If Windows cannot be installed on this disk. During Windows installation, “Make sure that the controller for this disk is enabled in the computer’s bios menu. The hardware on this computer may not support booting.

Or it starts to malfunction and it becomes necessary to install a new one. However, this may come with some difficulties. Due to incorrect parameters that may be set through no fault of the user, errors appear that interfere with the normal installation of the operating system Microsoft Windows. Unfortunately, such troubles arise quite often. What to do in such a situation? In this article we will look in detail at how to solve the error " Windows installation on this disk impossible...", as well as why such a malfunction occurs and what to do about it. Let's figure it out. Go!

If you get the error “The selected disk has a GPT partition style,” then you should pay attention to some parameters. For new UEFI computers that support 64-bit OS, it is better to install on GPT disk(even if a regular BIOS instead of UEFI is not scary, it is important that there is support for 64-bit systems). For older PCs with a regular BIOS that only support 23-bit OS, it is better to install it on an MBR disk (this is done by conversion).

Installing Windows on GPT

The most common problem encountered is Windows users 7, however, this does not exclude the possibility of this problem appearing in newer versions of the system. To install on a GPT disk, be sure to select the 64-bit version of the OS. It should be loaded in EFI mode. Most likely, the error appears precisely because the last condition is not met.

First of all, open the BIOS. This is done by pressing a certain key on the keyboard, depending on the computer model, at the time the PC starts. Usually these are the Del or F2 keys. Once you are in the BIOS, change the CSM to UEFI boot. You will find this item in the “BIOS Features” or “BIOS Setup” section. The next step is to select “AHCI” in the “Select SATA operating mode” item. In a regular BIOS, go to the “Advanced” tab, in the “AHCI Mode Control” section set “Manual”, and in the “Native AHCI Mode” item that appears below set “Disabled”. For those who have Windows 7 and older, you need to turn off the " Secure Boot».

There are different interface options, so the names of some items may differ slightly, so do not be alarmed if your names coincide with those indicated in the article. Don't forget to save your changes before exiting. After this, if you installed the OS from a disk, the error should no longer appear.

For those users installing Windows from a USB drive, you will most likely need to create bootable USB flash drive again, only now with UEFI support, so that the error disappears. To support UEFI, after you have created a bootable USB flash drive, you need to transfer it to it ISO image with the system. You need to do it like this:

  • Mount the image;
  • Select all files and folders of the image;
  • Click right click mouse and from the list that appears, select “Send” and then “Removable disk”.

After this, installation problems should disappear.

Convert GPT to MBR

Before we move on to analyzing this process, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that it is better to move all data from the HDD, as they may be lost. If you are not worried about lost files, feel free to proceed to the steps below.

To convert a GPT partition table to an MBR partition table, use the key combination Shift+F10 when you are in the Windows Setup Wizard, this is necessary to launch command line. Next, you need to repeat the following steps exactly. Display a list of all disks on your PC, enter “diskpart” and then “listdisk”. To select the disk with which you are going to work further, write “select disk M”. In place of “M”, indicate the number corresponding to the desired disk. The previous command “list disk” just displayed the numbers on the screen.

Next, clean the disk by typing “clean”. When the cleanup is complete, enter "convert mbr" to convert GPT to MBR. Please note that with this approach all data will be lost. At the end, write the “exit” command. You can now close the Command Prompt or continue working with it to create partitions.

There is an alternative option that will save all data. This method involves using special utilities. One of these is MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable. “Bootable” means that this version can be written to a USB drive (the flash drive must be bootable) and run even if Windows is not working. After downloading, you will see a menu in which you need to select the item corresponding to the name of the utility. Once in the MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable window, select required disk and click on the item “Convert GPT Disk to MBR Disk”, which is on the left. Then click the "Apply" button.

If the system installed on your computer is working properly, then you can download other programs that have similar functionality, for example, Acronis Disk Director or Aomei Partition Assistant. You can also use the built-in Windows tools. To immediately go to the desired utility, use the Win + R “diskmgmt.msc” combination. Going to the Disk Management window, select the disk you want to convert and click Delete Volume. After that, click on it again and click on the “Convert to MBR disk” item. Ready.

After reading the material presented, you will know what to do if, during the installation of Windows OS, an error warning appears that it is impossible to install Windows on this disk. All the methods discussed above will help you solve the problem. Write in the comments whether the article was useful to you and ask if anything was unclear.

You may encounter the message “Windows cannot be installed on this disk” at the stage of selecting an operating system installation partition if not supported download from the selected storage medium. The reason that caused this obstacle is stated in the installer's message.

Reasons There may be several such problems:

  • worn out or damaged SATA cable;
  • disabled controller hard drive in BIOS;
  • malfunctions the storage medium itself;
  • absence included in the distribution Windows drivers AHCI;
  • does not match the format BIOS - UEFI or Legacy - disk partition style - GPT and MBR, respectively.

Let's talk about the last two problems in more detail.

Problem with AHCI

The appearance at one time of the connection mode for the SATA storage media controller AHCI, which replaced the old IDE, entailed additional requirement to the composition of the Windows distribution kit - the presence of the corresponding drivers. AHCI driver support is announced in OS versions starting with Vista.

But Windows 7 does not always want to be installed on a computer with active mode SATA AHCI controller. There are two ways out here - change of distribution(AHCI drivers can be cut by packagers of pirated assemblies) and AHCI switching to old IDE mode. In the latter case, you need to enter the BIOS, find the section for setting the parameters of the SATA controller (sections may be called “Integrated Peripherals”, “Storage Configuration”, etc.) and change the preset AHCI to IDE.

Convert MBR to GPT

Windows will not install if the disk has wrong style sections:

  • GPT, while the UEFI interface in the BIOS is disabled;
  • MBR, while UEFI mode is active and Windows is installed from UEFI bootable media.

The last case is the most common: everyone who either replaced a new motherboard with BIOS UEFI support, or connected to PC assembly HDDs or SSD with MBR partitioning. There may also be two options for getting out of the situation:

  • refuse from the benefits of UEFI, disable this interface in the BIOS (switch to Legacy) and continue Windows installation to an MBR disk;
  • convert it in GPT.

If there is no important data on the hard drive, transformation from MBR to GPT will be carried out automatically Windows installer. To do this, at the stage of choosing the OS installation location, you need to delete all existing partitions.

And as an installation location indicate whole unoccupied space.

Need to complete the process Windows reinstallation, return to old system And install this program. Or boot up with LiveDisk with AOMEI Partition Assistant included, if you already have access to the old Windows impossible. Program developer - AOMEI company - provides the ability to create emergency bootable media with your products on board. To create such media, you need to use another product of the company - AOMEI PE Builder. Also, AOMEI Partition Assistant, among other software for system engineers, is included in LiveDisk AdminPE.

To convert disk from MBR to GPT, follow the steps as in the screenshots below.

After converting the section style again launch Windows installation.

Convert GPT to MBR

If the question is the opposite - for example, the motherboard do not support BIOS UEFI, but the assembly of components included an HDD or SSD with GPT partitioning, nothing left other than convert it in the MBR. This can be done in the same ways as described above for the reverse process:

  • by removal all partitions using the Windows installer, if there is no need for the data stored on the disk;
  • by using programs AOMEI Partition Assistant.

To convert a disk from GPT to MBR, follow the same steps as in previous section article, with the only difference that this time we launch, accordingly, the reverse operation.

Sometimes when installing Windows, including version 10, an error message is displayed on the screen. The text of the message is: “Windows cannot be installed on this disk.” In this case, the hard drive is displayed in the BIOS. It is also visible at the stage of installation of the operating system, where it could be divided into sections.

This problem occurs for two reasons:

  • the controller is disabled in the BIOS (AHCI mode);
  • The hard drive has a GPT volume.

Problem with AHCI mode

In addition to an error message informing you that it is impossible to install Windows 7 or 10 on this disk, if there are difficulties with the AHCI mode, the computer cannot boot from the selected disk. The reason is that the controller may be disabled in the BIOS.

The problem is solved as follows:

Problem with GPT format

Another reason for the impossibility of installing Windows 7 or 10 versions with the display of a similar message may be GPT - the hard drive partition format.

Until recently, all hard drives were the same type. The only partition style was MBR. Over the past few years, manufacturers have been gradually switching to producing hard drives with the GPT format. And here boot files with the OS are not modified for new formats, and as a result, the error described above appears during installation.

MBR (Master Boot Record) is program code and data required to pre-start the computer. They are located in the initial marked sector of the hard drive. The MBR starts after the initial BIOS analysis of the performance of all devices. Its main function is to determine the location of the files that are needed to boot the OS.

GPT new standard format for placing the volume table. It was also developed standard interface built-in software for computers, replacing BIOS. It is called UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface).

The problem occurs because the OS installer cannot install Windows on the specified partition due to the fact that the partition table does not suit it.

There are 2 methods to solve the problem:

  • installing the system on a similar disk;
  • Converting a partition to MBR.

The choice of method should be determined by the following rules:

  • if your computer supports the UEFI interface and you need to install a 64-bit OS (for example, Windows 10), then it is recommended to use the first option. Checking the presence of a UEFI interface is very simple. Graphics mode with mouse control indicates the presence of UEFI;
  • If the computer was manufactured several years ago, has a BIOS and requires installing a 32-bit operating system from MicroSoft, then you should convert GPT to MBR.

Using MBR limits some features, such as:

  • their volume cannot exceed 4 TB;
  • The maximum number of volumes on the HDD is limited to 4.

Installation of Windows 7, 8 and 10 on GPT

Problems when installing an OS on a GPT volume usually arise for those who want to install Windows 7, 8 and 10.

To install the OS on a GPT volume, you must meet 2 conditions:

  • install a 64-bit system (for example, Windows 10);
  • boot in EFI mode.

If the first condition is not met, what should be prepared bootable UEFI storage device.

But in most cases, only the second condition is not met. Therefore, it is better to immediately go into the BIOS and check the settings.

There are two parameters to set in the BIOS:

  • enable UEFI boot;
  • switch the operating mode from SATA to AHCI.

After saving the settings, you can install the OS on your computer. The mistake will not happen again.

Converting GPT volumes to MBR

There are several options for converting volume style. Let's look at them in more detail.

Converting to MBR when installing Windows via the command line

This method is optimal for use in situations where installing an OS such as Windows 7, 8, 10 is not feasible due to the GPT volume type. It can also be useful not only when installing the OS, but also during the normal operation of the OS for converting non-system partitions.

It should be remembered that when converting partitions, all information from them will be lost. Therefore, it is recommended to save everything important in advance. external media information.

To change the style of volumes from GPT to MBR via the command line:

  • run the command line in Windows as a user with administrator rights;
  • to display the list hard drives connected to the computer, enter the commands “diskpart” and “list disk” in sequence;
  • select the disk to change the style with the command “select disk D”, where D is the disk number;
    Then two scenarios are possible.
    1. execute complete cleaning disk with the “clean” command. In this case, all HDD volumes will be deleted;
    2. You can delete HDD volumes one at a time using the commands “detail disk”, “select volume” and “delete volume”;
  • start converting the disk to MBR with the “convert mbr” command;
  • exit Diskpart by selecting “Exit”. Close the command prompt. After this, it is recommended to continue installing the operating system. This error message will no longer appear.

You can create volumes on the HDD by selecting “ Set up disk».

The volume style change is complete.

Changing partition style from GPT to MBR using Windows Disk Management

The alternative volume conversion method requires a properly functioning Windows 7, 8 or 10 operating system on personal computer. You can only convert a disk volume that is not a system one.

The sequence of steps to convert a HDD volume is as follows:


Utilities for changing partition style

In addition to the standard methods for converting HDD volumes provided by Microsoft developers, you can use third-party hard drive volume management utilities, such as


Video on the topic

How to remove the "Make sure the controller for this disk is included in the menu" window computer bios" during Windows installation

During Windows installation, "Make sure that the controller for this disk is enabled in the computer's bios menu"

Sometimes it happens that during Windows installation, at the stage when you need to select hard section disk on which Windows will be installed, the error “Make sure that the controller of this disk is enabled in the computer’s bios menu” appears. Naturally, the installation does not proceed further.

Error text

In this article you will learn what this means and how to fix the problem with the hard drive controller.

Why does this error appear?

There are several options for the message “Make sure that the controller of this disk is enabled in the computer’s bios menu.”

One of the most likely is that the mode is incorrectly set in the BIOS. work hard disk. There are two main modes - Achi and IDE, which we wrote about in the article.

Sometimes on new motherboards the UEFI/BIOS boot mode option contributes to the appearance of this error.

Less often, but another situation also occurs. This is damage boot entry hard drive and in this case it will need to be restored.

How to fix “Make sure that the controller of this disk is enabled in the computer’s bios menu”?

There are as many options for eliminating this problem as there are reasons.

First you need the operating mode of the hard drive. If it is IDE (Compatible)(Native Mode), then enable AHCI, and if it is AHCI, then switch to IDE (Compatible)(Native Mode).

Switching the hard drive operating mode - option 1

Switching the hard drive operating mode - option 6

Switching the hard drive operating mode - option 5

Switching the hard drive operating mode - option 4

Switching the hard drive operating mode - option 3

Switching the hard drive operating mode - option 2

If this does not help, then you should check the UEFI/BIOS boot mode option. If there is one, then you should set it to “legacy” or “Legacy First”.

Switch boot mode to Legacy

After all changes in the BIOS, do not forget to save them with the F10 button.

The last option is to try checking and restoring the boot record of your hard drive.

To do this, press “shift” + “F10” when the error “Make sure that the controller of this disk is enabled in the computer’s bios menu” appears. This will launch the console.

Recovering the boot record via the console

During installation of the operating system, at the stage of formatting disks and creating partitions, the user may encounter the error “Windows cannot be installed on this disk. Your computer hardware may not support booting from this disk. Make sure that the controller for this drive is enabled in the computer's BIOS menu."

Why does this error occur and how to fix it?

Ways to solve the problem

Often, an error where it is impossible to create a partition for installing a new operating system occurs on old PCs with Windows 7. However, other operating systems, from XP to Windows 10, are also not immune to this problem.

The following factors may be the cause of this error:

  • Incorrect SATA operating parameters settings;
  • Equipment specifics (availability of additional SSD and SCSI cards).

Method number 1. Through BIOS settings

To fix this error, you should boot into the BIOS and set the hard drive mode. IDE drive. To do this we do the following:

  • Reboot the PC and press “F8” several times to get into the BIOS.
  • Find the “Advanced” or “Integrated Peripherals” section and select the “SATA Mode” or “SATA Raid”, “SATA Configuration” item in it (the path to the settings depends on the model motherboard). We change the operating mode from AHCI or another to IDE.

  • Press “F10” and reboot the PC. We repeat the system installation.

If your PC has a new BIOS firmware, then instead IDE mode It's worth enabling EFI boot. To do this we do the following:

  • We boot into BOIS-UEFI and go to the “Boot” section. Find the item “UEFI/Legacy Boot” and set it to “Enabled”.

  • Save the changes and restart the PC.

It is worth noting that with this change it is possible that a new error will appear that is associated with MBR or GTP partitions.

If you have an additional cached SSD or other drive installed on your PC or laptop, this may be causing the problem. To fix the problem, perform the following steps:

  • Determine the model and version of the device. We go to the developer’s website and download the drivers, which are sealed in an archive and not posted as a separate exe file.
  • Unpack the files onto the flash drive.
  • We start the Windows installation. At the volume selection stage, click on the “Download drivers” button.

  • A new window will open. Click the “Browse” button and specify the path to the drivers. Click “Ok” and “Next”.

  • We try again to select a volume to install the system.

Method No. 3. If the error is related to the GPT or MBR format

If during installation of Windows 7, 8 or 10 you receive the error “Windows cannot be installed on this drive. The selected disk has a GPT partition style,” you should change the GPT format to MBR. To do this, perform the following steps.

  • We save all data from drive C, since it will be formatted. It also wouldn't hurt to save information from local disk D.
  • Open a command prompt with administrator rights and enter the following commands in order:
  1. diskpart;
  2. list disk;
  3. select disk No. (indicate the number of the disk on which you will install Windows and which one is causing problems);
  4. clean (the entire disk will be cleaned);
  5. convert mbr (format changed);
  6. exit.

After formatting the partition, you should restart the PC and try installing the OS again.

You can also perform the same steps over in a simple way. In the BIOS, in the “Boot” section, in the “UEFI / Legasy Boot” item, set Enabled, and in “Secure Boot” - Disabled. After this, we delete all partitions and create new ones. The format will be automatically changed.