How to Access Linux Files on Windows 11 Using WSL

Steps to Mount Linux File System on 🪟 Windows 11

Step 1Open PowerShell as Administrator

⚠️ Admin privileges required

First, open PowerShell with administrator privileges:

1. Click Start ⊞. Type PowerShell.
2. Right-click Windows PowerShell. Select Run as administrator.

Step 2See Your Drives

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) uses the wmic diskdrive list brief command in PowerShell to show all connected hardware. Running this command generates a complete hardware inventory of your drives, displaying names and sizes so you can select the correct drive for your WSL mount Linux drive setup without guessing.

wmic diskdrive list brief

The terminal outputs a list matching this format:

Caption DeviceID Model Partitions Size
SAMSUNG MZVKW512HMJP-000H1 \.PHYSICALDRIVE0 SAMSUNG MZVKW512HMJP-000H1 3 512105932800
ST1000LM035-1RK172 \.PHYSICALDRIVE1 ST1000LM035-1RK172 1 1000202273280

Scanning the DeviceID column reveals the specific names of the physical drives.

Step 3Mount the Linux Drive

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows you to use the wsl --mount command in PowerShell to attach an external or internal Linux drive directly to your system. Typing this command with your specific drive path completes the WSL mount Linux drive process, making your Linux files visible inside Windows 11.

wsl --mount <DISKPATH>

For example, mounting the first drive shown above requires this syntax:

wsl --mount \.PHYSICALDRIVE0

Targeting a single partition (part of the drive) requires adding --partition alongside the partition number. For instance, mounting partition 1 on the same drive uses this syntax:

wsl --mount \.PHYSICALDRIVE0 --partition 1

By default, WSL attempts to mount the drive using the ext4 Linux file system. Drives utilizing a different format, like FAT, require the -t option for proper recognition:

wsl --mount <DISKPATH> -t vfat

Step 4Access Linux Files in Windows File Explorer

Windows File Explorer lets you view and open your mounted files after you finish a WSL mount Linux drive procedure. Typing \wsl$ into the address bar at the top of File Explorer opens a directory showing all installed Linux distributions, giving you full access to your data.

In the address bar at the top, type:

\wsl$

Your Linux distributions appear in this directory. Clicking your Linux distro (for example, Ubuntu) opens the mount folder to locate your mounted drive's files.

Step 5Unmount the Linux Drive (When Done)

Disconnecting the Linux drive safely requires returning to PowerShell and running this syntax:

wsl --unmount <DISKPATH>

Example:

wsl --unmount \.PHYSICALDRIVE0

Summary

• WSL lets you run Linux inside Windows 11 easily.
• You can mount and open Linux drives or partitions directly in Windows via PowerShell commands.
• Once mounted, Linux files are available inside Windows File Explorer under \wsl$.
• Remember to unmount your drives safely when done.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets you complete a WSL mount Linux drive task to open, edit, and manage Linux files directly inside Windows 11 File Explorer. Using PowerShell commands connects your drives and unmounts them safely when you finish working.

How to Install WSL on Windows 11

How to Use File Explorer on Windows 11

How to Run PowerShell as Administrator

If you have questions or want to share your experience, please leave a comment below!