How to Mount Linux File System on Windows 11 via WSL
Accessing your Linux files directly from Windows 11 is now possible. This guide shows you how, using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Open PowerShell as administrator and run wsl –update. Then, run wsl –mount \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE# to mount the entire drive, or add –partition # to mount a specific partition. Your Linux files will then be accessible in File Explorer under \\wsl$\\mnt.
Why mount a Linux file system?
Bridging Windows and Linux used to require third-party tools, but native mounting lets computers read and write to Linux partitions without extra software. This capability streamlines managing files and sharing information between operating systems.
What happens when you are done?
Unmounting is just as important as mounting. Safely closing the connection protects your data from corruption before you disconnect the drive.
How to mount Linux file systems in native Linux
: Mounting a Linux file system means connecting a storage device, like a hard drive, to a folder so you can access its files. You do this in Linux using the ‘mount’ command, which needs administrator rights. Users usually type ‘sudo mount’ followed by the drive details and the folder designated for the connection.
Basic syntax:
sudo mount -t ext4 /dev/sdb1 /mnt/mydata
Admin Privilege Required: This command requires root access. Always use sudo before the command.
How to check currently mounted drives
Run the lsblk or df -h commands to see what is currently connected. These tools list all active block devices and their mount points.
Permanent mounting via /etc/fstab
Making a Linux drive connect automatically every time the computer starts requires adding its details to a special file named /etc/fstab. Think of this file as a map that tells the system which drives to connect and where. Editing this file demands administrator permission to ensure the system startup process remains stable.
Admin Privilege Required: Editing /etc/fstab requires administrator permissions. Use a text editor like nano or vi to add drive details, including the path, where the drive should appear (the mount point), and the file system type.
Mounting specific media types
Various media types mount using the same logic. Handling an ISO file requires the -o loop option. Network drives utilize options like mount -t nfs to connect to remote servers.
Unmounting and troubleshooting
Always run the umount command before removing a physical drive. Receiving a 'target is busy' error indicates a program still utilizes a file on that drive. Closing all open folders or terminal windows pointing to that directory resolves the conflict for another attempt.
Mount Linux file system on 🪟 Windows 11 via WSL
Start by updating the environment using the 'wsl --update' command in PowerShell before mounting anything. Next, find the specific identifier for your target drive, which generally looks like \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1. Finding this identifier remains crucial for proceeding with the mounting process inside Windows.
wsl --update
To see connected drives, run this command in PowerShell:
Get-PhysicalDisk | Select-Object FriendlyName, DeviceId, Size
Look for the DeviceId belonging to the drive targeted for mounting (for example, \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1).
To mount the entire physical drive, execute this command:
wsl --mount \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1
To mount a specific partition instead, add the partition number:
wsl --mount \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1 --partition 1
wsl --mount --vhd <PathToVHD>.Access the Linux file system in Windows File Explorer
After mounting the Linux drive, files become accessible in Windows File Explorer by locating the Linux node in the left pane or typing '\\wsl$\\\\mnt' into the address bar.
\\wsl$\<DistroName>\mnt
Summary
Mounting a Linux file system bridges data access across different operating systems, relying on native Linux commands or WSL on Windows 11.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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