For over a decade, Microsoft has been diligently developing a new file system to eventually replace NTFS, which has been the backbone of Windows since the 1990s. This new system, known as ReFS (Resilient File System), has been gradually introduced with features aimed at enhancing its functionality across various scenarios. Recently, users have discovered that it is indeed possible to boot Windows 11 from an ReFS drive, albeit with some effort required for proper setup.
Setting up was time-consuming
Embarking on the journey to install Windows 11 using ReFS can be quite intricate. The available documentation is sparse, and even Microsoft’s own resources appear to be outdated. After some trial and error, I found that the most straightforward method involves accessing the Command Prompt during the Windows 11 installation process. By formatting the drive to ReFS with the command:
format c: /fs:refs
you can proceed with the installation. However, it’s essential to ensure that you specify the correct drive letter and possibly use Diskpart to manage the drive labels effectively. Notably, this method does not allow for the erasure of existing partitions, as creating a new partition would default to NTFS. For those willing to explore Windows Insider builds, the latest Dev channel versions offer a more user-friendly interface for creating ReFS partitions.
Windows 11 just runs
Once the installation hurdle is cleared, the experience of using Windows 11 on an ReFS drive is largely seamless. The operating system operates as expected, allowing users to perform their usual tasks without noticeable disruptions. The primary advantages of ReFS lie in its data resiliency and durability, particularly when managing virtual hard disks, which benefit from enhanced performance. ReFS employs continuous error-checking technology to safeguard data integrity, minimizing downtime due to corruption. Furthermore, it excels in managing Storage Spaces across multiple drives, although this aspect may not be immediately relevant to all users.
Is it any faster?
While the resiliency of ReFS is commendable, potential users may wonder about its performance benefits. In my tests using CrystalDiskMark, I compared the speed of NTFS and ReFS partitions. The results revealed that ReFS actually performed slower across various metrics:
| 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% |
These results indicate that ReFS may not provide the speed enhancements some users hope for, particularly if they are not engaged in tasks involving virtual machines or Storage Spaces. However, this benchmark is just one perspective, and other scenarios could yield different outcomes.
ReFS may well be the future
From this initial experience, ReFS appears to be a promising alternative to NTFS. While immediate usability improvements may not be evident, the system’s resilience is a critical feature that will become apparent over time. Performance gains are likely to be realized primarily in specialized workloads involving virtual machines. As ReFS continues to evolve, it may very well become the default file system for Windows in the coming years, provided that performance gaps can be addressed.
