On this page, you'll unveil 6 practical methods to access EXT4 partition from Windows 10/8/7 in two parts. Follow to learn how to access and read Linux EXT4 partition data on Windows with ease:
- Mac Partition Explorer Windows
- Mac Partition Reader For Windows 7
- Partition Mac For Windows 10
- Delete Windows Partition Mac
Connect the HFS+ drive to your Windows PC, install the software, and recover the lost or deleted data from a missing, formatted, or damaged macOS HFS+ partition. Store the recovered data on a separate drive. In case storage space on the destination drive is less, save the scan info and restore data in stages.
With a simple attractive interface and increased speed and power, MacDrive allows Windows users to effortlessly open, edit and save files from Mac-formatted disks and burn Mac CDs and DVDs. It also allows users to create new disks, partition and repair damaged ones directly on their PC. To access files remotely via SSH protocol, to export files from file systems supported by Linux Reader Pro™ only, to map files as a virtual drive, or to export files to the FTP server, you will need a Linux Reader Pro™ license, which you can easily purchase online. Apple’s Mac system can read NTFS partition but can not write data onto it by default whereas Windows can not even read or write to the HFS partitions. FAT32 is the most universally supported file system. It works with all versions of Mac OS X and Windows.
- Part 1. Can I read ext4 on Windows
- Part 2. How to Access EXT4 Data from Windows 10/8/7
- Part 3. How to Mount EXT4 on Windows 10/8/7
If you are dual-booting Windows and Linux on your laptop or desktop computer, you may probably want to access files on your Linux partition like EXT4 on Windows at some point. Check out how to access and open EXT4 partition files on your Windows PC with ease.
Part 1. Can I Read EXT4 on Windows
'Hi, I recently moved my old Linux computer hard drive to my current Windows 10 laptop. I'm thinking about using the Linux hard drive as a data drive. Does anyone know how to read and access EXT4 partition from Windows 10?'
Are you having a similar issue that you can't access nor mount a Linux EXT4 partition to Windows 10/8/7? To do so, you'll need first to figure out the following two questions:
1. What is EXT4?
EXT4, known as the fourth extended file system, the successor to EXT3, is one of the most recent file system used by Linux users. It is the default file system for many Linux distributions, including Debian and Ununtu.
2. Can Windows 10 or Windows 8/7 read EXT4?
Although EXT4 is the most common Linux file system, it's not supported on Windows by default. Therefore, the answer to 'can Windows read EXT4' is no. You may easily visit a Windows NTFS partition from Linux. However, Windows cannot read Linux partitions directly.
But it doesn't mean there is no way to open or access EXT4 from Windows. To do so, you'll need third-party tools and resolutions for help.
Continue reading and follow provided methods in Part 2 and Part 3, you will learn how to access and read Linux EXT4 partition data on Windows.
Part 2. How to access Ext4 from Windows 10/8/7
In this part, you will learn:
- 1. A quick way to view EXT4 partition content;
- 2. How to access EXT4 partition data and make it accessible by Windows.
To use the Linux hard drive as a data disk on Windows, making EXT4 partition accessible on Windows, you will need first to check if there is important data saved on the drive by using an EXT4 viewer tool.
If you have saved important data, you can apply a reliable EXT4 reader to access and restore data from the partition. Then you can format and convert EXT4 partition to NTFS with a professional EXT4 formatter. No data loss will occur.
Go through the following complete process, and you'll make EXT4 accessible on Windows 10/8/7:
Note that, if you don't care about the data, jump to EXT4 formatter in #2 for help.
#1. View and Read EXT4 Partition Content
Applies to: View EXT4 partition content and data on Windows
Important Tool: Linux EXT4 partition manager software - EaseUS Partition Master
Before you start converting or accessing EXT4 partition from Windows, it's essential to view and check the saved content in the volume. Here, we would like to recommend you try reliable EXT4 partition manager software - EaseUS Partition Master.
Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master, locate the EXT4 partition.
Step 2. Right-click on the EXT4 partition and select 'Properties'.
Step 3. Open and expand the folders on the left pane to check the content of EXT4 partition.
If the Linux EXT4 partition contains some valuable files, move to the next phase, and you'll learn how to access and regain data from a Linux partition on Windows.
#2. Access EXT4 Partition Data from Windows 10/8/7
Applies to: Read and access EXT partition data on Windows, making EXT4 partition accessible by formatting EXT4 to NTFS.
Important Tools: 1. EXT4 reader; 2. EXT4 formatter tool.
To avoid unnecessary data loss issue, before converting EXT4 partition, we suggest you apply reliable EXT4 reader to access the saved data in advance. Follow to make EXT4 partition accessible without losing any data:
First. Use EXT4 Reader to Read and Restore EXT4 Partition Data
So how to regain data from the inaccessible EXT4 partition on Windows? You'll need a reliable EXT4 reader for help. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, as a professional hard drive data recovery software, is capable of helping.
Note that if you lost or deleted data on other types of storage devices, such as EXT2/EXT3 partitions, FAT32 USB drive, or exFAT external hard drive, this software will quickly scan and restore everything you lost immediately.
Here, you can apply this software to scan, preview and restore everything saved in the EXT4 partition in only 3 steps:
Step 1. Select a location and start scanning.
Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, hover on the partition where you lost data, then click 'Scan'.
Step 2. Preview and select the files.
Wait until the scanning completes. If you need to double-click the item to preview the file, then select the data you attempt to recover.
Step 3. Recover lost data.
Click 'Recover', choose a location to save the recovered data, then click 'OK'. You should store the data in another place instead of the original one.
Remember to save the restored EXT4 partition data to another secure location on your Windows hard drive.
Next. Use EXT4 Formatter to Make EXT4 Partition Accessible on Windows
As you've known that Windows doesn't support accessing Linux based file system partitions, which as a result, Windows users can neither view nor make any changes to the EXT4/3/2 partitions on Windows PC.
The easiest way that you can try is to change the file system of Linux partition from EXT4/3/2 to a Windows supported one - NTFS or FAT32, making an EXT4/3/2 partition accessible on Windows. Here, we would like to recommend you try a reliable EXT4 formatter - EaseUS Partition Master for help.
You can easily convert an EXT4 partition to NTFS in only a few simple clicks by formatting:
Step 1: Launch EaseUS Partition Master
Right-click on the target drive and choose 'Format'.
Step 2: Set the partition file system as EXT2, EXT3, or EXT4.
A mini window pops out, on which you can edit the partition label, and choose a file system. Here you should choose EXT2, EXT3, or EXT4. Click 'OK'.
Step 3: Confirm to format data
Then you will see a warning window, click 'OK' in it to continue.
Step 4: Execute format to EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 operation
Click 'Execute Operation' > 'Apply'. Now you've successfully formatted an EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 hard drive that can be used on a Linux computer.
Part 3. How to Mount EXT4 on Windows 10/8/7
In this part, you will learn: How to mount EXT4 partition on Windows, accessing EXT4 files from Windows using third-party software.
If you intend to keep Linux with Windows on the computer, accessing EXT4 files from Windows, you can try to mount EXT4 partition on Windows 10/8/7. But how do I mount a Linux drive in Windows 10?
If you are having the same question on your mind, stay here. In this part, we'll introduce to you 3 relaible Linux readers, helping you to mount EXT4 on Windows 10/8/7:
Pick up one tool and follow the tutorials below to mount EXT4 on your Windows computer now:
#1. Mount EXT4 on Windows using Ext2Fsd
Ext2Fsd is a Windows file system driver, designed for EXT4/3/2 file systems. It enables Windows users to read and access Linux file systems like EXT4 by mounting the EXT4 partition on Windows.
Here are the steps:
Step 1. Install and launch Ext2Fsd driver on your Windows PC.
Step 2. Go to Tools > Service Management > Start Ext2Fsd service before accessing Linux files.
Step 3. Check 'Mount all volumes in read-only mode' and 'Assign drive letter automatically' boxes, and click 'Apply'.
After this, you can find your EXT4 partitions with its own drive letters in Windows Explorer. You can even directly access files on the EXT4 partition.
#2. Mount EXT4 Partition on Windows 10 via DiskInternals Linux Reader
DiskInternals Linux Reader supports EXT4, ReFS, HFS and HFS+ file systems. Unlike Ext2Fsd, DiskInternals Linux Reader enables Windows users to visit and browse Linux partitions within this application.
Step 1. Install and launch DiskInternals Linux Reader on Windows PC.
Step 2. Locate the EXT4 partition on this application.
Step 3. Double-click to open EXT4 partition, view, and check the saved data on the partition.
Step 4. To make use of the files on EXT4 partition, select files and click 'Save' to store them to another secure location on your Windows PC.
#3. Mount EXT4 on Windows using Ext2explore
Ext2explore is an open-source application that works similarly to DiskInternals Linux Reader. It enables users to access EXT4 partition content only in this application.
Here are the steps that you can apply to access EXT4 from Windows via Ext2explore:
Step 1. Download Ext2explore.ext and run this program on Windows PC.
Step 2. Once launched, right-click on it and select to 'Run as administrator'.
You can also right-click on ext2explore.exe and select 'Properties' > Compatibility > Check 'Run this program as an administrator' > 'OK'.
Step 3. After this, you can then browse the Linux EXT4 partition and its content.
To make use of the files, right-click on files and select 'Save' > Navigate another secure location to save the files on Windows computer.
Part 4. Conclusion
On this page, you've learnt what is EXT4 is and two different ways to access and open EXT4 partition on Windows.
To make use of Linux EXT4 partition as a data drive on Windows, you'll need to export and restore EXT4 partitino data first using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. Then convert the EXT4 partitoin to a Windows recognized file system - NTFS or FAT32 by formatting via EaseUS Partition Master.
To keep Linux and Windows on your computer, and access EXT4 files from Windows, you'll need to mount the Linux partition on Windows. To do so, you can try the recommended tools for help. For the most direct way, we suggest you try Ext2Fsd.
If you have further questions about EXT4 or Linux file systems, check the FAQs below, you may get the desired answer.
FAQs about EXT4
1. Can Windows read ext4?
Windows Operating Systems don't support the Linux file system, including EXT4. As a result, Windows cannot directly read or detect an EXT4 partition or device. But if you want to access EXT4 from Windows, try the listed methods on this page. You'll make it possible.
2. Which is better NTFS or EXT4?
As NTFS and EXT4 are two different file systems designed for two operating systems, to test the performance, you'll need to do it in the native OS.
As tested, NTFS is much faster than EXT4 in Windows. Also, if it's in Linux, EXT4 is faster than NTFS.
3. Can Windows write to EXT4?
As a matter of fact, if you are running Windows and Linux on the same PC, it's impossible to access EXT4 under Windows, which as a result, you can't do anything to an EXT4 partition or storage device.
In a word, Windows cannot write to EXT4. If you really need to write things on EXT4 on Windows OS, you'll need to convert EXT4 to an NTFS or FAT32 file system based device first. You can run EaseUS Partition Master with its Format feature for help, as shown on this page in Part 2.
4. How do I open a Linux drive in Windows?
Being similar to the ways shown on this page, to open a Linux drive in Windows, you can either try to change its file system to NTFS/FAT32 or mount the Linux drive to Windows.
If you prefer to change the Linux drive file system so as to make it readable and writable, format it into NTFS or FAT32 with solutions in Part 2 on this page.
If you only want to visit or access files saved on the Linux drive from Windows, mount it on Windows using applications recommended in Part 3.
Just like most storage mediums, partitioning a flash drive is also possible. There may be a number of reasons why you would want to partition a flash drive. If you have never partitioned a flash drive before, then don't worry; this article will help you. Read on to find how to partition a flash drive..
Partition with Diskpart
Partition with an USB Flash Drive Partition Tool
Bonus Tip 1. Best Way to Recover Files from Flash Drive after Partition or Format
1How to Partition Flash Drive on Windows10/8.1/8/7?
Although it is possible to create multiple partitions on a flash drive via third-party tools, Windows will only read and show the first/primary partition. If you want the Windows to read a certain partition of the flash drive, then you will need a third-party tool to set that partition as primary.
Backup Your Data
Partitioning a flash drive will erase all data stored on it. That's why it is highly recommended that you back up all the important data before proceeding. The backup process is quite easy as all you need to do is connect the flash drive to your computer and copy the desired data to a location of your choice. Follow these instructions:
Mac Partition Explorer Windows
1. Connect your flash drive to your computer. Then open This PC on your Windows and find your flash drive.
2. Double-click on it to see its contents. Select the files that you want to back up and right-click on them and click Copy.
3. After that, navigate to the folder on your computer's hard drive where you want to store those files, right-click and select the Paste option. The transfer process will begin and your selected files will be copied to that folder.
Now that you have backed up your data, you can proceed to partition your flash drive. Following are some methods to do this:
1Partition a Flash Drive Using Diskpart
You can easily partition a flash drive via the Diskpart utility of Windows. The utility is run through Command Prompt. Follow these instructions:
Step 1. Press Windows and R key on your keyboard at the same time and type 'diskpart' in the Run pop-up window and then press Enter to launch it. A command prompt window will open.
Step 2. On that window, input 'list disk' to see which number your connected flash drive has.
Step 3. Next, input 'select disk X (X here is the number for your flash drive). It will be selected.
Step 4. Now input 'clean' and press enter to clean the device.
Step 5. Now enter 'list part' and then input 'create partition primary'. After that, input 'list part' and then input 'select partition 1'. Set this partition as active by inputting 'active'.
Step 6. Next, input 'format fs=fat32' to format the partition. After that, your newly created flash drive partition will be ready to use.
2Partition a Flash Drive with an USB Flash Drive Partition Tool
If the method to partition a flash drive via diskpart seems complicated, then there is another easier way to partition a flash drive. You can partition the USB flash drive via a flash drive partition tool called Bootit. Follow these instructions to partition a flash drive via Bootit:
Fist, you should install and launch Bootit software on your computer.
Step 1. Connect your flash drive to your computer and make sure it is detected by the operating system.
Step 2. Now open Disk Management on your computer. You can launch it from the Start Menu.
Step 3. Now select the current partition shown on the flash drive and delete it via the software.
Step 4. After that, right-click on the unallocated space of flash drive and click on New Simple Volume to create a partition. You can specify the size, label, etc. for the new partition according to your preferences.
Step 5. You can create multiple partitions on your flash drive by repeating the above step.
2How to Partition a Flash Drive on Mac?
If you want to partition your flash drive on your Mac, then you will be glad to know that it is possible. On Mac, you can do this via Disk Utility.
Steps to Partition Flash Drive on Mac
Follow these instructions to partition flash drive on Mac:
Step 1. On your Mac, open Disk Utility. And connect your flash drive to your Mac.
Step 2. Once the Disk Utility is opened, select your flash drive from the sidebar and click the Erase button.
Step 3. On the newly opened window, select OS X Extended (Journaled) from the Format menu.
Step 4. Make sure to click on Scheme > GUID Partition Map. Next, format the drive via the Erase option.
Step 5. After formatting, click the Partition button and then use the '+' button to create and add additional partitions. Add as many partitions as you like.
Step 6. After setting the sizes, labels, etc. to partitions, click Apply to confirm your action. Partitions will be created.
Bonus Tip 1. Best Way to Recover Files from Flash Drive after Partition or Format
It's wise to backup the data on your flash drive before partitioning or formatting it. So, what to do if you forgot this or some important files were left when made a backup? Don't worry, a powerful data recovery tool can help you find them back!
Mac Partition Reader For Windows 7
iMyFone AnyRecover is one of such popular data recovery tools. It can help you find all your lost files no matter how you lost them. Files recovery at a formatted or partitioned USB flash drive is easy as 1-2-3 with AnyRecover.
Key FeaturesRecover lost files from different data loss scenarios, including formatted data recovery, deleted files recovery, formatted device recovery, etc.
Recover over 1000 type of files, including photos, videos, audios, emails, documents, archives and more.
Recover files from various storage mediums, such as USB flash drive, hard drive, SD card, digital camera, computer, etc.
Differing from other recovery tools, AnyRecover is 100% safe to use, it won't do any damage to your existing data.
One of the most reliable data recovery software with high data recovery rate - Up to 98%.
Partition Mac For Windows 10
Steps to Recover Files from Flash Drive after Partition or Format
Step 1. Open AnyRecover on your computer, then connect your Flash Drive to your computer, select it.
Delete Windows Partition Mac
Step 2. After selecting the location, hit “Start” button to start the process.
Step 3. After scanning, preview and select the files, then click on Recover button to get the lost files back.
Bonus Tip 2. Best USB Flash Drive for Windows & Mac
Among many quality flash drives, SanDisk Extreme PRO 128 GB Drive is considered the most popular USB flash drive for Windows and Mac. Following are the top features of this USB flash drive:
Blistering speeds: 380 MB/s write, 420 MB/s read.
Durable, sleek, and eye-catching aluminum casing design.
AES, 128-bit file encryption for excellent security for sensitive files.
USB 3.0 as well as backward compatibility with USB 2.0.
Lifetime warranty.