How to Format a Hard Drive Disk Partition in Linux?

You must carry out Linux disk partition Formatting beforehand if you're a Linux user. Additionally, the Linux Format Disk procedure can be helpful for other purposes, such as changing the file system, rectifying errors, or deleting all data. Linux disk partition formatting is actionable through two techniques: using GUI or CLI.

Part 1. Check Hard Drive Disk Partition Before Formatting

Check the hard drive partition you want to format before you do anything else. This step is necessary to determine how many partitions of hard disks you have and which file system they operate. Run the lsblk command, which lists block devices, to perform this. Block devices are files that represent several types of hardware, including CD/ROM drives, USB drives, RAM disks, and hard disks.

lsblk

The terminal outputs a list of all block devices along with details about each one:

Add the -f option to display a list with information about the file system.

The terminal will show the list of all block devices. Non-formatted partitions do not hold data on the active file system.

Part 2. How to Format a Hard Drive Disk Partition in Linux?

Depending on the tools utilized, there are two ways to format drive Linux. The one is carried out using GUI through GParted, which is more convenient for users with a less technical background. The other method is partitioning the disk using CLI, a complex process used by tech-savvies.

Depending on the kind of file system, there are three ways to format disk partitions with the mkfs command:

1. Format Hard Drive Disk Partition with ext4 File System

Step 1: Use the following command to format a disk partition with the ext4 file system:

sudo mkfs -t ext4 /dev/sdb1

Step 2: Next, use the following command to confirm the file system change:

lsblk –f

The terminal will list all the block devices.

Step 3: Locate the preferred partition and ensure it uses the ext4 file system.

2. Format Disk Hard Drive Partition with FAT32 File System

Step 1: For a FAT32 file system disk format, use the following command

sudo mkfs -t vfat /dev/sdb1

Step 2: To find the selected partition from the list and confirm the file system change, reissue the lsblk command.

Step 3: The output will be:

3. Format Hard Drive Disk Partition with NTFS File System

Step 1: To format a drive partition, use the mkfs command for the NTFS file system:

sudo mkfs -t ntfs /dev/sdb1

When the formatting process is finished, the terminal prints a confirmation message.

Step 2: After that, confirm the file system change by using the following:

lsblk –f

Step 3: Identify the desired partition and make sure the NFTS file system is being used.

Part 3. How to Mount Disk or Partition in Linux?

Make a mount point and mount the partition before utilizing the disk. A directory known as a mount point is used to access data on disks.

Step 1: To make a mount point, type:

sudo mkdir -p [mountpoint]

Step 2: Next, mount the partition by executing the command below:

sudo mount -t auto /dev/sdb1 [mountpoint]

If the operation is successful, there isn't any output.

Step 3: Use the below command to see if the partition is mounted:

lsblk –f

The output will be:

Part 4. How to Recover Data from a Formatted Hard Drive?

Although it always remains an excellent option to keep an additional backup of your important files and data; but, suppose you have formatted your disk accidentally or thoughtlessly and lost your valuable data without prior backup; what to do in such a situation? In that case, it is recommended to use reliable recovery software that might help your recover lost files. Recoverit is the top-notch hard drive recovery solution to retrieve your essential data.

Operational steps:

Step 1: Locate the Ext4 Data by Scanning It

Install the software, scan, choose where the Ext4 data is stored on the hard disk, and initiate Scanning.

Step 2: Displaying Retrieved Ext4 Data on Your Linux OS

Your Ext4 Linux partition's whole retrievable data will be displayed immediately after the scanning procedure is finished.

Step 3: Preview the Scanned Files

View and locate the recoverable files once the Scanning gets completed.

Step 4: Recovering Desired Files

Now, you can select the particular files you need to recover and instantly click on the Recover button.

Conclusion

Linux is one of the most popular open-source Unix operating systems. On Linux, formatting a drive disk partition is a simple procedure. You must concentrate on a few things and complete Linux Format Disk effectively. You have a comprehensive method for formatting the ext4 file system, the FAT32, and the NTFS file system perfectly.

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