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The error message “Windows cannot be installed to this disk” is a common issue that often comes with a specific reason, such as “The selected disk has an MBR partition table” or “The selected disk is of the GPT partition style”. When you encounter the “Windows cannot be installed to this disk” error, especially when a bootable USB drive was made with a different partition style, it means there’s a mismatch between the partition scheme on your hard drive and the boot mode of your computer. This error often occurs when you try to install a modern Windows OS, like Windows 10 or windows 11, which prefers a specific windows setup.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to fix this issue, explained in simple steps.

Understanding the Problem

First, let’s break down the jargon:

  • Partition Scheme: This is the method a hard drive uses to organize its data. The two main types are:
    • MBR (Master Boot Record): An older scheme that supports up to four primary partitions and disks up to 2 terabytes (TB).
    • GPT (GUID Partition Table): A newer, more flexible scheme that supports more partitions and larger disks. Modern computers with UEFI mode firmware use this.
  • Boot Mode: This is how your computer’s firmware (either BIOS or UEFI) starts the operating system.
    • Legacy BIOS type: An older boot mode that typically works with MBR.
    • UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface): UEFI boot mode, A modern replacement for BIOS that works with GPT.

The error happens because your Windows installation USB is formatted to install on a drive with a GPT partition scheme, but your computer’s boot mode is set to Legacy BIOS, or your hard drive is formatted with MBR disk partition style.

Solution 1: Change the Boot Mode

This is often the easiest and most recommended solution. You can change your computer’s settings to match the modern installation media.

  1. Access your BIOS/UEFI Settings:
    • Restart your computer.
    • Immediately press the key to enter the setup menu. This is usually F2, F10, F12, or Delete. The key often flashes on the screen as the computer starts up.
  3. Find the Boot Settings:
    • Look for a menu option called Boot, Boot Order, or Advanced Settings.
    • In the boot settings, you’ll find an option for Boot Mode or UEFI/Legacy Support.
  5. Change the Setting:
    • Switch the boot mode from Legacy or CSM (Compatibility Support Module) to UEFI.
    • Save the changes and exit. The computer will restart.
  7. Try the Installation Again:
    • Start the installation process from your USB drive again. The error should no longer appear, and you can proceed with the installation on your GPT-formatted disk.

Solution 2: Convert the Disk to GPT (Data Loss Risk)

If you can’t or don’t want to change the boot mode, you can convert the hard disk drive’s partition scheme to match the bootable USB. Warning: This process will erase all data on the disk. So take data backup.

  1. Start the Installation Process:
    • Boot from your Windows installation USB drive.
    • On the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen, you’ll see the error.
  3. Open Command Prompt:
    • Press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
  5. Use DiskPart to Clean the Drive: (Disk Management via CMD)
    • Type diskpart and press Enter. This tool manages disks and partitions.
    • Type list disk and press Enter. This will show all drives on your computer. Identify your hard drive by its size.
    • Type select disk # (replace # with the number of your hard drive) and press Enter.
    • Type clean (Disk formatting) and press Enter. This command will completely wipe the selected disk, removing all partitions and data.
    • Type convert gpt and press Enter. This converts the disk’s scheme from MBR to GPT.
    • Type exit and press Enter to close DiskPart.
    • Type exit again to close the Command Prompt.
  7. Refresh and Continue Installation:
    • On the installation screen, click Refresh.
    • You should now see the entire disk as Unallocated Space.
    • Select the unallocated space and click Next. The installation will create the necessary partitions and proceed.

Solution 3: Recreate the Bootable USB Drive

If the above solutions don’t work, the issue might be with the USB drive itself. The tool used to create the bootable drive might have formatted it incorrectly for your desired installation type.

  1. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool:
    • This is the official Microsoft tool for creating installation media. It’s the most reliable method.
    • Download it from the Microsoft website and follow the instructions to create a new bootable USB drive. The tool automatically formats the drive correctly for modern UEFI/GPT systems.
  3. Use Rufus for More Control:
    • Rufus is a popular third-party tool that gives you more control over the bootable USB creation process.
    • When using Rufus, you can explicitly select the Partition scheme:
      • GPT for UEFI systems.
      • MBR for Legacy BIOS systems.
    • Make sure to choose the option that matches the desired setup on your computer.

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