The recommended method to convert these disks is to upgrade the operating system to Windows 10 first, then perform the MBR to GPT conversion. So 2k8 sounds like a no no even for an offline conversion.

EaseUS simplifies this critical MBR to GPT conversion by offering a fast, reliable, and user-friendly MBR-to-GPT conversion tool—helping users overcome common upgrade obstacles while minimizing ...

Consequently, the GPT disk is becoming a critical component of Windows 11. It may be necessary to convert MBR to GPT initially if you are contemplating upgrading your Windows 10 PC to Windows 11.

EaseUS simplifies this critical MBR to GPT conversion by offering a fast, reliable, and user-friendly MBR-to-GPT conversion tool—helping users overcome common upgrade obstacles while minimizing ...

Turns out by default Linux (RHEL8) is still using MBR disks and so you run into the 2TB max limit. Found that there is a command "sgdisk" that will do a live conversion to GPT without any data loss.

Consequently, the GPT disk is becoming a critical component of Windows 11. It may be necessary to convert MBR to GPT initially if you are contemplating upgrading your Windows 10 PC to Windows 11.