Create Home Partition in Ubuntu - Post-Installation Guide
The Benefits of a Separate /home Partition in Ubuntu
By default, Ubuntu does not automatically create a dedicated /home partition. However, a significant number of Linux users find value in utilizing one.
The primary advantage of a separate /home partition is the ability to reinstall Ubuntu without impacting your personal data and customized settings.
Setting Up a Separate /home Partition
Typically, the decision to implement a separate /home partition is made during the initial Ubuntu installation process.
It's also possible to transition to a separate /home partition configuration after Ubuntu has already been installed, although this process requires more manual intervention.
This migration involves several steps and demands a greater level of technical expertise compared to selecting the option during installation.
Successfully migrating ensures that future system reinstalls won’t necessitate backing up and restoring your important files.
Why Choose a Separate /home Partition?
- Data Preservation: Protects your documents, pictures, and other personal files during system upgrades or reinstalls.
- Settings Retention: Keeps your application configurations and preferences intact.
- System Flexibility: Allows for easier experimentation with different Linux distributions without data loss.
Therefore, while not mandatory, a separate /home partition offers a robust solution for managing your data and maintaining system stability in Ubuntu.
Setting Up a Dedicated Home Partition During Ubuntu Installation
Establishing a distinct home partition during the Ubuntu installation process is a straightforward task.
Selecting the "Something Else" installation type allows for a customized partition scheme, enabling the creation of multiple partitions.
Partition Configuration
Designate the mount point for one partition as / – this will house the root file system.
Subsequently, assign the mount point of another partition as /home.
Preserving Existing Data
Upon future Ubuntu installations, your previously designated home partition can be re-established as /home.
Crucially, ensure the "Format" checkbox is unchecked during this process to prevent accidental data loss.
Failing to do so will result in the deletion of all files contained within that partition.
This method provides a secure and organized approach to managing your Ubuntu system and personal data.
Following Ubuntu Installation
A separate home partition wasn't created during the Ubuntu installation process? A complete reinstallation of Ubuntu isn't necessary.
Migrating to a dedicated home partition post-installation is achievable. This involves creating a new partition, potentially necessitating the resizing of current partitions.
Steps for Migration
The existing files contained within your current home directory must be copied to this newly created partition.
Subsequently, Ubuntu needs to be instructed to mount the new partition at the designated /home directory.
This process effectively separates your personal data from the operating system, offering benefits like easier system upgrades and data preservation.
- Partition Creation: A new partition must be established.
- File Transfer: All data from the existing home directory is copied.
- Mount Point: Ubuntu is configured to utilize the new partition as /home.
Successfully completing these steps allows for a functional and organized Ubuntu system with a distinct home partition.
Establishing a New Partition
The initial step involves creating a new partition on your storage device. This process is straightforward if sufficient unallocated space is already available. However, if space is limited, resizing your existing system partition will be necessary to generate the required free space.
Refer to our detailed guide on resizing Ubuntu partitions to successfully complete this preparatory stage. Should you already possess unallocated space or find that system partition resizing isn't required, you can proceed directly to installing GParted and creating the new partition.
For optimal compatibility and performance, it is recommended to format the new partition using the ext4 file system.
Transferring Home Files to a New Partition
Ubuntu simplifies the process of mounting a newly created partition. Simply select it from the Devices section within the file manager. Once mounted, access its mount point by navigating to the Go menu and choosing Location.
Open a terminal window and execute the following command to duplicate your existing /home directory onto the new partition. Replace "/mount/location" with the actual mount point of your mounted partition:
sudo cp -Rp /home/* /mount/location
During the copy process, an error concerning a ".gvfs" directory may appear. This is a standard occurrence and can be safely disregarded.
It is advisable to confirm that the newly created home directory contains all your files. However, the original /home directory will not be removed at this stage.
Verification of File Transfer
Ensure the integrity of the copied data by browsing the new home directory. Confirm that all your personal files and settings have been successfully transferred.
The cp -Rp command is crucial here. The -R flag ensures recursive copying of directories, while the -p flag preserves file attributes like timestamps and permissions.
This step prepares the system for the final configuration changes, allowing a seamless transition to the new home partition.
Identifying the New Partition's UUID
The extended, seemingly arbitrary character sequence displayed previously represents the unique identifier, or UUID, of the partition. This UUID is essential for configuring the fstab file.
The fstab file instructs Linux on where to mount partitions during the system startup process.
Alternatively, the partition's UUID can be determined by executing the subsequent command within a terminal window:
sudo blkid
This command will output a list of all block devices and their associated UUIDs.
Locating the correct UUID is crucial for ensuring the proper mounting of the new partition.
Adjusting the fstab Configuration
Prior to making alterations to the fstab file, it is prudent to generate a backup copy. This safeguard allows for restoration should any issues arise during the modification process:
sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab.backup
Following the backup, execute the subsequent command to launch the fstab file within the gedit text editor. Alternative text editors can be utilized based on user preference.
gksu gedit /etc/fstab
A new line should be appended to the fstab file containing the following text. Ensure the blank space indicated by '_____' is substituted with the complete UUID obtained from the earlier sudo blkid command.
UUID=_____ /home ext4 nodev,nosuid 0 2
The image below illustrates the expected configuration.
After the line has been added, it is essential to save the modified file.
Relocating the Home Directory and System Restart
Utilizing a terminal, execute the subsequent command sequence to exit your current home directory. This will involve relocating your existing home directory to a temporary storage location and establishing a new, vacant home directory.
cd / && sudo mv /home /home_old && sudo mkdir /home
This process prepares the system for mounting the new partition at the designated home directory location.
Following the execution of this command, a system reboot is necessary. The restart can be initiated using the command below.
sudo shutdown -r now
This restart will ensure the changes are applied and the system functions correctly with the new home directory configuration.
Post-Migration Procedures
Following a computer restart, standard login functionality should be restored. The Ubuntu system is now configured to utilize the designated separate home partition.
Verification is crucial; ensure all personal files remain intact within the /home directory as a precautionary measure.
Removing the Old Home Directory
Once confirmation of successful data preservation is achieved, the previously backed-up /home_old directory can be safely removed to reclaim disk space.
The command
sudo rm -rf /home_oldfacilitates this removal process.
This command permanently deletes the contents of the /home_old directory, so confirm its redundancy before execution.