Windows 10 can’t read Linux file systems such as ext4 on its own, so a Linux drive shows up in Disk Management but not in File Explorer. The built-in way to read it is WSL 2: open PowerShell as administrator and run wsl --mount \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1 --partition 1, then open the drive from File Explorer under \\wsl$. This needs the Microsoft Store version of WSL and an internal (SATA or NVMe) disk. For USB drives, or if you’d rather not use WSL, a read-only tool is the simpler option.
Before you start
- Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates. Check in Settings > System > About.
- WSL from the Microsoft Store. Run
wsl --versionin PowerShell. If it shows a version number, you have it. If you get an error or a help screen, runwsl --updateorwsl --installfirst. See how to install WSL on Windows 10. - A Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, installed in WSL.
- An internal disk.
wsl --mountdoesn’t support USB drives, flash drives or SD cards. - Administrator access.
If the Linux disk also holds an operating system you dual-boot, shut that system down fully first. Mounting a disk that’s hibernated or in use can corrupt it.
Step 1: Find the disk’s ID
Open PowerShell as administrator (right-click Start and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin)) and run:
GET-CimInstance -query "SELECT * from Win32_DiskDrive"
Note the DeviceID of the Linux disk, such as \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1. Use the size and model columns to tell disks apart. Your Windows system disk is usually PHYSICALDRIVE0.
Step 2: Mount the partition
Most Linux disks have partitions, so mount the one you need by number:
wsl --mount \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1 --partition 1
If you’re not sure which partition holds your files, attach the disk without mounting and list its partitions from Linux:
wsl --mount \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1 --bare- Then run
wsl lsblkto see the partitions and their sizes.
WSL assumes ext4. For other file systems, add --type, for example --type xfs or --type vfat.
Step 3: Open it in File Explorer
Type \\wsl$ in the File Explorer address bar and press Enter. Open your distribution (such as Ubuntu), then go to mnt\wsl. The mounted partition appears there as a folder named after the disk, such as PHYSICALDRIVE1p1. You can copy files to and from it like any other folder.
Files owned by root on the Linux disk may need sudo to change from the WSL terminal.
Step 4: Unmount when you’re done
Close any open files, then run wsl --unmount \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1. Running wsl --unmount on its own detaches every mounted disk. Always unmount before shutting down or booting into Linux.
Microsoft documents every option in Mount a Linux disk in WSL 2.
Without WSL: read-only tools
Several free third-party apps can read ext4 partitions on Windows and copy files out, including from USB drives. Choose one that opens drives read-only, download it only from the developer’s own website, and avoid older drivers that write to ext4, since they can damage the file system. Read-only access is enough for recovering files from an old Linux drive.
Which method should you use?
| Situation | Best method |
|---|---|
| Internal SATA or NVMe disk | wsl –mount |
| USB or external Linux drive | A read-only third-party reader, or plug it into a Linux PC |
| You need to write to the drive | wsl –mount (read-write) |
| Windows 10 without Store WSL | Update WSL, or use a read-only reader |
Troubleshooting
“Invalid command line option: –mount”
You have the older built-in WSL. Run wsl --update to switch to the Store version, then restart and try again.
“The disk is in use or locked by another process”
Windows has the disk online. In Disk Management, right-click the disk (the gray box on the left) and choose Offline, then mount again. Never take your Windows disk offline.
“Wrong fs type” or mount fails
The partition isn’t ext4, or it’s encrypted (LUKS) or part of LVM. Use --bare, then inspect and mount it from inside WSL with the right tools.
Windows asks to format the disk
Click Cancel. Windows offers this because it can’t read the file system. Formatting erases everything on it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give the Linux drive a normal drive letter?
Not with WSL. It’s accessed through \\wsl$. You can map that path as a network drive with This PC > Map network drive if you want a letter. For drive letters on Windows file systems, see how to mount a drive in Windows 10.
Is this easier on Windows 11?
The steps are the same. Windows 11 has supported wsl --mount since its first release.
Can I dual-boot instead?
Yes. Booting into Linux gives full access. See how to dual boot Windows 11 and Linux.
Summary
- Make sure WSL is the Store version with
wsl --version. - Find the disk ID with Get-CimInstance.
- Run
wsl --mount <disk> --partition 1as administrator. - Browse it at
\\wsl$under mnt\wsl, then unmount when done.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.