How to Access a Linux Disk on Windows

Sometimes, you may need to access files stored on a Linux disk from a Windows system. Since Windows and Linux use different file systems (Windows uses NTFS, FAT32, while Linux uses ext2, ext3, ext4), Windows cannot natively read Linux disks. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to help you access your Linux files from Windows.

Method 1: Using Ext2Fsd

Ext2Fsd (Ext2 File System Driver for Windows) is a driver that enables Windows to recognize disks formatted with ext2, ext3, and ext4 file systems. This tool not only allows you to view files but also open, copy, and even edit them (though be careful when writing data).

How to use Ext2Fsd:

  1. Download Ext2Fsd from the official site and install it on your computer.
  2. Run the program, and find the Linux partition in the list of connected devices.
  3. Right-click on the partition and select Assign Drive Letter to assign a drive letter to it.
  4. Now, the disk will be accessible through Windows Explorer, allowing you to interact with files on it.

Note: Ext2Fsd supports automatic mounting, but settings might reset after restarting the computer. It’s recommended to assign the drive letter manually each time you connect the disk.

Method 2: Using DiskInternals Linux Reader

DiskInternals Linux Reader is a free program that allows safe viewing and extraction of files from a Linux disk. Unlike Ext2Fsd, this tool doesn’t support writing, which eliminates any risk of accidental data damage.

How to use DiskInternals Linux Reader:

  1. Download DiskInternals Linux Reader and install it.
  2. Open the program, and it will automatically detect all connected disks, including Linux partitions.
  3. Locate the partition you need, click on it, and a window with the file system will open.
  4. To extract a file, select it and click Save, then choose a folder on your Windows disk to save it.

Method 3: Using a Virtual Machine

If you need regular access to Linux data, setting up a Linux virtual machine could be a convenient solution. With free software like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player, you can create a virtual Linux environment and easily share files between systems.

How to use a virtual machine:

  1. Install VirtualBox or VMware and create a virtual machine running Linux.
  2. Set up a shared folder to allow file access between Linux and Windows.
  3. Now you can copy files between systems through this shared folder.

Method 4: Using Windows 10+ Command Line (WSL)

If you are using Windows 10 or higher, you can take advantage of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which lets you run a full Linux environment within Windows. This allows direct file access through the command line.

How to use WSL:

  1. Install WSL via Windows Settings or by running this command in PowerShell: wsl --install.
  2. After installation, download a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store (e.g., Ubuntu).
  3. Use \\wsl$ in File Explorer to open access to files on the Linux virtual file system.