How does 4k sector hard drive work with Windows

I am considering buying a new hard drive, but I heard that 4k (advanced format) disk will not work with Windows backup. I have a desktop with window7 and a laptop with windows 8. I want to buy a new hard drive for both computers' backups. some said the WD tool will make 4k disk work with Windows: https://social.technet.microsoft.co...-advanced-format-4k-drive?forum=windowsbackup
my question is : can I buy a 4k disk for my backup task? If cannot, How can I distinguish a 4k disk from 512 disks?

Hello mysery126!


I believe this article from the Microsoft KB should be of help to you in that matter exactly.


Advanced format (4k) disk compatibility update:
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/li...035(v=vs.85).aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396


The WD Align tool, on the other hand can help “align” the 4k WD drive to Windows in the cases of using an older OS version, such as XP, or when using a cloning software. This KB article from the WD website will help you:
Support Answers


Hope this helps!


CK_WD

Thank you for the information. It seems the WD tool can change logical sector size from 4096 to 512. If I buy a 4k hard disk, and use the tool, then the 4k native disk becomes 512e disk. So I can use it to backup windows 7. Is that correct? this may be a dumb question, but please help me

CKWD said:

Hello mysery126!


I believe this article from the Microsoft KB should be of help to you in that matter exactly.


Advanced format (4k) disk compatibility update:
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/li...035(v=vs.85).aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396


The WD Align tool, on the other hand can help “align” the 4k WD drive to Windows in the cases of using an older OS version, such as XP, or when using a cloning software. This KB article from the WD website will help you:
Support Answers


Hope this helps!


CK_WD

Click to expand...

The WD Align will realign the partitions on internal WD Advanced Format drives on Windows XP, cloned source bootable HDD with any Windows OS or created single or multiple partitions on an AFD using Windows XP. Again, this concerns WD drives.


What do you mean by back up Windows, are you referring to a system image or cloning of the OS partition through Windows 7?


It depends on the exact AF drive you'd choose. In the article I've sent you from MS above there's a table addressing the compatibility between the different Windows versions and 4k drives and separately – with 512e drives, which are different categories of the AF.


The512e emulation type has more supported Windows versions, rather than the 4k type. So it depends on the drive you'd choose.


Do you have one in mind?


CK_WD


EDIT: I made a mistake above being in hurry and all, I meant to say “512e WD drives” rather than "4k WD drives".