Mount Windows Drive on Linux - Windows 10/8 Guide
Accessing Windows Partitions from Linux: The Hibernation Issue
When utilizing a dual-boot setup with Linux and Windows 10, 8, or 8.1, users may encounter difficulties when attempting to mount their Windows system partition.
An error message, "The NTFS partition is hibernated," often appears, hindering access to files within the Windows partition.
Understanding the Hybrid Boot Feature
This issue stems from a recent change in Windows' boot process, specifically the implementation of a hybrid boot feature.
Modern Windows operating systems now effectively enter a hibernation state during a standard shutdown procedure.
Consequently, even if you haven't explicitly hibernated Windows, Linux interprets the shutdown state as a hibernation, preventing mounting.
Resolving the Issue
The message can be misleading for those unfamiliar with this behavior.
To regain access to your Windows files from Linux, a full shutdown is not sufficient; a proper restart or disabling hybrid boot is required.
Performing a complete restart of Windows will resolve the issue, allowing Linux to mount the NTFS partition without error.
Alternatively, you can disable the hybrid boot feature within Windows settings to prevent this behavior from occurring in the future.
Disabling hybrid boot ensures that a normal shutdown doesn't mimic a hibernation state, enabling seamless access from Linux.
Understanding Hybrid Boot and Linux Compatibility
Hybrid boot, a feature found in contemporary Windows operating systems, doesn't perform a complete shutdown when initiated. Instead, the system enters a hibernation-like state, preserving the initial system configuration for a faster subsequent boot.
However, this functionality can present challenges when dual-booting with Linux. The preserved state can interfere with Linux's ability to properly access and mount Windows partitions.
Disabling Hybrid Boot for Linux Compatibility
To resolve compatibility issues, disabling hybrid boot – also referred to as fast startup – is necessary. This adjustment will result in a slightly longer boot time for Windows.
The boot duration will likely resemble the speeds experienced with Windows 7 prior to the implementation of hybrid boot technology.
Native Linux Support for NTFS
Fortunately, most standard Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, include the ntfs-3g driver. This allows for native mounting of NTFS file systems without requiring additional software installations.
This contrasts with exFAT file systems, which typically necessitate the installation of supplementary software for proper Linux support.
- Hybrid boot saves system state for faster startup.
- Disabling hybrid boot resolves Linux compatibility issues.
- Linux distributions natively support NTFS mounting.
Therefore, disabling hybrid boot is a straightforward solution to ensure seamless interaction between Windows and Linux in a dual-boot environment.
Complete Shutdown vs. Restart in Windows
When initiating a "restart" on a Windows PC, a hybrid boot process isn't engaged. This guarantees that any underlying operating system issues are resolved by completely clearing the current system state and establishing a fresh one.
Therefore, users with a dual-boot configuration involving Linux should consistently choose the "Restart" option within Windows when switching to Linux. A standard shutdown sequence will be executed during the restart process.
To override the default behavior and compel Windows to perform a complete shutdown, the Shift key must be held down while selecting the "Shut down" option. This action ensures a full power-off cycle.
Accessing Windows Files from Linux
Regardless of the chosen shutdown or restart method, Linux can subsequently boot up and mount the Windows system partition. This allows for direct access to files through the Nautilus file manager or the Linux desktop environment.
Once mounted, the Windows files become readily available for viewing, copying, or any other file management operations within the Linux environment.
Deactivating Hybrid Boot Permanently
For users seeking a simplified system operation, complete deactivation of hybrid boot is an option. While this will result in a longer Windows startup time, it can resolve compatibility issues with certain hardware configurations. Disabling this feature also allows for easier mounting of the Windows partition from within a Linux environment, without requiring complex workarounds.
To proceed, access the Windows Control Panel while booted into Windows. Navigate to the "Hardware and Sound" section, then select "Change what the power buttons do" under the Power Options category.
Within the subsequent window, locate and click the "Change settings that are currently unavailable" link. This will unlock advanced power settings. Scroll down the list and deselect the "Turn on fast start-up (recommended)" checkbox.
Confirm your selection by clicking "Save changes". Following this adjustment, a standard shutdown will be executed each time the system is powered off, mirroring the behavior of Windows 7.
Managing the Hiberfil.sys File with Linux
A solution exists where your Linux installation can automatically delete the hiberfil.sys file upon attempting to mount the corresponding system partition. This process involves Linux removing the hybrid boot data, enabling the mount to proceed. While Windows may experience a slower boot time initially, it will subsequently regenerate the hybrid boot data, maintaining fast startup functionality until the next mount from Linux.
This approach represents a viable compromise. However, it’s crucial to understand that enabling this option carries a risk. If your computer is actually hibernated with applications open, your Linux system will irrevocably delete the hibernation file, potentially resulting in data loss. The system cannot differentiate between various hibernation file types.
Implementation is achieved by modifying the file system’s mount options, specifically by incorporating the “remove_hiberfile” option. The ntfs-3g error message displayed during mounting of a hybrid-boot-enabled partition often suggests this very solution.
For users of Ubuntu 14.04 and other contemporary distributions featuring the GNOME Disks utility, altering this setting is relatively straightforward. Access the applications menu, initiate a search for "Disks," and launch the application.
Select the disk containing the Windows system partition, then choose the Windows system partition itself. This partition will be formatted as NTFS.
Click the gear-shaped icon located beneath the partition and select "Edit Mount Options".
First, disable the "Automatic Mount Options" setting at the top of the window. Then, within the mount options box, either copy and paste or manually type the following text at the end of the existing content:
,remove_hiberfile
Confirm your changes by clicking OK and providing your password. You can then attempt to mount the partition again through the Nautilus file manager. It should now mount successfully, even with hybrid boot enabled, automatically removing the hiberfil.sys file if it interferes.
Full read-write access to your NTFS partition is essential for dual-boot users who need to modify files. Alternatively, you can opt to mount the Windows system partition in read-only mode. This allows file access and viewing, but prevents any changes or writing to the drive. Linux is capable of mounting Windows system drives in read-only mode, even when they are in a hibernated state.
