Convert Basic Disk to Dynamic |When and How?
Basic Disks VS Dynamic Disks
Basic disks, commonly used with Windows, contain partitions like primary partitions. They support both MBR and GPT partition styles and are compatible with all Windows OS versions from MS-DOS to Windows Server 2019.
Dynamic disks are a type of storage that differs from basic disks. They use a hidden logical disk manager or virtual disk service to track information, allowing data to be shared between two or more disks. However, they are not supported by all Windows operating systems, and are typically used in Windows Server OS and Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista and Windows 2000.
Converting a basic disk to a dynamic disk offers several benefits. With a dynamic disk, you can create spanned volumes, which allows you to combine unallocated space across multiple disks. You can also create striped volumes to improve read-write performance and mirrored volumes to protect data.
Convert basic disk to dynamic easily [two ways offered]
To convert a basic disk to a dynamic disk and enjoy its advantages, you have two options. Before proceeding, ensure you're not in one of the following conditions:
The disk contains unknown partitions, such as OEM partitions, that will become nonfunctional once the disk is converted to a dynamic disk.
To install Windows, you need to first convert the disk to basic, then install the OS, and finally convert the disk back to dynamic. Windows OS cannot be installed on a dynamic disk.
The computer is running a Windows operating system that does not support dynamic disks.
PS.: Converting a basic disk containing the OS is acceptable, as it still allows booting from the system disk. However, it's not recommended to convert a basic disk that has a dual-boot setup.
Option A. Convert to dynamic disk via Disk Management
1. Press Windows + R simultaneously to open Run dialogue.
2. Input diskmgmt.msc and click OK to open Disk Management.
3. To convert a basic disk to a dynamic disk, right click the basic disk you want to convert and select the option to convert it to a dynamic disk.
4. Check if the disk you need to convert is selected in the pop-up dialogue, and click OK if it is.
5. Click "Convert" and you'll receive a message telling you what will happen after the disk is converted to dynamic. Click "Yes" to confirm.
Option B. Convert to dynamic disk via Diskpart
1. Open Run window, input diskpart and hit Enter.
2. In the diskpart interface, input commands as follows:
- list disk
- To convert a basic disk to a dynamic disk, select the disk you want to convert from the list of available disks and type "select disk n" (where n is the number of the disk you want to convert).
- convert dynamic
3. After you type exit and hit Enter to close this window.
Notice: Before converting a basic disk to a dynamic disk, it's recommended to back up the disk to a safe place to prevent data loss.
How to solve “Convert to Dynamic Disk” greyed out issue?
Converting a basic disk to a dynamic disk can be successful in many cases, but it may not work for larger disks, specifically MBR disks over 2TB, as they cannot be converted to dynamic disks or have partitions beyond the 2TB mark.
To convert a large MBR disk to a dynamic disk, you need to first convert the disk from MBR to GPT. However, using Disk Management or Diskpart to convert the disk to GPT requires deleting all partitions on the MBR disk, which can lead to data loss. A more reliable solution is to use a powerful MBR to GPT converter like Qiling Disk Master Professional, which can convert a large MBR disk to GPT without losing any data. This tool allows you to convert the disk to GPT without deleting any partitions, making it a safer and more efficient option.
PS.: You can download its demo version to have a try at first!
Step 1. Install and run the software. In the main interface, right-click the target disk and choose "Convert to GPT".
Step 2. The disk will be converted to a GPT disk immediately. Please wait.
To convert the large disk to a dynamic disk, you can use the built-in Disk Management tool in Windows. Here's a brief summary: After converting the large disk to GPT, you can use the Disk Management tool to convert it to a dynamic disk.
Notes:
☞To convert a disk into a dynamic disk, you need at least 1MB of unallocated space at the end of the MBR basic disk to resolve the insufficient space issue.
☞If you mistakenly convert an improper disk to a dynamic disk, you can rectify the situation by formatting the dynamic disk into a basic disk using Qiling Disk Master Professional in Windows 7, 8, or 10.
☞The software is compatible with various Windows versions, including Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, XP, and Vista, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It also supports Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012/2008/2003, where Qiling Disk Master Server should be used instead.
Conclusion
If a basic disk is unable to be converted to dynamic using the "Convert to Dynamic" option, you can try to free up space on the disk or use the "Convert to Dynamic" option on a disk with enough free space to hold the system volume. If neither of these options work, you can use a third-party tool to convert the disk. However, be aware that using a third-party tool may void your warranty.
After converting to dynamic disk, you can manage dynamic disk volumes flexibly using Qiling Disk Master Professional's Dynamic Disk Manager tool, which allows you to extend, shrink, delete dynamic volumes, add drives to RAID, and convert dynamic disks to basic disks.
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