Format external hard drive under Linux: Here's how
In order to format an external hard drive under Linux, you need a small additional program. In this guide, we explain the steps necessary to get you there quickly.
Linux: Format external hard drive with "GParted"
- Start your Linux computer first and connect the external hard drive.
- Now you need the "GParted" program, which is already preinstalled on most Linux versions. However, if this is not the case, you can download and install GParted either from the software center or in our download area.
- Open GParted and enter your user password.
- Click on the selection field at the top right and select the hard drive to be formatted.
- Select the relevant partitions again, right-click on them and go to "Unmount".
- Right-click again and select "Format As" and the file system you want to format into.
- Click on the green tick above and confirm again. The hard disk is now formatted.
