The Tool Desk
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Open a Windows folder from WSL
Start with the drive letter in lowercase after /mnt/, then add the rest of the Windows path using forward slashes. Replace the example username and folder with your own. Linux paths are case-sensitive in the Linux environment, and shell arguments containing spaces should be quoted.
# List files in a Windows user's Documents folder
ls /mnt/c/Users/<WindowsUser>/Documents
# Change into a Windows project folder
cd /mnt/c/dev/myprojThese are documented usage patterns; the actual username, drive letter, distribution configuration and folder names vary by machine. Microsoft’s WSL FAQ explains how Windows files are accessed from Linux.
Convert paths between Windows and Linux
Use wslpath when a command or application expects a path in the other operating system’s format. Quote Windows paths in the shell so backslashes and spaces are handled as part of one argument.
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# Windows path to WSL path
wslpath 'C:Users<WindowsUser>Documentsnotes.txt'
# WSL path to Windows path
wslpath -w /home/<LinuxUser>/project/notes.txt
# WSL path to drive-letter path with forward slashes
wslpath -m /mnt/c/Users/<WindowsUser>/Documents/notes.txtChoose where to keep a project
Both Windows storage and the WSL Linux filesystem are usable, but the best home for active files depends on which environment performs most of the work. Microsoft recommends keeping files in the filesystem used by the tools that operate on them. For Linux command-line work, Microsoft Learn says: “For the fastest performance speed, store your files in the WSL file system if you are working in a Linux command line (Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, etc).” See Working across file systems.
| Project location | Best fit | Access path | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows filesystem | Work done mainly by Windows applications | From WSL, typically /mnt/c/... |
Linux tools can work directly on these files, but cross-filesystem operations can be slower, especially when there are many file operations. |
| WSL Linux filesystem | Work done mainly by Linux tools | From Linux, commonly /home/<user>/...; from Windows, use a WSL UNC path |
Windows applications can reach the files through the WSL network path, but this is not the recommended location for Windows-heavy file work. |
There is no fixed speed difference that applies to every project: the practical guidance is to keep files with the operating system whose tools primarily use them.
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If a drive is missing under /mnt
Check the ordinary automount setup
WSL’s DrvFS integration normally mounts supported Windows drives under /mnt; the default automount root is /mnt/, which makes C: available as /mnt/c. Per-distribution settings are configured in /etc/wsl.conf under [automount]. The documented settings include enabled, root and mount options. If you change them, follow Microsoft’s current Advanced settings configuration in WSL instructions to apply the change.
Mount an NTFS volume exposed to Windows
If a Windows-formatted NTFS drive is not already accessible, Microsoft’s WSL 2 guide documents using DrvFS with a mount point. For example, the documented pattern is:
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sudo mkdir /mnt/d
sudo mount -t drvfs D: /mnt/dThis is for an NTFS volume exposed to Windows. It is different from wsl --mount, which attaches a disk to WSL: that workflow requires administrator access, cannot attach a disk currently in use, attaches the entire disk, and cannot mount the Windows installation disk. See Microsoft’s guide to mounting a Linux disk in WSL 2.
Why chmod may not let you write a Windows file
Windows permissions still govern access to files stored on Windows. For Windows files without WSL permission metadata, WSL represents the effective permissions of the Windows user as Linux permission bits. A Windows read-only attribute prevents Linux write access, and chmod cannot grant access beyond what that Windows user is allowed to do. Linux permission metadata can be stored on Windows files when enabled as a mount option, but it does not override Windows permissions. Microsoft’s File Permissions for WSL describes the interaction.
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Open WSL files from Windows
For occasional Windows-side access to files stored in the Linux filesystem, use a UNC path such as \wsl.localhostUbuntuhome<LinuxUser>project or \wsl$Ubuntuhome<LinuxUser>project, replacing Ubuntu with the installed distribution name. Microsoft notes that \wsl$ is available while the distribution is running; on Windows 11, \wsl.localhost can auto-start the distribution. Access through these paths uses the distribution’s default user. Microsoft’s WSL interoperability guidance covers Windows and Linux access across filesystems.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
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