GParted is the premier free tool for graphically managing disk partitions on Linux. Since GParted works outside of your installed operating system, it’s typically run from a Linux Live Environment (like a Live USB of Mint, Ubuntu, or the GParted ISO itself) to safely manage or modify the root partition.
STEP :01
Accessing GParted in a Live Environment
You need to run GParted from some kind of live bootable media. The reason is that you cannot modify a partition while it is actively in use. That includes the one running your operating system right now.
People often boot into a live USB for Linux distros like Linux Mint or Ubuntu. You will find GParted already installed there under the system tools. The easiest approach is to download the dedicated GParted ISO from the official website. Then create a bootable USB with it.
STEP :02
The GParted window gives you a clear overview of your storage devices and all the partitions on them. You can use the dropdown menu to select the disk you want to work on. Or just look at the main window for that. It might be something like /dev/sda or /dev/vda if you are in a virtual machine.
The top section shows a graphical view of the partition sizes and their arrangement. It also highlights any unallocated space pretty clearly. In the lower section, you get a list of each partition. That includes details like the mount point, file system type such as ext4, the size, and its current status.
STEP :03
The process shown involves taking unallocated space and adding it to an existing partition. This usually means moving other partitions around first. That way the space becomes contiguous and ready to use. If the unallocated space is not right next to the partition you want to extend, you start by right-clicking on the partition in between. Then select Resize/Move from the menu. Drag the boundary of that partition toward the end of the disk. This shifts it and makes the unallocated space adjacent to your target partition.
Next, right-click on the target partition itself. That could be the ext4 Linux partition for example. Select Resize/Move again. Now drag the boundary to the right. This incorporates the newly adjacent unallocated space into it. You could also just enter a specific new size if you prefer. All these changes stay in a queue for now. They do not happen until you click the green checkmark on the toolbar.
When you do that, it applies everything at once. This includes all the moving and resizing operations.
STEP :04
GParted provides a full range of ways to manage your disks. You can easily create a new partition from unallocated space. Or delete an existing one if needed. It lets you format a partition to change its file system. For instance, you might switch to ext4, NTFS, FAT32, or something else. You can also manage partition flags like the boot flag. Those define what role the partition plays in the system. There is a way to view detailed information about the device too. That covers things like the model number, serial number, and sector size. GParted really is a crucial tool for Linux users. It gives you powerful yet safe control over how you organize your disks and allocate space.
