4 Ways to Read a Linux-Formatted USB Drive on Windows 10 and 11

byAll Round •December 20, 2025

0

Need to access files from a USB drive that’s formatted with a Linux file system such as EXT2, EXT3, or EXT4? Windows cannot read these formats by default, but there are several simple workarounds. Below are four effective methods to open and copy data from a Linux USB drive using Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Quick Method: Use DiskInternals Linux Reader

The simplest solution is a free program called DiskInternals Linux Reader. It works like File Explorer but supports Linux file systems. Just install the tool, plug in your USB drive, and open it through the application. To copy any file to your computer, right-click it and choose Save.

Method 1: Access the Drive Using DiskInternals Linux Reader

Download and install Linux Reader. Visit the official website, download the free version, launch the installer, and follow the setup steps.
Connect your USB drive. The tool will automatically display the drive in its interface. Double-click the drive to open it.
Export files to Windows. Since direct drag-and-drop isn't supported, right-click the desired folder or file, select Save, and choose a Windows location.
Alternatives: Ext2Read and Ext2Fsd can work but are older and less reliable on modern Windows versions.

Method 2: Use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

If you have Windows 11 or the Microsoft Store version of WSL, you can mount a Linux USB drive using WSL along with an extra tool called USBIPD.

Install WSL. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
```
wsl --install
```
Ubuntu will be installed automatically.

Install USBIPD. Run:

winget install --interactive --exact dorssel.usbipd-win

Find your USB device ID. After connecting your USB drive, run:
```
usbipd list
```
Bind the USB device. Replace the example ID with your own:
```
usbipd bind --busid 2-18
```
Install USB tools inside Ubuntu.
```
sudo apt install usbutils
```
Attach the device to WSL. In Windows Command Prompt:
```
usbipd attach --wsl --busid 2-18
```
Mount the USB drive. In Ubuntu:
```
lsblk
```
Find the drive name such as /dev/sdb1, then create a mount point:
```
sudo mkdir -p /mnt/usb
```
Mount it:
```
sudo mount -t ext4 /dev/sdb1 /mnt/usb
```

Copy your files. Use:

cp filename /mnt/c/Users/YourName/Documents

Detach when done.
```
usbipd detach --busid 2-18
```

Method 3: Boot Into a Live Linux USB

If nothing works on Windows, you can boot directly into a live Linux environment (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.) and access the USB drive through Linux.

Install Rufus. Download it from its official site and install.
Download an Ubuntu ISO. Get it from ubuntu.com.
Create a bootable USB. Open Rufus, select the blank flash drive, choose the ISO, and click Start.
Boot from the USB drive. Reboot your PC and choose the USB boot option.
Select “Try Ubuntu”. This loads the live environment without installing Linux.
Insert the Linux-formatted USB drive. It will auto-mount in Ubuntu.
Open the Files app and browse your drive.

Method 4: Older Tools (For Legacy Windows)

Programs like Ext2Read and Ext2Fsd can read Linux file systems, but they are outdated and may not work properly on modern Windows versions. They are useful only if you're on older Windows releases.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer a simple graphical tool like Linux Reader or want full control through WSL or a live Linux environment, accessing Linux-formatted USB drives on Windows is easier than ever. Choose the method that matches your technical comfort and get your files quickly.

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