You need to access EXT4 files on your Linux partition on Windows if you are dual-booting Windows and Linux. You most likely have one or more hard drives formatted with Ext4 if you operate with Linux. That won't be an issue if you use Linux. Problems start when you need to access data from the Ext4 filesystem on a different operating system. Check out the simple methods for the partition files to mount and access EXT4 on Windows and macOS.
In this article
Basic Understanding of Ext 4 File System
What Is an Ext4 File System?
EXT4 is referred to as the fourth extended file system and the replacement for EXT3 is one of the newest file systems that Linux users can use. Various Linux distributions, such as Debian and Ubuntu, use it as their primary file system.
Windows and Linux use different file system formats, with EXT4, EXT3, and EXT2 most commonly used. EXT stood for Extended Filesystem and was first introduced for MINIX. Because of the EXT's several flaws, development did not halt, and three other versions were later introduced.
EXT2, the second extended version, was improved over the original version and made public on January 1993. EXT3 outperforms EXT2. EXT4 is the current Linux default file system, improving performance and reliability while adding new features over EXT3.
Ext4 was released in 2008 with the Linux kernel 2.6.1.19. It is a progressive revision of the Ext3 file system that overcomes Ext3 limitations. These mentioned file systems have comparisons, including Ext3 vs. Ext4. Ext4 works similarly to Ext3, but the extend-based layout allows it to store large files much more efficiently than Ext3. Ext4 allows you to disable the journaling feature. Most modern Linux distributions use Ext4 as the default file system.
Compatibility with Windows and Macintosh
The various methods available to mount and access Ext4 on Windows/Mac are presented here.
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How to Mount and Access Ext4 on Windows |
How to Mount and Access Ext4 on macOS |
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Using Open-Source Application - Ext2explore |
How to Mount and Access Ext4 on Windows
If you want to run Linux alongside Windows and access EXT4 files from Windows, you can mount and access EXT4 on Windows using third-party software. We'll introduce you to trustworthy Linux readers that will assist you in mounting EXT4 on Windows.
Method 1: Using Windows File System Diver - Ext2Fsd
Ext2Fsd is a file system driver for Windows that supports the Ext2/3/4 file system. By mounting the Ext4 partition and assigning a drive letter, you can read the Linux partition of Windows 10 and access Ubuntu files. You can launch the Ext2Fsd at every boot or only when needed.
Ext2Fsd is a file system driver for the ext2 file system for Windows. It is open-source software. Under GPL2, anyone can modify or distribute it.
Pros
reading and writing ext2/ext3 volumes
When mounting, the ext3 journal is replayed
Automatic mount points
Have large inode sizes
Have file size greater than 4G
Sharing CIFS over a network
Indexing of the h-tree directory
Cons
Doesn’t have an Ext3 journal system
Doesn’t support Ext4 extents
Doesn’t have Linux raid and LVM
The NT4 operating system is no longer supported
Steps to Use Windows File System Diver - Ext2Fsd
Follow the instructions below to access Ext4 from Windows:
Step 1. On your Windows PC, install and run the Ext2Fsd driver.
Step 2. Before accessing Linux files, access Tools > Service Management > Start Ext2Fsd service.
Step 3. Check the boxes for Mount all volumes in read-only mode and Assign drive letter automatically, then click Apply.
After that, you can see your EXT4 partitions in Windows Explorer, each with its drive letter. You can even access files on the EXT4 partition directly.
Method 2: Mounting Ext4 on Windows in WSL 2
If you need to access a Linux disk format that Windows does not support, you can use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2) to mount the disk and access its contents. It is possible to run Linux and Windows without dual-booting or using a virtual machine under WSL.
Pros
It's a Simple Linux Guide for Windows Users
Excellent for Developers Who Already Use Open-Source Tools
There is no need to be concerned about hardware support
Windows-Linux Compatibility
More Convenient Than Dual Boot or Virtual Machines
Cons
WSL may deter desktop Linux adoption
Microsoft's Possibility of Dominating Linux
WSL may discourage the development of native apps
WSL Isn't Specifically Designed for Servers
Steps to Use WSL 2 to Mount Ext4 on Windows
Step 1. To mount a disk, launch PowerShell with administrative privileges and type:
wsl --mount <DiskPath>
Step 2. To see a list of available disks in Windows, type:
wmic diskdrive list brief
Step 3. Run the following commands to unmount and detach the disk from WSL 2.
wsl --unmount <Diskpath>
Step 4. You can find the disk paths in the DeviceID columns.
Typically in the \\.\\\.\PHYSICALDRIVE* format.
Step 5. Once mounted, you can also access these disks via Windows Explorer by navigating to \wsl$ and then to the mount folder.
Method 3: Using Third-party Tool - DiskInternals Linux Reader
DiskInternals Linux Reader is a free utility to access Linux files from Windows 10. This tool supports the Ext4 file system and ReFS, HFS, and HFS+. Different from Ext2Fsd, this program allows you to read Linux drives on Windows.
Pros
Access to read-only files on Linux drives, leaving the original files intact
Free preview of file contents to ensure file integrity
Access any file on the Linux system, circumventing security policies
Make a disk image of the drives to which you have access
Cons
Users can’t connect sometimes
Have glitches, and appears that the site is down
Steps to Use DiskInternals Linux Reader
Step 1. Install and run DiskInternals Linux Reader on your Windows PC.
Then navigate to the Ext4 partition from the list of drives after the Linux Reader has detected all partitions on your hard drive.
Step 2. Double-click it to open the Ext4 partition and then you can preview and access the saved data on the drive.
Step 3. If you want to use Linux files fully on Windows, you must move them from the Ext4 partition to another location supported by the Windows file system.
Right-click the file you want to save and press Save.
Step 4. Select the Save Files option and then press Next.
Step 5. Click Browse to select a location to save the file, then click OK.
Then press Next. Wait a few moments for the file to be saved to the location you specified.
Method 4: Using Open-Source Application - Ext2explore
Ext2explore is an open-source program that works in the same way as DiskInternals Linux Reader. Users can only access EXT4 partition content through this application.
Pros
Ext2Read is a utility that works like an explorer to explore ext2/ext3/ext4 files. It is now compatible with Linux LVM2
Cons
You cannot preview files with Ext2explore
Steps to Use Ext2explore
Here are the steps to use to access EXT4 from Windows using Ext2explore:
Step 1. Ext2explore.ext should be downloaded and run on a Windows PC.
Right-click on it when it has been launched and select Run as administrator. You can also right-click ext2explore.exe and choose Properties > Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator > OK.
Step 2. Following that, you can browse the Linux EXT4 partition and its contents.
To use the files, right-click on them and select Save > Navigate to another secure location on your Windows computer to save files.
How to Mount and Access Ext4 on macOS
The file systems used by Linux are the EXT file system (short for Extended File System) and its family members EXT2, EXT3, and EXT4. Mac users who work across platforms may notice that OS X cannot mount EXT partitions on its own; therefore, anyone wishing to mount and read EXT drives and other file systems will need to rely on a third-party utility.
Method 1: Add Ext4 Support to macOS using macFUSE
You need a better option if you frequently use Ext4-formatted disks and need to copy files from them to your macOS drive. You'll need to install some software, specifically macFUSE (formerly OS x Fuse) and Ext4Fuse.
Pros
SDK
AccessibilityFS support
exFAT support
Ext support
Mount options
NTFS 3G support
procfs support
SSHFS support
XFS support
YouTubeFs support
Cons
Not stable
You may lose data
Steps to Use macFuse
Step 1. Go to the macFUSE website, click Downloads at the top of the page, and then download the most recent macOS version.
This file will be named macFuse-4.2.3.dmg. After downloading the installer, double-click it to open it, then double-click the Install macFUSE to begin the installation.
Step 2. You'll receive a message near the end of the installation process informing you that a system extension has been blocked and prompting you to allow it in settings.
Click the lock icon in the lower left corner, then click Allow.
Step 3. You are now ready to install ext4fuse.
The simplest method is to use Homebrew. Run the following commands after installing Homebrew:
brew install ext4fuse
Method 2: Using Third-party Tool - ExtFS for Mac by Paragon
Paragon's ExtFS software provides read-write access to Ext4 drives.
Pros
It works with both Intel-based and M1-based Macs
Third-party software compatibility, including TrueCrypt, Parallels Desktop, and VMware Fusion
All alphabets supported by your operating system, including non-roman and non-Latin characters, are supported
Mounts volumes automatically at startup. You can also turn this feature off at any time
macOS Sierra or later required
Cons
There are no new features in Paragon NTFS Mac
The menu bar app is distinct from Paragon ExtFS for Mac, but both require this software
It is not compatible with OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or earlier
Steps to Use ExtFS for Mac by Paragon
Let's take a look at how you can use it to access Ext4 drives.
Step 1. Go to the official website and download and install the exTFS software.
Following installation, you will be prompted to restart your Mac.
Step 2. Open the Paragon ExtFS application on your Mac by going to Applications > Paragon ExtFS for Mac.
The extFS volumes are now available in the Paragon ExtFS interface, where you can read, write, modify, and transfer data.
What to Do If You Lost Important Files after Mounting?
Ext4 data recovery is achievable and can be performed on your Windows and Mac computer. You will learn about the Ext4 file system and the most effective methods of Ext4 data recovery using reliable data recovery software, the Wondrshare Recoverit. Recoverit supports all file systems, including exFAT, FAT16/FAT32, NTFS, HFS+, Raid, RAW, ext2, ext3, and ext4 under the Linux OS.
Recover over 1000 types of data types, like photos, videos, emails, files, audios, etc.
Recover data from numerous scenarios. Be it due to files being overwritten, a system crash, accidental formatting or virus attack, Recoverit is able to make a total recovery.
Recover from any storage device, such as Hard Drive, Desktop, USB Drive, SSD, SD card, recycle bin, etc.
Ensure 100% data safe and easy operations.
How To Use Recoverit to Recover Lost Data?
To recover data from an Ext4, Ext3, or Ext2 Linux partition on Windows using Recoverit, first download and install Recoverit on your Windows computer, then connect the hard drive containing the Ext4 partition to the Windows computer and follow the simple steps below.
Step 1. Scan the Ext4 Data Location.
After launching the software, scan for and select the Ext4 data location on the hard drive, then begin scanning.
Step 2. Preview and Recover Ext4 Data.
All recoverable data from your Ext4 Linux partition will be displayed immediately after completing the scanning process. You have to preview the Ext4 data and choose which files to recover. Choose a location to save the Ext4 files and press Recover.
Conclusion
You discovered what EXT4 is and how to mount and access an EXT4 partition on Windows and Mac. You can get help by using the recommended third-party tools mentioned above. To safely convey these methods on Windows/Mac, you must back up data from the EXT4 partition using Wondershare Recoverit.