---
name: "zpool-initialize"
section: "8"
platform: "linux"
package: "zfsutils-linux"
version: "2.3.9-0+deb13u1"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux", "freebsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/zpool-initialize"
---

# zpool-initialize(8)

write to unallocated regions of ZFS storage pool

## NAME

**zpool-initialize** – write to unallocated regions of ZFS storage pool

## SYNOPSIS

**zpool** **initialize** \[**-c**\|**-s** \|**-u**\] \[**-w**\] *pool* \[*device*\]…

## DESCRIPTION

Begins initializing by writing to all unallocated regions on the specified devices, or all eligible devices in the pool if no individual devices are specified. Only leaf data or log devices may be initialized.

- **-c**, **--cancel**

  Cancel initializing on the specified devices, or all eligible devices if none are specified. If one or more target devices are invalid or are not currently being initialized, the command will fail and no cancellation will occur on any device.

- **-s**, **--suspend**

  Suspend initializing on the specified devices, or all eligible devices if none are specified. If one or more target devices are invalid or are not currently being initialized, the command will fail and no suspension will occur on any device. Initializing can then be resumed by running **zpool** **initialize** with no flags on the relevant target devices.

- **-u**, **--uninit**

  Clears the initialization state on the specified devices, or all eligible devices if none are specified. If the devices are being actively initialized the command will fail. After being cleared **zpool** **initialize** with no flags can be used to re-initialize all unallocated regions on the relevant target devices.

- **-w**, **--wait**

  Wait until the devices have finished initializing before returning.

## SEE ALSO

[zpool-add(8)](/zpool-add/8.md), [zpool-attach(8)](/zpool-attach/8.md), [zpool-create(8)](/zpool-create/8.md), [zpool-online(8)](/zpool-online/8.md), [zpool-replace(8)](/zpool-replace/8.md), [zpool-trim(8)](/zpool-trim/8.md)