Can I run Windows 7 on a GPT drive?

[RBS7]

typically Windows 7 is installed on an MBR disc, so can it run on a GPT disc?

I am thinking since capacity limitations on MBR are set to 2TB if I convert to GPT that has a capacity of 256TB and I could then install Windows 7, without the size limits. If you all can follow my questioning.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

A system with BIOS cannot boot a GPT disk. You must use UEFI instead of BIOS, for a GPT boot disk, regardless of size.

Some motherboards support UEFI and some don't.

Are you locked into the idea of putting Windows on a large spinning drive as opposed to an SSD?

You can use MBR and GPT disks on the same PC.

Do you intend to install 64-bit Windows?

 

[RBS7]

A system with BIOS cannot boot a GPT disk. You must use UEFI instead of BIOS, for a GPT boot disk, regardless of size.

Some motherboards support UEFI and some don't.

Are you locked into the idea of putting Windows on a large spinning drive as opposed to an SSD?

You can use MBR and GPT disks on the same PC.

Do you intend to install 64-bit Windows?

Right now I am just exploring possibilities. I run Windows 7 Home off of a 2TB HD. But I have several other 4TB drives, that uses a Seagate Tool allowing Windows 7 to access the full 4TB as 2 x 2TB drives.

So was thinking of converting those to GPT (trying to eliminate the Seagate tool), since that format can handle the large drives, whereas MBR has it's limitations. I have thought about adding an SSD but just didn't really want to spend the money on this unit. Nor do I want to use Windows 8 or 10.

Just trying to educate myself.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

The short answer to the topic of the thread is yes----assuming your motherboard supports bootable GPT drives via UEFI. I've never done it and I don't know what problems you might run into, but that's my understanding.

 

[Layback Bear]

Please use this tutorial by Brink to completely fill in your specs.
Also add your power supply and security programs.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html

 

[RBS7]

Please use this tutorial by Brink to completely fill in your specs.
Also add your power supply and security programs.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html

Well, we have 10 computers, and we run 7 - 8.1 Pro & home versions, desktops, laptops, tablets, AMD, i3, i5 CPUs, and an array of graphic cards all with different specs, that's why I left it blank

 

[Layback Bear]

Thank you for your warm reply.
What I wanted to check was the motherboard on the troubled computer and see what bios it had. That is okay, I don't need to know.

Have a nice day.

 

[RBS7]

Thank you for your warm reply.
What I wanted to check was the motherboard on the troubled computer and see what bios it had. That is okay, I don't need to know.

Have a nice day.

Well, it isn't a troubled computer. I am just looking at different ways to configure it. It is my main machine for everything....gaming, experimenting, programming, but no browsing or youtube etc.

But to answer your question
it is an AZRock Z77 Extreme MB, sporting an i5 CPU, 8GB memory, an AMD Radeon HD7700 graphics with (1 2TB hard drive) (2 4TB hard drives) all mounted within a black shiny box (and roll bar) with oversized Michelin tires LOL.

 

[derekimo]

typically Windows 7 is installed on an MBR disc, so can it run on a GPT disc?

I am thinking since capacity limitations on MBR are set to 2TB if I convert to GPT that has a capacity of 256TB and I could then install Windows 7, without the size limits. If you all can follow my questioning.

Yes, you can,

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html