Microsoft’s Resilient File System (ReFS) has made a return in the latest Windows 11 build, suggesting that the company is rekindling interest in this advanced storage technology. Initially introduced alongside Windows Server 2012 in 2012, ReFS was designed to take over from the aging NTFS system, yet NTFS remains the standard in current Windows releases.
In a recent preview build, Windows 11 Build 27823, a hidden feature was uncovered that allows users to format partitions using ReFS. This option is part of a new "Flexible Storage" setting, though details regarding this term remain vague. The ReFS technology is notable for its ability to handle larger volumes, scaling datasets more efficiently, and providing enhanced resilience against data corruption. Users can format ReFS partitions up to 35 petabytes, a significant increase compared to NTFS’s limit of 256 terabytes.
ReFS brings many advanced features, including block cloning and file-level snapshots. However, it is currently limited when it comes to traditional NTFS functions like bootable volumes, file compression, and encryption. Microsoft has indicated that these NTFS features are not available "at this time," leaving the door open for potential future enhancements.
Despite its advantages, ReFS has been primarily targeted at enterprise and server use cases. The recent appearance in a consumer preview build could signal Microsoft’s intentions to make ReFS available to everyday users.
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