leading to a black screen. (Read the FAQ to know what options are available for you in case you encounter this problem.) While there will be no data loss while converting legacy BIOS to UEFI, please back up your system as a precaution.Always verify whether your Windows system is capable of supporting UEFI in the first place. Generally, all motherboards launched after 2014 are UEFI secure boot capable but that’s not always the case. So you should verify the eligibility for your device specifically.To do so, use the Run command with the shortcut Win + R and type msinfo32 to launch the System Information window. In its right-hand side panel, check your BIOS Version/Date. If it says UEFI, your device is eligible for legacy BIOS to UEFI conversion. However, if it only gives the name of your BIOS version, the device does not have UEFI firmware settings. Trying to convert the legacy BIOS will lead to hardware failures. ![]() ![]() If you want to know more, we have a full guide on the differences between UEFI and BIOS. Also read: UEFI vs. BIOS: Which One You Should Use Do I Need to Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI in Windows 11?If you’re using Windows 11, it means your device is past the milestone in switching from legacy BIOS to UEFI. This is because migrating to a UEFI secure boot is a mandatory Windows 11 compatibility requirement. There is no separate provisioning of legacy BIOS in Windows 11. In rather simple words, Windows 11 doesn’t support legacy BIOS at all. If you want to install Windows 11 on an older Windows 10 device, you should first check whether that computer supports UEFI mode or not, and it should have a GPT partition, not MBR (check the following section for more details on this). You can check this from a “Windows Security” option where “Secure boot” is displayed as On. Microsoft recommends you keep it that way to deter any malicious software from loading when the device is booting. Also read: How to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs (And Why You Shouldn’t) ![]() The secure boot settings can also be verified from the BIOS options (called UEFI Firmware Settings) accessible in Windows 11 “Advanced startup.” After the BIOS screen shows up, navigate to the Boot Options tab. According to Microsoft, UEFI should be shown as the “first or only option.” This is especially true for Dell, HP, and Lenovo laptops. However, some other manufacturers may have continued to retain both UEFI and legacy/CSM. ![]() Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Check Windows 11 Compatibility with Your PC How to Check Whether You Are Using Legacy BIOSBefore you switch from legacy BIOS to UEFI in Windows 10, check whether you are actually using legacy BIOS. After all, there is no use converting if you are already on UEFI. Search for “Create and format hard disk partitions” in the Start menu and press Enter to open the built-in Disk Management tool.Right-click on the Windows installation disk, Disk 0, and select “Properties.”![]() ![]() Also read: The Differences Between MBR and GPT How to Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFIOnce you’ve confirmed you are on legacy BIOS and have backed up your system, you can convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI. Access Command Prompt from Windows’s advanced startup by pressing Win + X.Go to “Shut down or sign out” and click on the “Restart” button while holding the Shift key.![]() ![]() If you see the “Validation completed successfully” message, proceed to the next step. If you see any errors, your disk or system may not meet the conversion requirements. ![]() If you have problems validating at this point, enter the following command. We highly recommend you use this add-on code to not lose data. mbr2gpt /validate /allowFullOS![]() As soon as you execute, Windows 10 will start the conversion process, i.e., add all the required UEFI boot files and GPT components, then update the Boot Configuration Data. ![]() Also read: How to Reset Your CMOS, and Why You Might Need To How to Fix the MBR2GPT “Disk Layout Validation Failed” ErrorWhile changing your hard drive from MBR to GPT, you may sometimes receive the error message: “MBR2GPT Disk layout validation failed for Disk#,” with the number # referring to your boot disk. There are two reasons for this error: more than three partitions and no available space in C drive, the boot disk. ![]() ![]() Note: if your device is already on a GPT layout, these options will be greyed out. ![]() Also read: How to Use ShadowExplorer to Restore Files from System Restore Frequently Asked Questions Why am I seeing a black screen after changing legacy BIOS to UEFI?If you’re seeing a black screen after changing over from legacy BIOS to UEFI, it means you did not complete one or more prerequisites we have listed above. Having a black screen after restart may or may not indicate hardware failure. If your Windows device is healthy, you should be able to access its “safe mode” by pressing the Power button followed by what is known as a “Boot key.” Common boot keys include F2, F6, F12, Del, and Esc. They vary among laptop/PC manufacturers and you should check your precise laptop/PC model to know its boot key. Once the Safe mode menu items are visible, attempt a factory image restore of your Windows computer. This will revert your Windows device to the exact configuration in which it was shipped by the manufacturer. You can also try a simpler System Restore if it works for you. If you cannot access the Safe mode using Power button and boot keys, it definitely indicates hardware failure. This leaves you no other choice but to have the device repaired by a competent PC hardware expert. How do I resolve the "0x514; MBR2GPT failed to enable backup/restore privileges" error on Windows 10?Some users have experienced an “administrator not found on the system” error while performing the MBR to GPT conversion on a command prompt even though they were signed into the computer as administrator. To deal with this problem, ensure that you are running the elevated Command Prompt which is the Administrator mode. It can be easily accessed from the Start menu. Can I go back to legacy BIOS from UEFI?If you had your Windows 10/11 OS installed in UEFI mode, it is possible to go back to legacy BIOS (although we’ll highly recommend not doing this). You have to initiate an “advanced startup” on your Windows device and enter the UEFI Firmware settings to disable the UEFI secure mode which can be reenabled later. Image Credit: Unsplash Subscribe to our newsletter!Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over eleven years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews. Facebook Tweet |
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