Cairo: Mai Kamal El-Din
With the release of the Windows 11 24H2 update, significant advancements have been made in the operating system, including support for the ReFS file system and the introduction of block-level file cloning—features previously available only to Windows Server users. According to 3DNews, these updates significantly enhance file transfer efficiency and ensure data security.
The ReFS file system, which debuted in 2012, serves as an alternative to the NTFS system that has been in use since 1993. However, ReFS cannot be utilized on the operating system’s boot drive; it is designed for workstations and servers requiring stable and scalable data storage.
One of the key innovations in ReFS is the block-level cloning feature, which increases the speed of copying small files by 18%, while the performance for transferring large files improves by up to 94% compared to NTFS. This feature dramatically accelerates file operations within a single storage device by using references to the data instead of duplicating it entirely, thereby enhancing efficiency and overall performance.
In addition to block-level cloning, ReFS offers a built-in data backup system and automatic file integrity checks, reducing the risk of data corruption. ReFS isolates and removes only the damaged portions, allowing the majority of data to be preserved even in cases of integrity issues. These features make ReFS an attractive option for users handling large volumes of data or requiring advanced storage solutions.
Furthermore, ReFS improves performance when using multiple SSDs and hard drives, although it does not support many NTFS features, such as encryption and file compression. These differences highlight the need for ReFS users to understand their specific security and performance requirements.
It is important to note that activating ReFS requires a complete reformatting of drives, as conversion from NTFS to ReFS is not possible. Therefore, transitioning to ReFS is a decision that necessitates careful planning and consideration, especially for users who rely on critical and important data.
