Ubuntu Disk Expansion Guide

When your Ubuntu server runs out of disk space, it's possible to expand the disk without reinstalling the system. In this guide, we'll explain step by step how to expand disk space using both LVM (Logical Volume Manager) and standard partitioning methods.

Preparation

Before starting the disk expansion process, make sure to:

Checking Current Disk Status

First, let's check the current disk status:

df -h

lsblk

These commands will show you your disk partitions and usage rates.

Disk Expansion Using LVM

If you're using LVM, the process is quite simple:

1. Expanding Physical Disk

First, expand the disk from VMware, Hyper-V, or your cloud provider. Then:

Scan disk changes

sudo pvresize /dev/sda3

2. Expanding Logical Volume

Check available space

sudo vgdisplay

Expand volume

sudo lvextend -l +100%FREE /dev/ubuntu-vg/ubuntu-lv

Expand filesystem

sudo resize2fs /dev/ubuntu-vg/ubuntu-lv

3. Check Result

df -h

Disk Expansion with Standard Partitioning

If you're not using LVM:

1. Expanding Partition

Expand partition using GParted or parted

sudo parted /dev/sda

(parted) print

(parted) resizepart 1 100%

(parted) quit

2. Expanding Filesystem

For ext4

sudo resize2fs /dev/sda1

For xfs

sudo xfs_growfs /

Common Issues

Disk Not Showing

If the expanded disk isn't visible:

Refresh partition table

sudo partprobe /dev/sda

LVM Error

If you get an LVM error:

Clear LVM cache

sudo pvscan

sudo vgscan

sudo lvscan

Security Tips

Conclusion

Ubuntu disk expansion is safe and fast when done correctly. If you're using LVM, the process will be much easier. If you encounter any issues, make sure you have backups and seek professional help if needed.

At Adahost, we offer easy disk expansion on all our servers. You can increase your disk size with a single click from your customer panel and expand your system by following the steps above.