[2024 Update] How to Resize EXT4 Partition in Windows 11/10

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Linda 

Last updated on April 19, 2024

Does anyone know how to resize an ext4 partition in Windows? I've found that the most common answer is to download the Ubuntu operating system, but using two OSes simultaneously is not my preferred option. Can you recommend any solutions that would help me resize my Linux partition without losing data?

As we all know, we can use GParted to resize EXT4 partitions in Linux systems. But how can we do it in Windows? Partition Master is a powerful partition manager that supports various file systems, including NTFS, EXT4, EXT3, EXT2, FAT32, FAT16, FAT12, and ReFS. It allows you to easily resize EXT4 partitions in Windows 11/10.

Content

About Adjusting EXT4 Partition Size in Windows 11/10
How to Resize EXT4 Partition with Partition Master in Windows 11/10
Frequently Asked Questions on Resizing EXT4 Partition in Windows

How to Resize EXT4 Partition in Windows 11/10

Ext4 is a journaling file system for Linux, developed as the successor to Ext3.

Resizing partitions can be very useful for optimizing your hard drive's performance. Partitions make it easier to manage disk space and defragment files, allowing you to use your disk space more efficiently and avoid wasting storage.

Does Windows 11/10 allow resizing of an ext4 partition? In the Windows 11/10 operating system, the built-in Disk Management tool does not support directly resizing partitions with the ext4 file system. ext4 is a file system format primarily used in Linux-based operating systems. To manipulate an ext4 partition on Windows, you typically need third-party software, such as Paragon ExtFS for Windows or DiskGenius. These tools provide read and write support for ext4 partitions, including the ability to resize them. Make sure to back up important data before attempting any operations and proceed cautiously to avoid data loss.

If you go to a tech forum and ask how to resize a Linux partition on Windows, many people will recommend that you dual-boot your computer. This is because Windows does not natively support the ext4 file system used by Linux, much less resizing it.

While Windows still provides two ways to adjust partition size – Disk Management and Command Prompt – neither can create an EXT4 partition, much less resize one on Windows. You can't even view an EXT4 system in Windows the way you could an NTFS system in Linux.

Resize an EXT4 Partition Without Data Loss on Windows

Non-destructive resizing of an EXT4 partition refers to altering the partition (for example, resizing it, splitting a region into two, or adding a new partition) without compromising the existing data on the hard disk.

In most cases, partitioning a hard drive is safe. However, to be on the safe side, it's recommended that you back up important data before making changes.

We recommend you choose your EXT4 partition software wisely, as some might not be completely secure. tools Partition Master is a fantastic partition tool with a user-friendly interface.

How to Resize EXT4 Partition in Windows 11/10 with Partition Master Tool

In this guide, we will use the Partition Master tool to resize the EXT4 partition. You can trust this all-around partitioning tool for the safe resizing of your data.

The Partition Master tool comes with features such as creating, merging, formatting, and deleting partitions. In addition, it can also migrate an OS and clone hard drives.

First, locate your EXT4 partition, right-click on it, and select “Resize/Move.”

Step 2: Drag the dot left or right to adjust the partition size.

Alternatively, you can drag the entire partition to switch places with the unallocated space next to it. Click “OK” to confirm.

Step 3: Click “Run Task,” and then click “Apply” to save all the changes.

In addition - EXT4 Partition Reader for Windows 11/10

The first is Ext2Read.

Ext2Fsd only supports reading Linux EXT2/3/4 partitions.

Features:

• Read and copy files and folders from EXT2/3/4 file systems. • LVM2 support. • Block caching based on LRU for faster concurrent access. • Support for EXT4 features. • Recursive copying of entire directories.

The second option is the DiskInternals Linux Reader for Windows.

Linux Reader provides read-only access to EXT2/3/4, HFS, and ReiserFS file systems.
This popular free software also supports reading even more file system types, including Ext2/3/4, ReiserFS, Reiser4, HFS, HFS+, FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, UFS2, RomFS (read-only), ZFS (preview*), XFS (preview*), and Hikvision NAS and DVR (preview*).

The third one is Ext2Fsd.

Ext2Fsd is an open source Linux EXT2/3/4 file system driver for Windows, supporting both read and write access.

Features:

• EXT2/3/4
• Htree indexing
• Extended allocation blocks
• EXT4
• Uninitialized back-end

FAQ for Resizing EXT4 Partitions on Windows

1. Can I resize an EXT4 Linux partition on Windows?

Since Windows does not natively support the EXT4 file system, you cannot read from or write to it. Similarly, without third-party partitioning tools, you cannot resize an EXT4 partition in Windows.

2. Is it safe to resize an EXT4 partition on Windows?

If your disk contains important files, it's better to back up your documents. You can install a third-party partition manager – tool Partition Master. It's designed for Windows and allows resizing EXT4 partitions without risks.

How to resize EXT4 partition in Windows 10?

• Install and run Partition Master. • Select the EXT4 partition that you want to resize. • Drag the storage bar to set the partition size, and then click OK.

4. Can Windows 10 read and write to an EXT4 partition?

Read-only: Ext2Read and DiskInternals Linux Reader.

Ext2Read is an explorer-like tool for browsing the contents of EXT2/3/4 file systems. It can also be used to examine and copy disks and data.
Linux Reader acts as a bridge between your Windows system and Linux Ext2/3/4 file systems. This easy-to-use tool runs on Windows and allows you to browse Linux Ext2/3/4 file systems and extract files, providing a file access mode for the Explorer.

• Read/Write: Ext2Fsd

It has direct read/write support for ext2/3/4 partitions, though ext4 support is somewhat limited.