While it is true, the disk partitions of a computer or rather, a partition structure is what defines how the information is organized in a particular partition , as well as from where they start and where those partitions end. Which is a very important process when you mount a new storage unit in your device. This, usually happens with the Windows operating system , especially with its widely used versions 7, 8 and 10.
Which means that surely, if at any time you have made disk partitions or formatted it, you have encountered the two main partition structures , that is, the Master Boot Record or MBR and GUID Partition Table or GPT . Since, Windows itself gives you the option to select the type of format you want the partition table to have inside. Therefore, it is relevant to know what each of them refers to to better manage the use of these partition structures.
In the first instance, MBR has been the most famous partition style for years and until today, is an ideal choice for its compatibility with various computers . However, GPT is about a more modern standard and that not only works with Windows, but also with Linux and Mac OS X. To learn more about this, we have prepared concrete definitions around to each partition class , its main similarities and differences , as well as some tips to know what type of partition your computer disk is .
Index:
What is the MBR disk partition (Master Boot Record)?
To start, let’s focus on the definition of the best known and oldest disk partition, that is, the MBR or “ Boot Master Record “. Thus, refers to a disk partition standard that is around 36 years old in the market , given that it started working in 1983.
However, it is not an obsolete partition, since is still totally useful . Therefore, it is considered the most famous partition table style, especially for its compatibility with operating systems that are usually managed worldwide .
In this sense, it is essential to take into account its main functionalities , which are: store a partition table , provide the operating system boot to through bootstrap or an initial code , set up your own disk device , among others.
For its part, the MBR works as a special boot sector that is located at the start of a drive and also has a boot manager included for the operating system and all information regarding the logical partitions of the unit.
Thus, it is appropriate to understand that the bootloader refers to a small code (the initial code that we already mentioned) and is the one that deals with loading the bootloader. larger boot to another partition on a drive .
In the case of Windows, the initial boot loader bits reside in that sector and because of this, if the MBR is overwritten, Windows cannot run and it is mandatory to repair the same . Now, in reference to those who have the Linux operating system installed , the bootloader GRUB will be hosted in the MBR , which is why it is essential.
On the other hand, the MBR also has some drawbacks or limitations that logically, it is essential to know. So, the most important are: this disk partition only exhibits the ability to handle disks up to 2TB , only supports four primary partitions , forces to use a partition extended to convert the main partitions and you will also be asked to create logical partitions within it .
What is the GPT partition (GUID partition table)?
As we indicated at the beginning of the post, this GPT partition is newer and basically refers to the GUID partition table which is about a style for placing the partition table on a physical hard disk of a computer that works in conjunction with any operating system .
In addition, it should be noted that emerged a few years ago as an Intel proposal in order to replace the MBR or Master Boot Record , which is used with the BIOS system . To do this, shift the most notable limitations that this partition class shows.
Indeed, the GPT works by using unique identifiers globally to thereby address the partitions and in order to perfectly replace the other alternative, the GPT contains a MBR protection to manage to run older PCs in reference to partition management.
Added to this, the GPT adds two primary features that position it as an ideal solution on the disk partition issue. The first is that has no partition or size limits , so the only ones that can condition the process would be the same operating systems. Now, its other significant peculiarity, is about the high reliability that guarantees because it generates redundant copies throughout the entire hard disk.
For its part, this kind of partition reveals several special advantages, such as: supports disks up to 256 TB in a single partition , has the ability to resist 128 primary partitions , makes use of “ Extensible Firmware Interface ” or EFI, instead of the standard partition table in the BIOS.
Main differences and similarities between MBR and GPT Which is better?
In order to know which is the best option between MBR and GPT, it is necessary to know what their most notable differences and similarities are , in order to choose between any of these alternatives in order to ensure a good functioning of your team. Next, the main ones:
Differences
- Operating system compatibility : On the one hand, the MBR model being the mainstream of specified partitions to hard disk drives, supports the vast majority of systems operational . However, the new systems are the ones that make use of GPT (Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Linux, etc.) but the old models do not support this kind of partition, such as for example Windows XP. Because is only possible on 64-bit operating systems .
- Hard disk capacity : The old MBR only has the ability to handle up to 2 terabytes of data or less of it . In contrast, the GPT has a greater advantage around this aspect, since can contain up to 256 terabytes .
- Definition of primary partitions : The MBR only allows you to define four primary partitions but, the GPT increases this number to 128 primary partitions , which in theory is practically an unlimited number of partitions.
- Boot function : While the MBR has a boot function on any operating system , the GPT does not include this feature.
- Boot option for the operating system : This is another of the main distinctions, since MBR is used from the BIOS as a boot option for the operating system and the GPT, in change, is used from the UEFI .
Similarities
- Of course, the first one to highlight is that both are models of physical device partitions of hard drives .
- Currently, these two partition types are widely used .
- Both MBR and GPT are compatible with several versions of Windows.
- Both styles are capable of creating and manage partition tables on a hard disk effectively .
Now, to know which is the best selection, this depends on your specific case . Since, first hand we can confirm that GPT is much better than MBR , thanks to it is a more modern and robust alternative, given that it exhibits fewer limitations and of course, it has more hard disk capacity and primary definitions.
But, if your device has old systems, it will not be possible to use GPT . Therefore, you have to choose to use the traditional MBR with a BIOS. However, if your device allows it (because it is 64 bits), you cannot hesitate to use the GPT style .
How to know if your disk is in MBR or GPT?
Many people do not know the procedure to follow to know if the disk of their computer is in MBR or GPT , but fortunately, there are several tactics to know if a certain disk makes use of one or the other partition table.
Next, one of the most used processes for this with its step by step:
- To begin, opens a CMD window (preferably with administrator permissions) and now, proceed to type the following command: “ diskpart “.
- With this, it will start loading the tool and once it is finished, you have to execute the command “ list disk “. Which, gives you a list where you can see all the disks that are connected to your computer in question.
- Once you place yourself in that list, you can see a column with the main name of “ GPT ”. Thus, all disks that have an asterisk (*) in that section are the ones that are using this modern partition table . It’s all.
On the other hand, you can also do this from “My Computer” and it is estimated as one of the most direct ways to visualize the properties of the hard disk >.
The process is this:
- On your computer, you have to proceed to “ My Computer ” and select a disk drive with the mouse. For example, you can do it with Unit C .
- When you are in that unit, right click and click on the option “ Properties ”.
- Subsequently, there will be a label identified as“ Hardware ”and there, you have to choose the hard disk according to the brand , like the choice “ Properties ”.
- Finally, click on the “Volumes” section and this will allow you to observe the style partition that is using that specific hard drive. As you can see, it’s very simple.