lsblk, create a partition with parted, format it with mkfs.ext4 (or mkfs.xfs), and mount it with sudo mount /dev/vdb1 /mnt/data. To mount it at every boot, add a line with its UUID to /etc/fstab, for example UUID=… /mnt/data ext4 defaults,nofail 0 2, and test with sudo mount -a.
Before you start
- Connect with SSH. Commands use
sudo; root users can leave it out. - Back up first. Choosing the wrong disk in the steps below erases it. Make sure you have a current backup of any disk that holds data. See back up a Linux server and, on a VPS, VPS Panel backups.
- On a VPS, see which disks are attached on the Storage page. On a dedicated server, open a ticket if a disk you expect is missing.
- Install the tools if needed:
sudo apt install parted xfsprogs(Ubuntu / Debian) orsudo dnf install parted xfsprogs(AlmaLinux / Rocky).
How to find the new disk
vdb is the new disk: it has no partitions, no file system and no mount point. Names depend on the hardware:
Confirm the disk is empty. This command only reads:
How to partition and format the disk
1
Create a GPT partition table and one partition
1MiB 100% uses the whole disk with correct alignment.2
Check the partition
vdb1 under vdb.3
Format it
- ext4 (Ubuntu / Debian default)
- XFS (AlmaLinux / Rocky default)
How to mount the disk
How to mount the disk automatically with fstab
Device names like/dev/vdb1 can change between boots. Use the file system’s UUID (a unique ID) in /etc/fstab instead.
1
Get the UUID
UUID= value, not PARTUUID=.2
Back up fstab
3
Add the line
Open
/etc/fstab with sudo nano /etc/fstab and add one line at the end (use xfs instead of ext4 for XFS):nofail lets the server finish booting even if this disk is missing. The last number 2 means “check this file system at boot, after the root file system”.4
Check the file and test it
findmnt --verify should end with Success, no errors or warnings detected. mount -a mounts everything in fstab; if it prints an error, fix the line before you reboot.How to let a normal user write to the disk
A new file system belongs to root. To let useralex write to it:
Frequently asked questions
Why can I not see my new disk in lsblk?
The disk may not be attached yet or may need a reboot to appear. On a VPS, check it is enabled on the Storage page. On a dedicated server, open a ticket.Should I use ext4 or XFS?
Both are solid. Use the default of your distribution: ext4 on Ubuntu and Debian, XFS on AlmaLinux and Rocky. Choose ext4 if you might ever need to shrink the file system.Do I need a partition, or can I format the whole disk?
You can format/dev/vdb directly, but a partition table makes the disk’s purpose clear to other tools and people, so it is the safer habit.
How do I mount the disk somewhere else, such as /var/www?
Use that folder as the mount point. Move existing files out first: anything already in the folder is hidden while the disk is mounted on top of it.Related guides
VPS and dedicated server guides
Every guide in this section.
Resize a partition after a disk upgrade
Use new space on an existing disk.
Use LVM on Linux
Combine and grow disks flexibly.
Check disk space
See free space with df.
VPS storage
Your disks in the VPS Panel.
Checked against the official Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 file systems documentation and the util-linux
findmnt, blkid and wipefs manual pages on 4 November 2026; parted, mkfs.ext4, mkfs.xfs, blkid, wipefs -n, a UUID fstab entry with nofail, findmnt --verify and mount -a tested on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS using a loop device. Commands can differ on other distributions or releases.Need Extra Help?
If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:- Live Chat: Quick assistance via our website.
- Support Ticket: Open a Ticket
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- Email: support@freakhosting.com
Last Updated: November 2026