Restore to GPT

[khanyash]

My Windows 10 installation's BIOS mode is Legacy. HBS restore has a "Restore to GPT" feature. Does this feature convert an MBR system to UEFI? And after restoration, the system will boot, or is a BIOS mode change required?

[Froggie]

@khanyash... GPT is a FORMAT, not a BOOTable environment.  UEFI is a BOOTable environment.  Yes, most modern Systems are UEFI-GPT... but they don't have to be (Legacy Systems can be created on GPT disks... rare, but doable).

I'm assuming (don't know for sure unless I play with it ) that all this option does is change the disk format upon restoration, not change the entire BOOTing environment (Legacy to UEFI)... that's a lot more work.

[khanyash]

Thank you for the info.

My Windows installation is Legacy MBR. I thought that option would convert the system to UEFI.

[admin]

Thank you for the info.

My Windows installation is Legacy MBR. I thought that option would convert the system to UEFI.

Yes, it can help you convert your MBR-based Windows system to UEFI and guarantee that you will be able to boot Windows in UEFI mode.

[khanyash]

Thank you for the info.

My Windows installation is Legacy MBR. I thought that option would convert the system to UEFI.

Yes, it can help you convert your MBR-based Windows system to UEFI and guarantee that you will be able to boot Windows in UEFI mode.

Would I have to enter the BIOS to set the mode to UEFI after the conversion?

(I cannot access the BIOS setup as the laptop's function keys don't work. I don't have an external keyboard.)

[Froggie]

Yes... the app WILL NOT do this for you.  If your older BiOS just happens to be set to UEFI-CSM (an older mode that could do both), you may be alright... better know ahead of time and have a good backup just in case.

I guess my next question would be... why do you feel you need to go to UEFI BOOTing?  Does not the existing Legacy BOOT work just fine?

[khanyash]

I cannot access the BIOS setup as the laptop's function keys and some other keys don't work. The Advanced Startup option lists only Startup Repair under Troubleshooting.

On a UEFI system, I can use a bootable USB with Advanced Startup. It will be helpful in some situations. I can use Eazy Fix, as it supports mouse-use to access its pre-boot console features on a UEFI system.

And I guess I can use EasyUEFI to set the boot order permanently to USB. It will allow me to boot the system normally or use a bootable USB to fix the unbootable system. Am I right?

[Froggie]

Seems like a lot of work to avoid a laptop keyboard replacement.  I would even consider an inexpensive EXTERNAL USB keyboard the few times I needed direct BiOS access... to each his own, I guess.

[khanyash]

Yes, it's a rather old laptop, too. I'm looking to buy a new laptop in a month or two. Anyway, I'm going to purchase an external keyboard. It'll come in handy for everyday tasks and in such situations.

[Froggie]

Make sure it's not wireless (sometimes driver issues with receivers).