When installing a new hard drive, you’ll often have to choose between two partitioning options: MBR or Master Boot Record and GPT or GUID Partition Table. MBR is an older partitioning scheme that’s been around since the days of MS-DOS, while GPT is a newer, more modern partitioning scheme. But what exactly is MBR, and what sets it apart from GPT? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of MBR and compare it with GPT, so you can make an informed decision when setting up your storage device.
What Are GPT And MBR?
When you save data on your computer’s hard drive or SSD, it can be divided into different sections called partitions. These partitions help organize your data and make it easier for your computer to access it.
Master Boot Record (MBR) and GUID Partition Table (GPT) are two different ways of organizing information on a computer’s hard disk. Both MBR and GPT determine how the computer reads and accesses the information on the hard drive.
What Does MBR Do?
MBR tells your computer how to boot up and where to find the operating system. It also contains information about the partition table and how the hard drive is partitioned.
What Does GPT Do?
GPT also tells your computer how to boot up and where to find the operating system, just like MBR. However, GPT also contains a backup copy of the partition table, which makes it more reliable than MBR. It can also support larger disk sizes and allows for more partitions than MBR.
Now that you know what MBR is, what GPT is, and what they do, let’s take a look at the comparison between MBR and GPT.
Also Read: How to Partition Hard Disk Drive in Windows 11
MBR Vs GPT
| Feature | MBR | GPT |
| Number of primary partitions | Up to 4 | Up to 128 |
| Maximum partition size | Up to 2 TB | Up to 18 exabytes |
| Security | Lacks data sector checksum | Uses CRC values and backup GUID partition table |
| Specifications | Works with BIOS | Works with UEFI |
| Partition name | Stored in partition | Unique GUID and 36-character name |
| Multiple boot support | Limited support for multiple boot | Boot loader entries stored in separate partitions |
| Operating system support | Supports older versions of Windows | Supports all major OS |
| Data recovery | Difficult | Easy |
| Data corruption detection | Difficult | Easy |
| Method of partition addressing | CHS or LBA | LBA only |
| Size | 512 bytes | 512 bytes per LBA, partition entry 128 bytes |
| Partition type code | 1-byte code | 16-byte GUID |
| Stability | Less stable | More stable |
| Bootable version of OS | Boots 32-bit OS | Boots 64-bit OS |
| Storage capacity | Up to 2 TB | Up to 9.44 million TB |
| Performance | Lower performance | Superior performance with UEFI boot support |
Master Boot Record Vs GUID Partition Table for SSDs
When choosing between MBR and GPT for SSDs, consider the following:
1. Capacity: MBR has limitations in terms of capacity, with storage space limited to 2TB, while GPT allows for larger capacity drives up to 9.4ZB.
2. Operating system: SSDs are more compatible with the latest versions of Windows, like Windows 10, and UEFI-based systems can help maximize the benefit of speed, making GPT a better choice.
Overall, GPT makes a more sensible choice for SSDs due to its larger capacity, reliability, and compatibility with newer operating systems.
Now you know what MBR is, what GPT is, and how they differ, you may be wondering which one is better. Let’s take a closer look.
Also Read: 12 Apps to Protect External Hard Disk Drives With Password
Which Is Better MBR Or GPT?
The choice between MBR and GPT depends on several factors like the type and size of the storage device, the operating system used, and the features required.
MBR is the right choice when:
- The disk size is less than 2TB.
- The computer’s motherboard is based on BIOS (older computers).
- You need to install a 32-bit version of Windows.
- You need to create only four partitions or fewer.
- You need to use disk cloning software that doesn’t support GPT.
GPT is the right choice when:
- The disk size is more than 2TB.
- The computer’s motherboard is based on UEFI (newer computers).
- You need to install a 64-bit version of Windows.
- You need to create more than four partitions.
- You require higher reliability, data protection, and data recovery capabilities.
How to Know If Your Computer is Using Master Boot Record or GUID Partition Table
In your Windows computers you can figure out if your system is using MBR or GUID partition by using the following steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and click on Disk Management.
2. Find the disk you want to check and right-click on it.
3. Click on Properties.
4. See the Partition style column under the Volumes tab.
5. If it’s MBR, you’ll see Master Boot Record (MBR). Otherwise, you’ll see GUID Partition Table (GPT).
Also Read: 10 Ways to Free Up Hard Disk Space On Windows 10
We hope after reading this article you know what is MBR and GPT and what’s the difference between them. You can now choose which one is better for you according to your needs. And if you have some queries or suggestions regarding MBR or GPT, feel free to share them in the comments section.
