Tutorial
Updated
Ways to access PS4 Linux Drive on Windows
PS4 Linux, though nascent opens up a lot of opportunities including emulation. Most of us are running Linux on our PS4s off a USB drive though ways exist to run it off the internal HDD (comparatively difficult). Now, most of us have our games and ISOs on our Computers or HDDs. The problem with PS4 Slim is that it only has 2 USB ports and since 1 port takes the Linux Drive, the other would have the USB Hub with the keyboard and mouse connected. Here is the problem. Most USB Hubs probably due to the PS4's USB port's limitation can accept a keyboard and a mouse, but not another USB Drive. If that does work for you, that's fine. But if not, you won't be able to copy your games and other files off another drive to Linux on the PS4 itself.
Here are a few ways to access your PS4 Linux Drive on another Machine.
1. Running Linux
The reason why you can't access the Linux Drive on a Windows machine directly is because the Drive uses a partition format that's native to Linux and unrecognised by Windows. So, installing/running a Live CD of your favourite Linux - Ubuntu, etc. will give you access to the drive. Once on Linux you can just plug the drive in and it'll work like any other drive. Problem Solved!
2. Running Linux via VirtualBox
Now, if you don't wanna go with the 1st step and want to access it purely "within Windows" here are the steps to follow:-
3. Installing PS4 Linux on Internal HDD
That's possible too, if you really want to access the drive without another machine.
4. Linux Live CD
You can also access your files using a LiveCD of your favourite Linux variant. Normal ISOs of Ubuntu for example allow Live CD booting, you just have to choose Try Ubuntu. But, I'd suggest booting it directly not via VirtualBox if you have a slow computer.
I'll be adding to the list as I find more ways. And, please let me know if you guys have another way.
Here are a few ways to access your PS4 Linux Drive on another Machine.
1. Running Linux
The reason why you can't access the Linux Drive on a Windows machine directly is because the Drive uses a partition format that's native to Linux and unrecognised by Windows. So, installing/running a Live CD of your favourite Linux - Ubuntu, etc. will give you access to the drive. Once on Linux you can just plug the drive in and it'll work like any other drive. Problem Solved!
2. Running Linux via VirtualBox
Now, if you don't wanna go with the 1st step and want to access it purely "within Windows" here are the steps to follow:-
- Install Linux on VirtualBox
- Install Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack (can be found on VirtualBox Download page)
- Connect your Linux Drive and set it under VM's USB
- Install Guest Additions Image on Linux.
- Setup Shared folder with the files you want to copy to the Linux Drive
- Copy-Paste!
3. Installing PS4 Linux on Internal HDD
That's possible too, if you really want to access the drive without another machine.
4. Linux Live CD
You can also access your files using a LiveCD of your favourite Linux variant. Normal ISOs of Ubuntu for example allow Live CD booting, you just have to choose Try Ubuntu. But, I'd suggest booting it directly not via VirtualBox if you have a slow computer.
I'll be adding to the list as I find more ways. And, please let me know if you guys have another way.
Last edited by noob404,