Windows 11's latest update doubles file copying speeds with support for ReFS format

The Windows 11 2024 Update introduces a major enhancement to file transfer speeds through the integration of Resilient File System (ReFS) with Block Cloning technology. Although NTFS remains the default file system for consumer use, ReFS offers significant performance improvements for data-intensive tasks, particularly in environments like data centers.

Key performance gains include:

- **File Transfer Speed**: Up to 94% faster for 1GB files and 80% faster for large folders (e.g., an 18GB folder transferring in just 6 seconds).

- **Integrity Features**: ReFS includes automatic integrity checking to help detect and manage corrupted data.

However, ReFS has limitations. It does not support file compression or encryption, cannot serve as a boot volume, and requires reformatting to switch between ReFS and NTFS. It’s primarily targeted at developers and IT professionals, allowing them to manage large data sets efficiently while maintaining traditional NTFS drives for operating systems and personal files.

Setting up a ReFS Dev Drive is simplified through the Windows Settings app, making it accessible for users who need enhanced data handling capabilities.