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Última actualización: Oct 20, 2025

Recover GPT Partition / Restore GPT Partition — fast guide to GPT partition recovery

Imagine your computer's storage as a neatly organized library. Partitions are like the shelves, helping you keep everything in order. But sometimes, these shelves can get messed up, causing files to go missing or your system to act up. In this simple guide to GPT Partition Recovery & Repair, we'll show you easy steps to fix and restore these vital sections of your computer's storage. Whether you're a tech expert or a beginner, you'll find clear instructions to get your data back and make sure everything runs smoothly again.

Executive Summary — Immediate Action and Verdict

Top-line Answer: If you're facing issues with your GPT partitions, the first step is to stop writing anything to the disk to prevent further damage. Create an image of your drive to back up existing data. Initially, try non-destructive scan methods, and if conditions allow, proceed to rebuild GPT entries. If there's a risk of data loss during structure repair, prioritize using file-recovery tools.

Quick Recommendations: Start by using imaging tools to secure your data. For rebuilding partition tables, tools like TestDisk and gdisk are valuable resources. If you need to recover files or rebuild the partition table at a more granular level, DiskInternals Partition Recovery™ is a strong choice.

What GPT is and How It Fails

GPT Structure — Headers, Partition Entries, Backup Table

GPT, or GUID Partition Table, represents the modern standard for partition management on hard drives. This system replaces the older MBR (Master Boot Record) with a more robust and flexible architecture. Here's a breakdown of its components:

Primary GPT Header: Found at the very beginning of the disk, it contains important metadata, such as the layout of the partition table, the disk’s unique identifier, and pointers to the partition entries. This header is essential for the disk's functionality.
Partition Array: This array, which immediately follows the primary GPT header, holds entries for each partition on the disk. Each entry in the array describes a partition's location, size, and characteristics. This allows the operating system to efficiently access and manage the disk's storage.
Backup GPT Header and Partition Array: Situated at the disk's end, the backup mirrors the primary header and partition array. This provides redundancy; if the primary structures are corrupted, the backup can help recover the partition table.

Brief Diagram Note:

Start of Disk: Primary GPT Header + Partition Array
End of Disk: Backup GPT Header + Partition Array

Common Causes of GPT Loss or Corruption

Several events can lead to the loss or corruption of GPT data:

Accidental Repartitioning: Users mistakenly modify or delete existing partitions, altering the GPT records unintentionally.
Operating System Errors: The operating system might encounter bugs or glitches during updates or installations, which can lead to corrupted partition tables.
Power Loss During Write: Sudden power outages while the system is performing disk operations can disrupt the writing process, leading to incomplete or corrupted data structures.
Malware: Malicious software may target disk structures as part of its strategy, corrupting or wiping partition information.
Failing Media: The physical components of a hard drive or SSD might degrade over time, causing errors in reading or writing data, which in turn can corrupt partition tables.

Symptoms

Identifying symptoms of GPT issues early can significantly aid in recovery efforts:

Missing Partitions: Partitions that once appeared in the system now seem to vanish or are not listed in file explorer or disk management utilities.
RAW Volumes: A partition may suddenly appear as RAW, indicating that the filesystem is unreadable or absent. This often occurs when the partition table is damaged.
Unreadable Filesystem: When the operating system cannot mount filesystems, it may prompt you to format the disk or display errors when attempting file access.
EFI Boot Failure: Systems that use EFI/UEFI rely on the EFI System Partition (ESP) being intact. Corruption here can lead to boot issues, preventing the system from starting up normally.

Preparation — Safe Sequence Before Any Repair

Before embarking on any repair work for a corrupted GPT partition, it's crucial to follow a series of preparatory steps to protect your data and ensure the highest chance of successful recovery:

Stop Using the Disk (Avoid Overwrites)

The first and most important step is to immediately cease any operations on the affected disk:

Avoid Writing Data: Any new data written to the disk can overwrite crucial sectors, making recovery significantly more challenging or even impossible.
Disconnect If Necessary: If you're unsure whether the disk is actively being written to, consider disconnecting it from your system until you're ready to image it.

Create a Full Sector Image (dd / ddrescue / Commercial Imager)

To safeguard the data on the affected disk:

Use Disk Imaging Tools: Programs like dd or ddrescue can create a sector-by-sector image of your disk. This image serves as a snapshot of the disk's current state.
Consider Commercial Tools: If you're not comfortable using command-line tools, there are various user-friendly, commercial imaging programs available that can offer additional features and support.

Work on an Image Copy — Not the Original Drive

Once you've created an image of the disk:

Perform Recovery on the Image: All subsequent recovery and repair operations should be conducted on a copy of this image, not on the original drive. This approach ensures that any failed attempts at recovery do not alter or further damage the original data.

Gather Tools, Backups, and an Alternate Recovery Target Drive

Before beginning the repair process, ensure you have all necessary resources:

Gather Necessary Tools: Assemble all software tools required for recovery, such as TestDisk, gdisk, or DiskInternals Partition Recovery™, and ensure they're accessible and ready to use.
Secure Backups: If possible, gather any existing backups of your data that could be used to restore lost files.
Prepare an Alternate Recovery Target Drive: Have a separate drive ready to store recovered data. This drive should be at least as large as the amount of data you expect to recover.

Non-destructive Recovery Approaches (Preferred First)

When addressing GPT partition issues, it's crucial to start with non-destructive methods. These approaches focus on recovering data and structures without altering the original disk content.

Scan for Lost Partitions (TestDisk, Commercial Scanners)

The initial step involves scanning to locate lost partitions:

Use Partition Recovery Tools: Software like TestDisk or commercial scanning tools can be employed to search for lost partitions. These tools utilize file system signatures—specific data patterns at the start of file systems—to identify and locate partitions even when they're not listed in the partition table.
Recreate Partition Table Entries: Once the tools identify the signatures and file systems, they can help recreate the necessary partition table entries, effectively restoring access to the data.

Rebuild GPT from Backup Header (gdisk Recovery Commands)

If the backup GPT header is intact, it can be invaluable for restoring the primary GPT:

Use gdisk for Recovery: Gdisk offers commands specifically designed for recovering the GPT. Utilizing its recovery mode, you can overwrite the corrupted primary GPT with the data from the intact backup GPT header. This approach assumes no additional corruption exists in the data blocks.

Mount Discovered Partitions Read-Only and Export Critical Files

After regaining access to partitions, it's prudent to approach them cautiously:

Mount Partitions Read-Only: Access discovered partitions without making any changes by mounting them in read-only mode. This prevents any further accidental alteration to the data.
Export Critical Files: Prioritize copying crucial files to a secure location immediately. By exporting your most important data first, you mitigate the risk of potential data loss during further recovery efforts.

Repair GPT Partition Table (When Rebuild is Needed)

In situations where the GPT partition table is irreparably damaged or missing, and non-destructive methods aren't enough, a more focused repair effort becomes necessary.

Reconstruct Partition Table Entries (TestDisk / gdisk)

If the old partition table is wiped but file system signatures remain intact:

Use TestDisk: This tool scans for file system signatures and can help reconstruct the missing partition table by identifying these signatures and allowing you to recreate the partitions.
Use gdisk: With its recovery features, gdisk can be another effective tool to restore partition table entries using the found signatures, particularly if the backup GPT header is also compromised.

Windows Approaches — DISKPART, bootrec, and Risks (Windows 10/11 Context)

When dealing with GPT issues on Windows systems:

Using DISKPART and Bootrec: These are powerful Windows command-line tools for managing disks and repairing boot issues. DISKPART can recreate partitions manually, while bootrec can fix boot-related problems.
Understand the Risks: These tools can be destructive if used incorrectly. They don't focus on protecting existing data and can overwrite existing information. It's crucial to fully back up your data (preferably through disk imaging) before using these commands.

When to Write Changes: Verification Checklist Before Committing

Before committing any changes to the partition table, ensure the following:

Verify Partition Details: Double-check all parameters of the recreated partitions, such as their sizes, types, and locations, to ensure they match the original configurations.
Confirm Data Availability: Ensure that the data on identified partitions is accessible and read properly by mounting partitions in read-only mode.
Backup Critical Data: Before writing changes permanently, confirm that all critical data has been backed up or exported to a safe location.
Final Review: Go through changes one last time to ensure everything aligns correctly and no important data is at risk of being overwritten.

File Recovery When Partition Repair Fails or Is Too Risky

If partition repair efforts prove unsuccessful or pose a significant risk to your data, turning to file recovery is a practical and safer alternative.

Raw File Scan and Carve (DiskInternals Partition Recovery™ Example)

A tool like DiskInternals Partition Recovery™ can be invaluable for file recovery:

Disk Scans: This software can scan disk images or drives directly to locate orphaned or unallocated files using advanced signature-based search techniques.
File Preview: It allows users to preview files before recovering them, helping to ensure that the recovery efforts focus on the most critical files.
Restoration to Safe Targets: After selecting the files for recovery, the software can restore these files to a safe, separate target drive, avoiding any risk to the original disk.

Compare File-Recovery vs Table-Rebuild Tradeoffs

When deciding between attempting to rebuild the partition table and focusing solely on file recovery, consider the following tradeoffs:

Safety: File recovery methods inherently carry less risk of overwriting or damaging data further, as they largely operate in a read-only mode. Table-rebuild attempts, especially if done manually, bear the risk of mistakenly overwriting data sectors.
Completeness: Table-rebuilds might restore the full structure, giving access to all data in its original hierarchy if successful. On the other hand, file recovery may not capture every file, particularly if the disk structure is heavily damaged.
Speed: File recovery processes may take longer, as they scan each data sector thoroughly to reconstruct scattered files. Table-rebuilds, while potentially faster, depend on successfully piecing together the partition puzzle from remnants, which can be hit-or-miss.

Tool matrix — GPT partition repair & recovery tools

Tool	Rebuild GPT	Recover Files (Scan/Carve)	Ease	When to Use
TestDisk	✅ find & rewrite partitions	limited	Technical (CLI)	Rebuild partition table from signatures
gdisk (r/b commands)	✅ rebuild from backup	No	Advanced	Repair GPT header/backup when present. Reddit
DiskInternals Partition Recovery™	⚠ (table rebuild via guided flows)	✅ full preview + restore	User-friendly	When file-level recovery is needed or partition repair is risky
dd / ddrescue	No	No (imaging only)	Low-level	Create safe sector image before work
Commercial suites (Disk Drill, Lazesoft)	Partial	✅	Easy	Quick scans good for non-technical users

Step-by-step Decision Flow

1. Detect: Identify symptoms or indicators of partition table corruption, such as missing partitions or boot failures.
2. Image: Create a full sector-by-sector image of the disk to preserve its current state before taking any actions. Use tools like dd or ddrescue.
3. Scan (Read-Only): Utilize diagnostic tools like TestDisk or commercial scanners to perform a safe, read-only scan for lost partitions or data.
4. Rebuild (Simulate): If possible, use tools to simulate rebuilding the GPT partition table (without writing changes), ensuring a complete representation of the partition structure.
5. Mount & Verify: Mount the found partitions in read-only mode to ensure data accessibility and integrity. Check the critical files for readability.
6. Write Changes or Perform File Recovery: Decide on either finalizing the partition table repair or focusing on file recovery, based on the data integrity and the risk assessment.
7. Validate Backups: After recovering or restoring the partitions, ensure all critical data is backed up to a secure location, validating the saved backups for completeness.

Advanced Scenarios and Constraints

Handling GPT partition issues can be more complicated in advanced scenarios where additional factors come into play, such as encryption, RAID configurations, or hardware failures. Here's how to navigate these complexities:

Encrypted GPT Volumes (BitLocker, LUKS)

When dealing with encrypted volumes:

Decrypt First: If possible, decrypt the volume using its respective software (such as BitLocker or LUKS) before attempting any recovery. This ensures that all standard recovery tools can access the data properly.
Image Encrypted Container: If decryption is not feasible, create an image of the encrypted container. This ensures you have a backup untouched by any decryption processes, securing data against accidental loss during handling.

RAID / Hardware Controllers

For disks managed by RAID or hardware controllers:

Recover at Array Level: Focus efforts at the RAID array level rather than on individual drives. Recovery procedures need to account for the specific RAID configuration (such as RAID 0, RAID 1, etc.).
Consult Vendor Documentation: Refer to documentation provided by the RAID or hardware controller vendor. Understanding the specific quirks and capabilities of the hardware can provide guidance on the best practices for data recovery.

Physically Failing Drives

When dealing with drives that are physically failing:

Use ddrescue: Tools like ddrescue efficiently handle read errors and can attempt to create an image of the failing drive, skipping over bad sectors and maximizing data retrieval.
Escalate to a Lab: If imaging is proving impossible due to extensive physical damage, escalate the issue to a professional data recovery lab. They possess specialized equipment and expertise to handle severely damaged media.

Prevention and Verification Best Practices

To ensure the integrity and safety of your data, implementing prevention and verification strategies is crucial. These practices help avoid data loss and ensure preparedness in case issues arise.

Backup Partition Table (sgdisk —backup) and Store Off-site

Backup GPT with sgdisk: Use the command sgdisk --backup to create a backup of your partition table. This will save the current partition layout, making restoration easier if corruption occurs.
Off-site Storage: Store these backups in a secure, off-site location or in a cloud-based service. This adds a layer of protection against local physical damage or loss.

Regular SMART Monitoring and Scheduled Imaging

SMART Monitoring: Regularly check the health status of your drives using SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) tools. They provide early warnings of potential drive failures, allowing you to preemptively protect your data.
Scheduled Imaging: Implement a routine schedule to create disk images. These images act as snapshots of your system at different times, which can be invaluable for restoring data in case of corruption or other issues.

Test Restore Procedures and Maintain Recovery Media

Test Restore Procedures: Periodically perform test restores using your backup media. This ensures that your recovery plan is not only theoretical but practically executable when needed.
Maintain Recovery Media: Ensure that your recovery media, such as USB drives or bootable disks, are up-to-date and functioning. Regularly update them with the latest recovery tools and software to be ready for any situations that demand immediate action.

Conclusion — Concise Action Checklist

Here's a quick 6-step action checklist to guide you through handling GPT partition issues:

1. Stop: Immediately cease all writing activities on the affected disk to prevent further data loss or corruption.
2. Image: Create a thorough sector-by-sector image of the disk using reliable imaging tools like dd or ddrescue.
3. Scan: Perform a non-destructive scan for lost partitions using tools like TestDisk or commercial partition recovery software to identify recoverable data.
4. Simulate Rebuild: Use available tools to simulate the rebuilding of the GPT partition table. Ensure this process only simulates changes without writing them to disk.
5. Extract Files: Access the simulated partitions in read-only mode, focusing on extracting essential files to a secure location.
6. Commit or Restore from Backup: Based on the outcomes:

Commit Changes: If everything aligns perfectly, consider writing changes to the disk. Ensure a final review before committing.
Restore from Backup: If risks remain or the structure cannot be reliably rebuilt, revert to backups to restore data integrity.

FAQ

How to undo gpt partition?
To undo a GPT partition, start by completely backing up all your data, ensuring no important information is lost. Use a disk management tool like diskpart on Windows or parted on Linux to clean the disk, effectively erasing the existing partition table. In diskpart, you can use the clean command after selecting the correct disk, which removes all partitions and resets it to an unallocated state. On Linux, the parted utility with the command mklabel msdos can convert the GPT disk to MBR, thereby clearing the GPT partitions. After these actions, the disk is essentially blank and ready for new partitioning as needed.
How do I convert a GPT partition to normal?
To convert a GPT disk to the traditional MBR format, ensure you first back up all important data as this process will erase partitions. On Windows, use diskpart by first selecting the disk using select disk [number], then executing the clean command to remove partitions, and finally convert mbr to change the partition style. For Linux users, gdisk can be used by selecting the disk and using the g option in gdisk to create a new protective MBR. Alternatively, parted can be utilized with the command mklabel msdos to set the partition table to MBR. After conversion, you'll need to recreate partitions and restore data from your backup as needed.
How to recover an accidentally deleted partition?
To recover an accidentally deleted partition, first, stop using the disk immediately to prevent overwriting the data. Use a recovery tool like TestDisk to scan for lost partitions; it identifies partitions through file system signatures even if they're not listed in the partition table. Select the drive and allow the software to analyze and list partitions that can be recovered. Review the found partitions, mark the ones you need, and let the tool write the restored partition table back to the disk. Finally, verify the recovery by mounting the partition to ensure files are accessible and intact.
Should I recover a GPT header?
Recovering a GPT header is advisable when you suspect corruption or accidental deletion and need to restore access to the partitions. If the primary GPT header is compromised but the backup GPT header is intact, you can use recovery tools like gdisk to restore the primary header from the backup. This process is crucial for accessing the partition data structure properly without further data loss. Always create a full disk image before attempting recovery to safeguard your data. If both headers are damaged, specialized recovery software or professional services may be required, depending heavily on the importance of the data.
How to repair GPT partition table Windows 10?
To repair a GPT partition table in Windows 10, begin by creating a backup of your disk to prevent data loss during the repair process. Use the Windows Recovery Environment from a recovery drive or installation media; boot into it and select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced Options," and use "Command Prompt." Use the diskpart command to list and select the affected disk, followed by clean to clear any problematic configurations, preparing the disk for repair. Next, use gptpart commands to interact with and repair the GPT, or utilize third-party software like TestDisk if available to fix or recreate the partition table. Once completed, verify the repairs by attempting to boot the system or access the partitions normally.
Can I recover data from GPT partition?
Yes, you can recover data from a GPT partition using specialized recovery tools. Begin by using software like TestDisk or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, which can scan for lost partitions and recover data based on file system signatures. Ensure that you avoid writing new data to the disk to prevent overwriting the lost files. Once a scan is complete, these tools typically allow you to preview recoverable files and enable you to restore them to a safe location. For severe cases, such as physical damage, consulting with professional data recovery services might be necessary.