Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Use Compact OS to reduce the space occupied by Windows operating-system files; use NTFS compression selectively for files and folders you choose. Neither is universally faster or guaranteed to save a particular amount. Compression can reduce storage reads but adds CPU work to decompress data, so the better option depends on what you are shrinking, how often it changes, and your PC’s hardware and workload.
Compact OS vs. NTFS compression: what is the difference?
| Question | Compact OS | NTFS compression |
|---|---|---|
| What does it target? | Windows operating-system files. | Selected files and directories on an NTFS volume. |
| How broad is the setting? | A system-level Windows state. | Can be applied to specific paths. A directory’s compression state also affects files added later. |
| What about existing files? | Enabling or disabling Compact OS changes the OS compression state. | Changing a directory’s state alone does not necessarily compress or uncompress files already in it. |
| Best fit | Reducing the storage footprint of Windows itself. | Reclaiming space in selected writable files or folders when the trade-off is acceptable. |
Microsoft distinguishes executable-oriented compression for files that are read frequently and not modified from traditional NTFS compression, which it describes as an option for writable files. Its guidance says traditional NTFS compression has higher performance overhead than the executable-oriented mode in that comparison; this is not a guarantee for every file type or PC.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which should you use?
Choose Compact OS for Windows files
If the space you need to recover is in the Windows operating-system footprint, Compact OS is the relevant choice. It runs Windows from compressed OS files. Check the current state before changing it, and do not assume the result will match an older published size figure.
Choose NTFS compression for selected data
If you want to compress particular writable files or directories, NTFS compression lets you target those paths rather than changing the OS-wide setting. Use it where saving storage matters more than the additional compression and decompression work. Avoid applying it indiscriminately to an entire volume without a workload-specific reason.
#1 Best Overall
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
Consider how often the data changes
What you are compressing and how often it is written should guide the choice. Windows’ guidance positions executable-oriented compression for read-frequently, not-modified files, while traditional NTFS compression is described for writable files. That distinction is useful, but it does not establish a universal performance outcome for a particular application or file type.
How much space will compression save?
There is no current universal savings figure established for Compact OS versus NTFS compression. Microsoft’s published Compact OS comparison is for Windows 10 version 1607 and specific hardware configurations:
Rank #2
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
| Windows 10 version 1607 configuration | Base footprint | Compact OS without single-instancing | Compact OS with single-instancing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home x86, 2 GB memory | 11.68 GB | 8.85 GB; reported as more than 2.75 GB saved | 7.66 GB; reported as more than 4 GB saved |
| Home x64, 4 GB memory | 15.06 GB | 11.3 GB; reported as more than 3.7 GB saved | 10.09 GB; reported as more than 4.75 GB saved |
Those figures describe the listed Windows 10 edition, version, and memory configurations—not a current Windows 10 or Windows 11 estimate, and not a prediction for your PC. Your actual savings depend on your installation and files.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Will either option make Windows slower?
Compression can reduce the amount of data read from storage while requiring CPU work to decompress it. The balance depends on the relative performance of the storage and processor, as well as the workload. Microsoft does not provide one general performance percentage or a universal current savings figure for this comparison; it recommends measuring representative scenarios.
Rank #3
- Lightweight and convenient: Lexar JumpDrive A30E (USB Type-A) boasts a slim, portable design for easy device compatibility; lightweight at 7.41 g
- Transfer speeds up to 100 MB/s: 10x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives; Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions
- Wide compatibility: Compatible with tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required; Reliably stores photos, videos & files
- Compact: Features a push-button retractor and a lanyard loop for on-the-go use
- Enhanced security: Lexar DataShield protects files, easily creates a password-protected safe with auto-encryption; Files deleted from the safe are securely erased and can't be recovered
If you change a setting and notice a slowdown, compare the same real tasks before and after: boot and shutdown, application launches, disk throughput, and CPU use while files are read. Results from one workload may not predict another.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check or change Compact OS
In an elevated Command Prompt, run the command that matches what you want to do:
Rank #4
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
compact /compactos:querychecks the Compact OS state.compact /compactos:alwaysenables Compact OS.compact /compactos:neverdisables Compact OS.
Make sure you understand which state you are changing before running an enable or disable command. The commands change Compact OS; they are not a way to target an arbitrary folder.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHow to compress or uncompress selected NTFS paths
The Windows compact command supports /C to compress and /U to uncompress paths. Add /S to include subdirectories and /Q for essential output. For example, to compress a specific directory and its subdirectories, use:
compact /C /S /Q "C:pathtofolder"
Replace the example path with the directory you intend to affect. Choose the target carefully, especially when including subdirectories. If you change a directory’s compression state, do not assume that this alone rewrites files already inside it; apply the appropriate operation to existing files when that is your goal. The command cannot compress FAT or FAT32 partitions.
Compression is only one part of Windows drive-space use
If the goal is to solve a low-space problem, OS and file compression may not address the largest consumers. Windows drive-space needs can also be affected by servicing, restore points, logs, caches, and growth in the pagefile or hiberfile. Check what is using space before choosing a compression method.
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.
