Windows computers come pre-formatted with NTFS as the default file system, including storage drives in laptops, external hard drives, and USB sticks. There are indications that Microsoft is planning to switch to a new file system, REFS, on some systems based on references seen in the latest Windows 11 preview build.
To understand the move to REFS, it is essential to first understand NTFS. NTFS, which stands for NT File System, was developed by Microsoft in 1992 and is used on systems with licenses. As a proprietary file system, NTFS is the default file system for Windows 11, Windows 10, and older versions. It plays a crucial role in organizing and storing files on a hard disk or external hard drive.
In its simplest form, NTFS works by formatting a disk into partitions, then keeping track of every file stored in the system. This process enables Windows to manage the storage and retrieval of files with ease.
To determine the type of file system your computer is using, go to “This PC”, right-click on any drive (preferably the Windows drive), and you will see “NTFS” or “ReFS” listed as the file system, similar to the below screenshot from a Windows 10 device. The latest preview builds of Windows 11 have support for ReFS, the Resilient File System, which is the latest file system from Microsoft, previously only used in Windows Servers.
ReFS offers significant improvements in data availability, scalability, and data integrity compared to NTFS. It supports larger data sets and has features such as file-level snapshots, mirror-accelerated parity, and better security. However, it doesn't have some features supported by NTFS, like system compression, encryption, disk quotas, and removable media support, making it less suitable for consumer PCs.
There is a possibility that Windows 11 Enterprise or Business computers may come with ReFS as the default file system, but it's not clear yet. Microsoft is still working on ReFS support for Windows 11, and it's not known when it will be available for consumers.
In its simplest form, NTFS works by formatting a disk into partitions, then keeping track of every file stored in the system. This process enables Windows to manage the storage and retrieval of files with ease.
To determine the type of file system your computer is using, go to “This PC”, right-click on any drive (preferably the Windows drive), and you will see “NTFS” or “ReFS” listed as the file system, similar to the below screenshot from a Windows 10 device. The latest preview builds of Windows 11 have support for ReFS, the Resilient File System, which is the latest file system from Microsoft, previously only used in Windows Servers.
ReFS offers significant improvements in data availability, scalability, and data integrity compared to NTFS. It supports larger data sets and has features such as file-level snapshots, mirror-accelerated parity, and better security. However, it doesn't have some features supported by NTFS, like system compression, encryption, disk quotas, and removable media support, making it less suitable for consumer PCs.
There is a possibility that Windows 11 Enterprise or Business computers may come with ReFS as the default file system, but it's not clear yet. Microsoft is still working on ReFS support for Windows 11, and it's not known when it will be available for consumers.
Author
-Anurag
RSS Feed