Exploring NVMe Performance Enhancements
For quite some time, Windows has acknowledged the NVMe storage media protocol, dating back to Windows 8.1. However, a closer examination reveals that the default Microsoft driver for NVMe devices, known as disk.sys, may not be delivering optimal performance. This driver, which has its roots in 2006, is among Microsoft’s oldest internal basic drivers and appears to treat NVMe devices similarly to SCSI drives.
With the introduction of Windows 11 25H2 (client) and Windows 2025 (server) operating systems, Microsoft has rolled out a new native driver, nvmedisk.sys, which is designed to better leverage the capabilities of NVMe technology. Users can easily verify whether their system is utilizing the older driver by navigating to Device Manager, expanding the “Disk Drives” section, selecting their drive’s Properties, and checking the Driver tab for details.
A recent discovery by Notebookcheck highlights the potential of nvmedisk.sys to significantly enhance performance for compatible NVMe drives. This new driver promises improvements in both sequential and random workloads, presenting an exciting opportunity for users looking to maximize their storage capabilities.
However, the transition to this new driver is not without its challenges. Compatibility is a key concern, as not all NVMe SSDs support nvmedisk.sys. Incompatible drives may lead to boot issues with Windows 11, making the installation of this driver a risky endeavor. To assist users, Notebookcheck has published a guide detailing the steps to enable nvmedisk.sys on Windows 11, which involves modifying three specific Windows Registry values.
Given the potential risks associated with these changes, it is highly advisable for users to create a backup or image of their data prior to making any adjustments. This precaution ensures that a full image restore can be performed if any complications arise during the process. For those willing to explore this enhancement, the guide is available through the source links provided, but it is recommended to proceed with caution.
