Windows diskmgmt.msc equivalent in Linux
Provides a graphical interface for viewing disks, creating partitions, formatting volumes and managing mounts.
diskmgmt.msc
gparted
gparted
gparted
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "diskmgmt.msc" is used to manage disks graphically. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "gparted". Provides a graphical interface for viewing disks, creating partitions, formatting volumes and managing mounts. This reference is grouped under System & Storage → Disk & Storage.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows diskmgmt.msc maps to gparted for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
Command-specific caution
Partitioning and formatting operations can permanently destroy data. Confirm device names and maintain backups.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux disks, storage and mounts.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Manage disks graphically
Provides a graphical interface for viewing disks, creating partitions, formatting volumes and managing mounts.
gnome-disks
Open GNOME Disks
sudo gparted
Open GParted with administrator privileges
lsblk -f
Inspect disks before making changes
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
gnome-disks
sudo gparted
lsblk -f
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
gnome-disks # open the disk utility
sudo gparted # open the partition editor
lsblk -f # list disks and filesystems firstReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
gnome-disks | Open GNOME Disks |
sudo gparted | Open GParted with administrator privileges |
lsblk -f | Inspect disks before making changes |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "gparted" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | gparted |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | gparted |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | gparted |
Same command on this distribution. |
Important
What to watch out for
Keep learning