Set up a Dev Drive on Windows 11 — by Microsoft Learn

intermediatepageLink only (©)Windows 11 build 10.0.22621.2338 or later

Describes Dev Drive, a ReFS-based volume tuned for source code, package caches and build output, and how to create one in Settings or with Format-Volume. Gotchas listed on the page: it needs at least 50 GB, an existing volume cannot be converted, Defender runs in a faster performance mode on trusted drives, and WSL files on a Dev Drive get no speed benefit.

Quick steps

Settings, System, Storage, Advanced Storage Settings, Disks & volumes, Create dev drive
Choose new VHD, resize an existing volume, or unallocated space
Command line alternative: Format-Volume -DriveLetter D -DevDrive

Paraphrased from the source. Menus can differ by version, so check the original for full details.

Read the full article on learn.microsoft.com

Source: Set up a Dev Drive on Windows 11 by Microsoft Learn. Licence: Link only (©).

Source reviewed: 2026-11-02
Link checked: 2026-11-02
Tested hands-on: Not by Oddbyte.Me

dev driverefsstoragedefender

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