Windows

How to Access Linux Files on Windows 11 Using WSL

Written by

Richard

Feb 15, 2026 Updated Mar 31, 2026 2 min read

You can access Linux files on Windows 11 directly through File Explorer using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).

WSL allows you to run a Linux environment seamlessly within Windows. This means you can work with Linux commands, applications, and crucially, your Linux files without the need for dual-booting or setting up a separate virtual machine.

Starting with WSL 2, Microsoft introduced robust integration, enabling you to mount Linux file systems and browse them directly. This means your Linux files are no longer isolated; you can open them with familiar Windows applications.

Steps to Mount Linux File System on 🪟 Windows 11

Step 1Open PowerShell as Administrator

⚠️ Admin privileges required

First, you need to open PowerShell with special permissions:

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

Step 2See Your Drives

In the PowerShell window, type this command to see all your drives and disks:

💻Code

wmic diskdrive list brief

You should see a list like this:

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

Look at the DeviceID column. This tells you the name of the physical drives.

Step 3Mount the Linux Drive

Now, to open a Linux drive, type this command in PowerShell. Replace <DISKPATH> with the DeviceID you want to access:

💻Code

wsl --mount <DISKPATH>

For example, to mount the first drive shown above:

💻Code

wsl --mount \.PHYSICALDRIVE0

If you want to open just one partition (part of the drive), add --partition and the partition number. For example, to mount partition 1 on the same drive:

💻Code

wsl --mount \.PHYSICALDRIVE0 --partition 1

By default, WSL tries to mount the drive as an ext4 Linux file system. If your drive uses a different format, like FAT, you can specify it with -t. For example:

💻Code

wsl --mount <DISKPATH> -t vfat

Step 4Access Linux Files in Windows File Explorer

After mounting, open File Explorer. Click the folder icon on your taskbar or press Windows key + E.

In the address bar at the top, type:

💻Code

\wsl$

You’ll see your Linux distributions listed here. Click on your Linux distro (for example, Ubuntu). Then open the mount folder to find your mounted drive’s files.

Step 5Unmount the Linux Drive (When Done)

When you want to safely disconnect the Linux drive, go back to PowerShell and run:

💻Code

wsl --unmount <DISKPATH>

Example:

💻Code

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.

Want to learn more about setting up WSL or using File Explorer? Check these guides:

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!

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Tags: #Windows 11

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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