Windows 11 has long been compatible with NVMe SSDs, but it is only recently that the operating system has begun to unlock their full potential. This newfound performance enhancement stems from registry modifications that facilitate a pseudo driver injection, leading to nearly double the random write performance in certain scenarios.
Understanding NVMe Functionality on Windows 11
To appreciate this development, it’s essential to grasp how NVMe SSDs operate within Windows 11. The operating system communicates with NVMe storage through a SCSI translation layer instead of utilizing native instructions. This intermediary step can hinder performance, as both the OS and hardware must navigate an additional layer to achieve functionality.
In a recent update to Windows Server 2025, Microsoft rolled out a long-anticipated native NVMe driver. While this driver is not enabled by default in consumer versions of Windows 11, users can activate it through specific registry edits.
Enabling NVME native drivers in Win 11 (tried on 25H2)
Works pretty good.
Just open regedit.
Go to : HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetPoliciesMicrosoftFeatureManagementOverrides
Add DWORD 32 Bits:
“735209102”=dword:00000001
“1853569164”=dword:00000001… pic.twitter.com/UhE9q5Sw5h
— Mouse&Keyboard (@PurePlayerPC) December 22, 2025
Testing the new driver, user PurePlayerPC utilized an SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB drive with Windows 11 25H2. The results from the AS SSD Benchmark revealed a significant enhancement in the SSD’s random read and write performance, with the latter experiencing the most substantial gains.
Similarly, Reddit user Cheetah2kkk implemented the same registry changes on a Crucial T705 4TB drive within an MSI Claw 8 AI+ and noted an impressive improvement in random write speeds, soaring by as much as 85%. The extent of these performance enhancements will naturally vary based on the specific drive and accompanying hardware.
As illustrated in the X post above, PurePlayerPC has shared detailed instructions for those interested in following suit. However, it is crucial to approach registry edits with caution, as some users have reported losing access to their file systems after making such changes. Thankfully, they were able to recover their data upon reverting the modifications. Proceeding with these edits comes with inherent risks.
Native NVME Support for Windows 11 25H2
byu/Cheetah2kkk inMSIClaw
While there is no official word on when, or if, Microsoft will make this native NVMe driver available for Windows 11, the expectation remains that the software giant will eventually do so. Even if the real-world benefits are limited to a niche segment of users, the potential for enhanced performance is enticing.
As the industry awaits the arrival of PCIe 6.0 SSDs, which are still some time away due to ongoing DRAM and NAND flash shortages, the hope is that the transition will be smooth. This would allow users to enjoy the advantages of enhanced storage capabilities without the need to delve into the complexities of RegEdit.
For those interested in further insights on storage solutions, consider exploring the latest review on the Kioxia Exceria Plus G4. Additionally, staying connected with the Club386 Google News feed will ensure you remain updated on all things SSD-related.
