I misstated my issue - sure you can Install Windows 11 on a MBR drive but it changes it to GPT drive. I want to install Windows 11 and have on a MBR - NOT GPT If I try to change it from GPT to MBR it will no longer boot. So I want Widows 11 to boot from a MBR
https://forums.mydigitallife.net/th...windows-11-on-a-mbr-drive.87428/#post-1804900 Please read the info on the OP of that linked thread, nothing is changed to GPT, it bypasses the system requirements so it can be installed on unsupported systems.
To boot fro MBR you need #1 A native BIOS only machine OR a UEFI machine with the CSM feature enabled (NOT a very recent UEFI class 3 machine, which lacks the CSM option) #2 (obviously a disk initialized as MBR) #3 The partition where you intend to start your boot process set as ACTIVE #4 The bootloader files properly installed (use bcdboot with the switch /F BIOS or /F all) Obviously again if we are talking of an OS installed as UEFI then the disk was converted to MBR you need to be sure that all the points above are checked Instead, if you're going to install a fresh OS on a blank disk, only the steps #1 and #2 are necessary, the setup process will take care of the rest (but in case of W11 you need to use RUFUS to fix your boot media)
For fresh install, obviously, you need to boot the installations media in non-UEFI mode in the first place. Then, Setup will create MBR-partition-style disks. Booting the installation media in UEFI mode will always create GPT-partition-style disks.
An advise needed only using a media created using the official media creation tool. Using rufus you choose since the beginning if you want a MBR or GUID media, so you can't go wrong during the actual installation.
Make sure the BIOS is disable UEFI.. It works for me MBR... I have 1 PC technician PC used MBR.. Mostly my other PC use UEFI... Big Note: Some are newer Bios if you are plan use SSD instead Hard-drive is Bootable, Make sure your Bios Set ACHI (port xx): SoildState or Hard Disk.. If you plan use SSD then be sure check bios set SoildState.. I had happen with my server won't boot these problems, I caught my eye to change it and it work... ATGPUD2003
I'm always talking about official media. With custom media, you oughta know what yer doin'. Even Rufus can create dual-style media, although it's kinda hidden behind the ALT+E cheatcode.
Unless you have a very old machine which does not support UEFI, you are better off installing on UEFI. On an old computer, it is possible to use BIOS, but at the same time you are better off staying with Windows 10 - latest release - 19045 - 22H2.
It's not recommended, for very large (2TB+) drives is the only option. Whatever... almost no one installs the OS on a large drive, the typical scenario, is to use a fast and small SSD for the OS, and a slow and large HDD (or QLC SSD for data). But even if you use a single large SSD as your only disk, just use native VHDs initialized as MBR. There is really no point in using GUID for the OS
Use the official media to boot to a repair command prompt. Use DiskPart to partition the drive. Use DISM to apply the WIM or ESD file. Use REAgentC to build the recovery partition. Reboot. Your PC should now boot to the OOBE where you can complete the setup.