For many years, Windows has relied on the NTFS file system as its backbone. However, outside the Windows ecosystem, a variety of innovative file systems have emerged, including Microsoft’s own ReFS, which has been in development for some time. While these alternatives may offer advantages over NTFS, compatibility issues with Windows 11 remain a significant hurdle for users considering a switch.
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Stability issues
ZFS and Btrfs are not officially supported on Windows
Among the contenders, ZFS and Btrfs have gained popularity in the Linux community, enticing some users to experiment with them in dual-boot setups. However, Microsoft has yet to provide native support for these file systems, leaving users reliant on community-developed drivers that often lack the robustness required for seamless operation. Reports from users on platforms like Reddit indicate frequent crashes in File Explorer and even blue screens of death. While these projects are under continuous development, the risks associated with using them on Windows should not be underestimated.
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Performance may not always be as good
NTFS is still the most optimized for Windows
The performance implications of switching to a non-NTFS file system can be substantial. A recent test involving the installation of Windows 11 on an ReFS partition revealed a noticeable decline in disk performance, as measured by CrystalDiskMark. Although ReFS may excel in specific scenarios, it is not yet a viable option for running Windows smoothly. The following table illustrates the performance differences observed:
| NTFS | ReFS | Difference (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read SEQ1M Q8T1 | 3104.32 | 2532.06 | -18.43% |
| Read SEQ1M Q1T1 | 1516.51 | 1192.76 | -21.35% |
| Read RND4K Q32T1 | 594.84 | 546.07 | -8.2% |
| Read RND4K Q1T1 | 57.91 | 49.27 | -14.92% |
| Write SEQ1M Q8T1 | 1801.75 | 1711.52 | -5.01% |
| Write SEQ1M Q1T1 | 1307.65 | 1203.62 | -7.96% |
| Read RND4K Q32T1 | 510.72 | 442.34 | -13.39% |
| Read RND4K Q1T1 | 166.38 | 163.52 | -1.72% |
Similar reports of diminished speeds have surfaced regarding Btrfs, further underscoring the challenges posed by the lack of native support and optimization for these file systems on Windows. While ReFS shows promise under Microsoft’s guidance, it remains a work in progress.
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Some features may not be supported
NTFS has had time to mature
Another consideration is the feature set. Many functionalities that users have come to rely on with NTFS may not be available with alternative file systems, particularly those that are still in development. For instance, while ReFS offers some innovative features, it lacks support for portable media and certain encryption options available with NTFS. Although BitLocker can still secure data, NTFS’s Encrypting File System (EFS) provides per-file transparent encryption, which is not currently supported by ReFS. Additionally, features such as extended file attributes and disk quotas remain absent.
Will Windows ever be suited for these file systems?
At present, Windows appears ill-equipped to fully embrace these newer file systems. NTFS has undergone extensive optimization over the decades, making it a formidable standard. However, with Microsoft actively developing ReFS, there is potential for it to eventually become a viable alternative. The future of ZFS and Btrfs on Windows remains uncertain, as Microsoft’s interest in supporting these systems appears limited. While community efforts may yield improvements, the road ahead is still long.
