Initialize a partition or file as swap.

Section: Format, Label, and Tune

Create swap area

bash
bash
sudo mkswap /dev/sdb2
Explanation

Initialize a partition or file as swap.

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Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.

Related commands

Same sheet · prioritizing Format, Label, and Tune
Create an ext4 filesystem
Format a partition as ext4.
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Create an XFS filesystem
Format a partition as XFS.
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Create a FAT32 filesystem
Useful for EFI partitions or removable media.
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Enable a swap device
Turn on swap after creating it.
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List active swap
Inspect active swap devices and priorities.
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Set an ext filesystem label
Assign a human-readable label to an ext filesystem.
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