Linux file-systems like ext2, ext3, ext4, reiserfs, jfs and xfs are used both for compatibility and performance reasons. To access these Linux formatted partitions on other platforms like Windows and Mac, we can easily setup an Networked File Storage Server (NAS) as we did using Samba share on Raspberry Pi running an Debian image.

However, in-case you need to directly plug and read/write onto these Linux file-system formatted disks on windows computers - you will need help of third-party utilities as Windows does not natively support these file-system formats.

We have shared quite a few good Partition Managers for Windows like Paragon Hard Disk Manager, AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro and EASEUS Partition Master Professional, all of which were free under a promo for a limited period only. However, MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition is a much powerful and advanced utility for the job and is absolutely free.

MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition is a free partition manager software supporting Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 (32/64bit). Main features include - resizing partitions, Copying partitions, Create partition, Extend Partition, Split Partition, Delete partition, Format partition, Convert partition, Explore partition, Hide partition, Change drive letter, Set active partition, Partition Recovery.

The software also features the ability to format partitions in popular Linux filesystem ext4 (3/2/1), this feature is missing in majority of the other Windows based partition managers.