How to Know if Your System Uses MBR or GPT Partitioning [on Windows and Linux]

When you install an operating system or set up a new drive, the partition style matters. Modern computers typically use GPT (GUID Partition Table), while older systems often use MBR (Master Boot Record). Knowing which one your system uses is important if you’re planning to reinstall your OS, dual boot, or clone a drive.

Here’s how you can check whether your disk is using MBR or GPT on both Windows and Linux.

What’s the Difference Between MBR and GPT?

• MBR (Master Boot Record):
  • Older standard (introduced in the early 1980s).
  • Supports drives up to 2 TB.
  • Maximum of 4 primary partitions (or 3 primary + 1 extended).
  • Works with BIOS firmware.
• GPT (GUID Partition Table):
  • Modern standard (part of UEFI).
  • Supports drives larger than 2 TB.
  • Virtually unlimited partitions (Windows allows up to 128 by default).
  • Stores multiple copies of partition data for recovery.
  • Works with UEFI firmware.

How to Check Partition Style on Windows

Method 1: Using Disk Management

1. Press Win + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
2. In the Disk Management window, right-click the disk you want to check (e.g., “Disk 0”) and select Properties.
3. Go to the Volumes tab.
4. Look for Partition style — it will say either Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT).

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the command:
   diskpart
3. Then type:
   list disk
4. Look at the output:
   • If there’s an asterisk (*) under the GPT column, the disk uses GPT.
   • If not, it’s MBR.

How to Check Partition Style on Linux

Method 1: Using parted

1. Open a terminal.
2. Type:
   sudo parted -l
3. Look for the line that says Partition Table — it will show gpt or msdos (msdos = MBR).

Method 2: Using gdisk

1. If not installed, add gdisk using your package manager (for example, sudo apt install gdisk on Ubuntu).
2. Run:
   sudo gdisk -l /dev/sda
3. If the disk is GPT, it will show GPT detected. If it’s MBR, it will say so.

Which One Should You Use?

• Use GPT if your hardware supports UEFI (most modern systems do) and your disk is larger than 2 TB.
• Use MBR only if you’re working with older systems or need compatibility with legacy BIOS.

Final Thoughts

Checking whether your system uses MBR or GPT only takes a minute, but it can save you from installation headaches down the road. On Windows, Disk Management or diskpart will give you a quick answer. On Linux, tools like parted and gdisk do the job.

If you’re setting up a new system, GPT with UEFI is the way forward — more robust, more flexible, and future-proof.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!