Adjust the size of a filesystem

A filesystem can be grown to make use of the free space after its partition. Often this is even possible while the filesystem is mounted.

To make space for another partition after the filesystem, it can be shrunk according to the free space within it.

Not all filesystems have resize support.

The partition size will be changed together with the filesystem size. It is also possible to resize a partition without a filesystem in the same way.

Resize a filesystem/partition

  1. Open Disks from the Desktop.

  2. Select the disk containing the filesystem in question from the list of storage devices on the left. If there is more than one volume on the disk, select the volume which contains the filesystem.

  3. In the toolbar underneath the Volumes section, click the menu button. Then click Resize Filesystem… or Resize… if there is no filesystem.

  4. A dialog will open where the new size can be chosen. The filesystem will be mounted to calculate the minimum size by the amount of current content. If shrinking is not supported the minimum size is the current size. Leave enough space within the filesystem when shrinking to ensure that it can work fast and reliably.

    Depending on how much data has to be moved from the shrunk part, the filesystem resize may take longer time.

    The filesystem resize automatically involves repairing of the filesystem. Therefore it is advised to back up important data before starting. The action must not be stopped or it will result in a damaged filesystem.

  5. Confirm to start the action by clicking Resize.

    The action will unmount the filesystem if resizing a mounted filesystem is not supported. Be patient while the filesystem is resized.

  6. After completion of the needed resize and repair actions the filesystem is ready to be used again.