Block Cloning Archives

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows Server 2025 released—here are the new features

Microsoft has launched Windows Server 2025, which will be generally available starting November 1, 2024. The new version includes features such as hotpatching, next-gen Active Directory, and SMB over QUIC alternative ports. Windows Server is available through the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and the Annual Channel (AC). Key enhancements include: - Hotpatching enabled by Azure Arc for automatic updates and backup options. - NVMe storage performance improvements, offering up to 60% more IOPs compared to Windows Server 2022. - Block cloning support using the ReFS file system. - New Active Directory functionalities, including AD object repair and improved security. - Credential Guard for safeguarding against credential theft. - SMB hardening with secure access to file shares over the Internet. - Delegate Managed Service Accounts (dMSA) for automated password management. - Accelerated Networking (AccelNet) for reduced latency and CPU utilization. - DTrace for real-time system performance monitoring. - Virtualization-based security (VBS) enclaves for enhanced security. - Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) for unique password generation and management. Microsoft is investigating known issues, including installation failures and BSOD errors for systems with more than 256 logical processors, boot issues in iSCSI environments, and language display problems during setup. Windows Server 2025 will reach its end of support on October 10, 2029, with extended support ending on October 10, 2034. A free 180-day trial is available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center.

Winsage

October 19, 2024

The gamepad of portable consoles has become more convenient for typing in Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced enhancements in Windows 11, focusing on gamers and developers. Key features include an on-screen keyboard for gamepad users, currently available for testing in Windows 11 Preview Build 22631.4387, which allows text entry and navigation using Xbox controllers. Other updates include a refined messaging system, quick access to Phone Link from the Start menu, and customizable Copilot key remapping. The Windows 11 24H2 update also adds support for the ReFS (Resilient File System) on desktop computers, previously limited to server versions. ReFS offers block cloning for faster file copying, with claims of up to 94% speed improvement over NTFS for transferring large files. It is designed for server applications and large file storage, featuring integrity checking and automatic backup mechanisms. ReFS is presented in the Dev Drive format for developers and professionals, optimizing file management and performance for storage operations, while not intended for operating system installations. Its practicality for everyday home users may be limited.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

Microsoft says the undeletable 8.63GB cache in Windows 11 24H2 is “a reporting error” — space is freed by Disk Cleanup | Tom’s Hardware

Users of Windows 11 24H2 are unable to delete an 8.63GB update cache through standard procedures. Microsoft has stated that this is a reporting error, and the files have already been deleted, although the Disk Cleanup tool still shows the space as occupied. When users run Windows Disk Cleanup with the 'Windows Update Cleanup' option, the system deletes the space, but it continues to display as occupied. Microsoft is working on a resolution for this issue and has been releasing smaller updates to improve user experience. The situation is less severe compared to other issues in Windows 11 24H2, such as application crashes and BSOD incidents. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11 24H2 as earlier versions have reached end of life. The update also includes new features like ReFS and Block Cloning for faster file copying and new AI functionalities.

Winsage

October 3, 2024

Windows 11 2024 update boosts file copying by up to 94% — ReFS and Block Cloning transition from Windows Server to mainstream Windows | Tom’s Hardware

ReFS Block Cloning is a feature introduced in the Windows 11 2024 Update, initially exclusive to Windows Server operating systems. ReFS, or "Resilient File System," debuted in Windows 11 in July within Build 25276 of the Windows Insider Program Dev Channel. Launched in 2012, ReFS is designed as a modern alternative to NTFS, focusing on stability and scalability for developers and server operators managing multiple drives. The Block Cloning feature improves file copy speeds by a minimum of 18% for 1MB files, 94% for 1GB files, and 92% for 10GB files. ReFS also includes automatic backups, integrity checks, and the ability to isolate and remove corrupted data while preserving the integrity of remaining files. It enhances performance in multi-drive environments by organizing storage into "Performance" and "Capacity" tiers. Transitioning from NTFS to ReFS requires thorough reformatting of drives intended for ReFS use.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Windows 11 2024 Update promises faster file copying, thanks to ReFS

ReFS (Resilient File System) is being introduced in the upcoming Windows 11 2024 Update, featuring Block Cloning, which enhances performance for development drives. Block Cloning allows data duplication by creating pointers to original data locations, reducing storage space usage. A comparison chart released by Microsoft in May 2024 shows that ReFS can copy a 10GB file in just over half a second, a 92% improvement over NTFS, which takes nearly 8 seconds. A 1GB file copies in 38 milliseconds, showing a 94% speed increase, while copying an 18GB folder is 80% faster with ReFS, taking only 6 seconds. ReFS is not designed for typical disk operations and cannot be used as the primary file system for booting Windows, which requires NTFS. ReFS focuses on data resilience with automatic management of bad sectors, unlike NTFS, which requires CHKDSK for repairs. NTFS still offers features like file compression and encryption that are not available in ReFS. Transitioning to ReFS requires a complete drive format, and Microsoft continues to support NTFS for client editions of Windows 11.