Troubleshooting Clean Windows 10 Installation Issues
Troubleshooting Clean Windows 10 Installation Issues
HeadshotGames
07-23-2021, 09:38 AM #11Please be careful when generating content from unknown sources.
Freedom_Men
07-23-2021, 09:38 AM #12Get the files straight from Microsoft's website. Windows 10 version 1809 for 64-bit is available here: https://software-download.microsoft.com/...9760125f05
Reviewed my C drive through Disk Manager and noticed it uses an MBR partition layout. Uncertain about the reason—it's just how it was set up. Given it's a 1 TB SSD, the choice between MBR and GPT likely doesn't matter much. When I pick the Windows ISO, I see options like -GPT with UEFI (non-CSM) and File system "FAT32." Should I switch GPT to MBR? That would set the Target System to BIOS or UEFI-CSM. Should I switch the file system from FAT32 to NTFS? Also, it seems strange that my C drive isn't labeled as Disk 0 but rather Disk 4—what could explain that?
, the second on the secondary (D, and so on. The OS always keeps the OS partition as C:. This is standard behavior and doesn’t require concern.
Using a USB flash drive may change how BIOS handles boot sequences. If your system includes a boot menu, you might not need to adjust the order; just navigate to it and pick your drive. Some BIOS versions provide a boot override feature, which lets you select a different device without altering the default sequence. I recommend configuring the boot order and style according to your needs—such as UEFI with SSD first—and then save the settings. Insert the USB, restart, and enter the boot menu or override to choose it as the start point. Unless you prefer a legacy/CSM setup instead of UEFI, keep both options unchanged. The operating system assigns drive letters based on disk arrangement, placing the first partition on the primary disk (e.g., C, the second on the secondary (D, and so on. The OS always keeps the OS partition as C:. This is standard behavior and doesn’t require concern.
I don't understand why it feels harder than it should. 1.) My C drive is in the right boot sequence so I don't have to reorder it and I have boot override enabled. I'm trying to figure out why the technician used MBR on my 1 TB SSD when GPT/UEFI would have been better, given that my hardware is only a month old. 2.) During a clean install, can I simply connect the bootable MCT drive and choose GPT/UEFI from there? From what I've read, there seems to be another method involved, especially since my C drive uses MBR—I might need to adjust my approach.
LuckyKevin
07-23-2021, 09:38 AM #16If it's a SATA SSD there's no reason whatsoever for having used legacy/CSM. Some NVMe SSDs however did cause problems with UEFI and Windows setup not being able to detect the SSD. These days it's not really an issue anymore, but in the early days it would be either mucking about with inserting drivers into a Windows image, or sticking to legacy/CSM. If you've created a USB flash drive for GTP/UEFI, set the BIOS to UEFI and install Windows the setup will automatically use GPT/UEFI. The fact that your SSD is currently partitioned using MBR is only an issue if you install Windows without deleting the old partitions first. Note: before installing, unplug all other harddisks/SSDs apart from the one which you will install Windows on. Otherwise it might try creating a boot partition/store on another disk.
PurpleOnTime
07-23-2021, 09:38 AM #17From the msinfo output I notice my BIOS is set to Legacy mode. My C drive uses an MBR layout. However, when I open BIOS I see some graphics available—didn’t think that indicates a UEFI setup? I’m confused about these differences, even after watching many tutorials. Are there specific indicators in Windows or BIOS that confirm the current mode? How can I switch it to UEFI safely? And yes, my drive is a SATA 1 TB SSD. With Microsoft MCT you don’t have the option to pick GPT/UEFI during installation. Using Rufus you can do that. Where should I configure BIOS to UEFI? Also, do I need to adjust the C drive to GPT before changing the BIOS mode?
The visible interface of your BIOS doesn’t indicate settings or compatibility with UEFI support. Although UEFI has become common in modern BIOS versions, many still offer text-based interfaces, especially on laptops. MCT provides a flash drive that works with both UEFI and older modes. If you create an ISO and burn it to a DVD, the same applies. These details are typically hidden in the boot or storage menu. Often, accessing advanced settings requires entering a deeper mode. The exact options vary by BIOS, but usually there’s a choice to turn on UEFI/secure boot or disable CSM/legacy. After enabling these, you may need to restart and re-enter BIOS to adjust further parameters. No, you can’t boot Windows in UEFI mode while the OS runs in legacy mode. However, reinstalling will likely require wiping your SSD and resetting partitions—so it’s mostly irrelevant.