Purpose: Enabling Modern Security Features

To ensure every company computer is as secure as possible, we perform routine health checks. The “Disk Partition Style” check verifies that your computer’s main storage drive is organized using a modern and secure format.

This is a foundational check that is essential for enabling advanced security features, like a secure startup process, and is a mandatory requirement for Windows 11.

How it Works: The Table of Contents for Your Data

Think of the “partition style” as the table of contents for your computer’s hard drive. It tells the computer where to find the operating system and how all your files are organized. There are two types:

• MBR (Master Boot Record): This is the old, traditional table of contents, like one found in a short pamphlet. It’s a technology from the 1980s that has known limitations and is not compatible with modern security features.
• GPT (GUID Partition Table): This is the modern table of contents, like a detailed, multi-page index for a massive encyclopedia. It is more robust, more secure, and is the current industry standard.

Our health check simply identifies which “table of contents” your computer’s main drive is using.

What Your Results Mean

The check determines if your system drive is using the modern GPT format.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	Modern Drive Format (GPT) Your computer’s main drive is organized using the modern, secure GPT format. It is correctly configured to support advanced security.	No action is required. Your system is properly configured.
ACTION REQUIRED(Fail)	Outdated Drive Format (MBR) Your drive is using the older MBR format. This prevents your computer from using the secure UEFI boot method, which is a critical line of defense against startup viruses and a requirement for Windows 11.	This requires a technical adjustment. Please contact the IT Help Desk. A technician will need to run a process to convert the drive to the modern GPT format. This is not something that can be fixed with a simple update.

Frequently Asked Questions

My computer works fine. Why does this need to be changed?

• While your computer functions today, the older MBR format is a roadblock to enabling critical, “under-the-hood” security features. The modern UEFI boot method, which protects your computer before Windows even starts, requires the GPT format to work. This change is essential for your device’s security.

Does this mean my hard drive is old or broken?

• No, not at all. This is not an indication of hardware failure. It is simply an older way of formatting the drive that needs to be updated to the current standard.

How is this related to the “Boot Method” check?

• They are two parts of the same puzzle. The “Boot Method” check ensures your computer is set to use the modern UEFI startup process. This “Disk Partition Style” check ensures your hard drive is formatted in a way that is compatible with UEFI. You need both to be correct for a fully secure system.