Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
To create a Dev Drive in Windows 11, open Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Disks & volumes → Create dev drive. To enable or disable Dev Drive support across the system, open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window and run fsutil devdrv enable or fsutil devdrv disable.
Dev Drive is a ReFS-based storage volume for development workloads. It is separate from Developer Mode, the Windows setting for app development and sideloading.
What is a Dev Drive?
A Dev Drive is a Windows 11 storage volume formatted with ReFS and optimized for workloads such as source-code repositories, build output, package caches, working directories, and temporary development files.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Microsoft describes Dev Drive as an optimization for developer workloads, not a guarantee of a particular speed increase. Results depend on the project, storage hardware, antivirus configuration, file layout, and toolchain.
#1 Best Overall
- Ideal for high speed, low power storage
- Gen 4x4 NVMe PCle performance
- Up to 6,000MB/s read, 4,000MB/s write
- Includes Acronis cloning software
- 5-year limited warranty
Keep core developer tools—including Visual Studio, MSBuild, the .NET SDK, and the Windows SDK—on C:. Use the Dev Drive primarily for development data rather than as a replacement for the Windows system drive or a general application-installation volume.
Dev Drive versus Developer Mode
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Dev Drive | Creates a ReFS storage volume with development-focused security and file-system behavior. |
| Developer Mode | Enables Windows app-development, trusted-app installation, sideloading, and related features. |
They are independent features. On Windows 11 version 25H2 and later, former “For developers” settings appear under Settings → System → Advanced; that change concerns Developer Mode and related settings, not the main Dev Drive creation path.
Before you begin
- Use Windows 11 build
10.0.22621.2338or later. This is Microsoft’s documented compatibility floor, not a recommendation to remain on an old build; install current Windows updates first. - Have at least 8 GB of RAM; Microsoft recommends 16 GB.
- Reserve at least 50 GB of available space.
- Use an account with local administrator permissions.
- Back up important files before resizing, formatting, or deleting any volume.
Dev Drives are documented as available across Windows 11 SKU versions, but organization policy can restrict them. A restart may also be required after installing Windows updates.
Recommended Free Tools
Create and enable a Dev Drive from Settings
- Open Settings.
- Go to System → Storage.
- Open Advanced storage settings.
- Select Disks & volumes.
- Select Create dev drive.
- Choose a creation method: Create new VHD, Resize an existing volume, or Unallocated space on disk.
- Set the volume label, drive letter, and size.
- Review the choices and allow Windows to format the volume.
The Unallocated space on disk option appears only when suitable unallocated space already exists.
Choose a physical partition or VHDX
| Option | Advantages | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Physical partition | Uses the physical disk directly and generally avoids virtual-disk overhead. | Harder to resize, move, or back up; tied to that physical disk. |
| VHDX | Easy to move, back up, detach, and use for testing or project isolation; can be dynamically expanding. | Virtual-disk overhead may affect performance. The Dev Drive designation, trust status, and filter configuration do not automatically follow the file to another PC. |
Microsoft recommends VHDX rather than VHD for resilience and capacity. The documented approximate maximum sizes are 2,040 GB for VHD and 64 TB for VHDX. A dynamically expanding disk is the recommended type in the setup flow.
Choose a physical partition when direct performance and a permanent local setup matter most. Choose VHDX when flexibility, portability, backups, or isolation matter more.
Rank #2
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
Create a Dev Drive from the command line
These commands format the specified target. Verify the drive letter and back up its contents before running them.
Command Prompt
format D: /DevDrv /QReplace D: with the correct target drive.
PowerShell
Format-Volume -DriveLetter D -DevDriveRun the command in an elevated PowerShell window and confirm that the selected drive is the one you intend to format.
Enable system-level Dev Drive support
On a normally configured personal PC, you do not need to toggle a separate switch before using the Settings wizard. To explicitly enable system support:
- Open Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run:
fsutil devdrv enableMicrosoft also documents antivirus-filter options:
fsutil devdrv enable /allowAvfsutil devdrv enable /disallowAv/allowAvallows the default antivirus filter to protect Dev Drives./disallowAvprevents antivirus filters from attaching under the system policy.- If neither switch is specified, the existing system default is retained.
Do not treat /disallowAv as a routine performance tweak. Removing antivirus filters can reduce protection and affects Dev Drives broadly on that system. Dev Drive trust is also not proof that the files stored on the volume are safe.
Check Dev Drive status
To query system Dev Drive information, including whether volumes are Dev Drives and whether they are trusted, run:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →fsutil devdrv queryTo query a particular volume:
fsutil devdrv query D:Use an elevated terminal and replace D: with the relevant drive letter.
Rank #3
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
Trust or untrust a Dev Drive
Trust is a per-volume designation that affects which Dev Drive filter policies are honored. It is a security and filter-policy setting, not a guarantee about the contents of the drive.
To trust a volume:
fsutil devdrv trust D:To force the change immediately, even if the volume is in use:
fsutil devdrv trust /f D:To check its status:
fsutil devdrv query D:To remove trust:
fsutil devdrv untrust D:To force an immediate dismount while removing trust:
fsutil devdrv untrust /f D:An untrusted Dev Drive receives normal Defender real-time protection behavior. Microsoft says Defender performance mode requires the Dev Drive to be trusted and Defender real-time protection to be enabled.
Disable Dev Drive support
To disable Dev Drive support on the system, open an elevated terminal and run:
fsutil devdrv disableThis does not delete existing Dev Drives or their files. Existing volumes continue to mount and operate as ordinary volumes, and normal file-system filters are allowed to attach. Dev Drive-specific behavior and filter policies no longer apply, so an existing volume may appear to have “stopped working” as a Dev Drive even though its data remains available.
Rank #4
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. Also backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems for flexible upgrades
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users
Disabling support is different from deleting a volume:
- Disable support: preserves the volume and its data but removes Dev Drive-specific operation.
- Delete the volume: removes the volume and its contents.
- Detach a VHD: disconnects the virtual disk; the
.vhdor.vhdxfile remains until you delete it separately.
Restrict Dev Drive with enterprise policy
On a managed PC, administrators can control creation through the Enable dev drive policy:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Filesystem → Enable dev drive
The policy is documented for supported Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions beginning with Windows 11 version 22H2 build 10.0.22621.2338 or later. A reboot is required for policy changes to take effect.
- Enabled: allows creation of Dev Drive volumes.
- Disabled: prevents new developer volumes from being created; existing developer volumes mount as regular volumes.
- Not configured: behavior can still be affected by organization update policies and temporary enterprise feature controls.
Administrators managing Windows updates should review Microsoft’s Dev Drive Group Policy guidance and the Filesystem policy documentation.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallDelete a Dev Drive
Deleting a Dev Drive is destructive and permanently removes the volume’s contents. Back up anything needed before proceeding.
Best Value
- 【7450MB/s・Amazing Speed】Maximum read speed of 7450MB/s and maximum write speed of 6500MB/s (random read/ write speed of up to 1000K IOPS) realises the workflow of high-performance desktop PCs and notebook PCs. Ideal for power users who are looking for market-leading speeds.
- 【PCIe Gen4×4 for Superior Performance】Biwin NV7400 M.2 SSD utilizes the latest PCIe Gen 4x4 and 3D TLC NAND, choosing high-quality premium NAND flash chosen through our automated selection. Capacities of up to 4 TB are available, providing ample storage space and eliminating the anxiety of insufficient storage.
- 【PMIC Power Management & Graphite Heat Sink】NV7400 M.2 SSD adopts a composite power supply IC (PMIC), which improves power saving and energy saving performance by increasing the efficiency of power distribution, and effectively extends the durability of the SSD. Moreover, it is equipped with a 0.5mm graphene aluminium heat sink to prevent overheating with excellent heat dissipation performance and maintain stable top performance.
- 【Enhanced System Stability】The NV7400 delivers stable performance for demanding applications. Enhanced by Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, it ensures stable operation even under heavy workloads. The integration of Smart Cache optimizes data retrieval, while Zip data compression maximizes storage efficiency.
- 【Free Biwin Intelligence Software】Biwin Intelligence is multifunctional management software, designed to support Biwin consumer-brand storage products. For a more convenient and more secure storage experience, this software helps users manage their drives with features like performance test, data migration, firmware update, and more.
- Open Settings.
- Go to System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Disks & volumes.
- Locate the Dev Drive.
- Open Properties.
- Under Format, select Delete.
- Confirm the deletion.
Reclaim space from a VHD or VHDX
Deleting the volume inside a virtual disk does not necessarily delete the VHD file that consumes space on the host drive.
- Open Computer Management.
- Go to Storage → Disk Management.
- Select the disk containing the VHD or VHDX, not just the volume.
- Right-click the virtual disk and choose Detach VHD.
- Delete the corresponding
.vhdor.vhdxfile from its host location.
Why “Create dev drive” is missing
Check these causes in order:
- Install current Windows updates and restart the PC.
- Confirm the build meets the documented minimum of
10.0.22621.2338or later. - Confirm that your account has local administrator rights.
- Check for at least 50 GB of usable space or create unallocated space.
- Make sure you are looking under Disks & volumes, not under Developer Mode settings.
- Ask the organization’s administrator whether Group Policy, MDM policy, or temporary feature controls restrict Dev Drive.
- Run
fsutil devdrv queryfrom an elevated terminal to inspect system and volume status.
Important limitations and compatibility notes
- NTFS conversion: there is no nondestructive conversion path. Back up and reformat, create a separate volume, use a VHDX, or continue using NTFS.
- System drive:
C:cannot be a Dev Drive. Keep Windows and core development tools there. - External storage: external or removable disks are unsupported, including VHDs hosted on removable or hot-pluggable storage.
- Dynamic Disks: Dynamic Disks are unsupported; Microsoft points to Storage Spaces as an alternative.
- ReFS compatibility: verify that specialized tools requiring NTFS-specific features support your chosen file-system setup.
- WSL: WSL can access Dev Drive files, but Microsoft does not promise Dev Drive performance improvements for Linux workloads. For best WSL performance, keep Linux workloads in the Linux file system inside WSL’s virtual disk.
- BitLocker: a VHD-based Dev Drive is covered by BitLocker encryption on its hosting volume; separate BitLocker activation on the mounted VHD is not necessary according to Microsoft.
- Block cloning: support begins with Windows 11 version 24H2, so this capability is version-specific.
Should you use Dev Drive?
Dev Drive is a sensible choice if you regularly build large projects, generate substantial file I/O, use large package caches, have at least 50 GB of spare space, and are comfortable with ReFS and a separate backup plan.
A normal NTFS volume may be better if you need broad compatibility with older tools, want to store ordinary applications or personal files, rely on removable storage, cannot safely repartition the disk, or have a workload too small to justify a separate volume.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Before choosing, confirm that your tools support the required ReFS features and remember that performance improvements are workload-dependent. Use a physical partition for a permanent setup focused on direct disk performance; use a dynamically expanding VHDX when portability, backup, testing, or project isolation are more important. If a VHDX moves to another computer, you must mount it again and reconfigure its Dev Drive designation, trust status, and filter policies on that machine.
For command syntax and the latest supported behavior, consult Microsoft’s Dev Drive documentation and fsutil devdrv reference.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
