Troubleshooting guide
How to fix the problem
The 2TB or so limit on the larger drive could be related to the MBR partition table or USB adapter limitation. Before changing GPT or partition sizes, check the actual capacity and save data: some conversion methods erase everything.
Possible solutions
Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.
Checking capacity and partition table
Just review the information for now.
Steps to follow
- Right-click Start > Disk Management and find the required disk by model and capacity.
- Note the displayed capacity of the entire drive, the sizes of the existing partitions, and the unallocated space.
- Right-click on the left drive number, select Properties > Volumes, and see the partition style: MBR or GPT.
- If the entire drive is visible but some of the space is unusable due to the MBR, make a full backup of your important files before reformatting.
Preparing a proper GPT configuration
Choose the method based on whether there is already data on the disk.
Steps to follow
- If it's a blank new data disk, double-check its number; only then it can be prepared to GPT according to Windows instruction.
- If the data exists, copy it first and verify the copy. A simple Windows conversion may require deleting existing volumes.
- Do not convert the system disk according to the data disk instruction: it requires a separate UEFI and boot plan.
- After reformatting, restore the files from the copy and check the visibility of the entire capacity. If the incorrect physical capacity remains, check the adapter.
If the problem persists
If even the physical capacity of the drive is displayed incorrectly, check the USB box, adapter and manufacturer's diagnostics. If the data is required, do not use the Clean or partition wipe commands as a test.
Request a repair