How to upgrade Windows 10 (MBR) to Windows 11 (GPT) without data loss

When you’re ready to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the computer must use the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware type and the GUID Partition Table (GPT) for the disk layout. These are essential requirements for enabling security features like Secure Boot and TPM 2.0.

If these components are not properly set, specifically if your device is still using the legacy BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and an MBR (Master Boot Record) partition style, the upgrade will fail.

If you’re running Windows 10 on an older system, there’s a good chance that your motherboard is still in legacy BIOS mode. This usually means your system drive is formatted with the MBR partition scheme, which is incompatible with the Windows 11 setup process.

To proceed with the upgrade, you’ll need to convert the disk from MBR to GPT with the MBR2GPT tool, then switch the firmware mode from legacy BIOS to UEFI. Only after making these changes can you enable TPM 2.0 and successfully install Windows 11. (Secure Boot is highly recommended, but not a requirement.)

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to convert a drive from MBR to GPT, switch from BIOS to UEFI, enable TPM 2.0 (and Secure Boot), and upgrade from Windows 10 to 11.

Warning: This process doesn’t delete your files, apps, or settings, but you’ll be making system changes that can cause your computer to stop booting correctly if you don’t complete the steps correctly. As a result, it’s recommended to create a full backup of your computer before proceeding. Although most modern computers will allow you to switch from BIOS to UEFI and enable TPM 2.0, check your manufacturer’s support website to confirm your device supports these modes.

Upgrade from Windows 10 (MBR) to Windows 11 (GPT)

If you have a computer running Windows 10 using the legacy BIOS and the MBR partition layout, first you will have to convert the current installation from MBR to GPT, switch from BIOS to UEFI, enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, and only then, you’ll be able to proceed with the upgrade to Windows 11.

Step 1: Convert from MBR to GPT

To convert a MBR Windows 10 partition layout to GPT, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Recovery.
Click the Restart button under the “Advanced startup” section.
Click on Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Click the Command Prompt option.
Select your administrator account and sign in with your credentials (as necessary).
Type the following command to validate that the drive can be converted and press Enter:
```
mbr2gpt /validate
```
Type the following command to convert the system drive to GPT from MBR and press Enter:
```
mbr2gpt /convert
```
Type the following command to close the console and press Enter:
```
exit
```
Click the Turn off your PC option.

Once you complete the steps, the new partition style will be applied to the setup. However, the operating system won’t start correctly until you switch to UEFI firmware mode.

Step 2: Change from BIOS to UEFI firmware type

To switch from BIOS to UEFI firmware type, follow these steps:

Power on the computer.

Quick note: The steps to access and modify the firmware settings will vary per manufacturer and computer model. It’s recommended to consult your device manufacturer’s support website for more specific details. However, typically, you can access the firmware during boot by pressing the Delete, Esc, or one of the Function keys.
Navigate to the boot sequence, advanced, or boot settings page, depending on your motherboard.
Turn off the legacy BIOS and enable UEFI mode.

After you complete the steps, the computer should boot correctly. However, you will still need to enable the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Secure Boot before you can continue the Windows 11 upgrade process.

You should be able to enable the security features without needing to restart the computer. However, you can also follow the steps below to enable the TPM and Secure Boot on your computer.

Step 3: Enable TPM 2.0 from UEFI

To enable TPM 2.0 in the motherboard UEFI firmware, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Recovery.
Click the Restart now button under the “Advanced startup” section.
Click on Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Click the “UEFI Firmware settings” option.
Click the Restart button.
Click on the Advanced Security or Trusted Computing menu. Sometimes the option is available inside a sub-menu.
Select the TPM 2.0 option
Choose the Enabled option.
Save the changes and exit the firmware.

It’s important to note that the option could have different names, such as Security Device, Security Device Support, or TPM State.

If the motherboard doesn’t have a TPM chip but you have an AMD-based system, the security chip is likely built into the processor. The option will then appear as “fTPM” (firmware-based TPM 2.0), “AMD PSP fTPM” or “AMD fTPM switch.”

If the device is an Intel-based system, TPM 2.0 will be available as “Intel Platform Trust Technology” or “Intel PTT.”

Step 4: Enable Secure Boot from UEFI

To enable Secure Boot in the BIOS firmware, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Recovery.
Click the Restart now button under the “Advanced startup” section.
Click on Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Click the “UEFI Firmware settings” option.
Click the Restart button.
Open the Advanced, Security, or Boot page, depending on your motherboard.
Select the “Secure Boot” option.
Choose the Enabled option.
Save the changes and exit the firmware.

Once you complete the steps, Secure Boot will be enabled on your computer, and you can then proceed with the upgrade process.

It’s said that Secure Boot is a requirement, but it’s possible to run Windows 11 with this feature disabled. However, it’s recommended to turn it on.

Step 5: Upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10

To upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 through Windows Update, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the “Check for updates” button.
Click the “Download and install” button.
Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the computer will be upgraded to Windows 11.

In this guide, I outline the upgrade process using the “Windows Update” settings. However, you can also upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 using the ISO file or the Installation Assistant.

Alternatively, you can also perform a clean installation of Windows 11. If you choose this approach, you will still need to switch from BIOS to UEFI and enable at least TPM 2.0. However, you won’t have to convert the current setup from MBR to GPT.

Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning that after this date, the operating system will no longer receive security updates or any type of technical support. As a result, it’s critical to upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible to keep your device supported.