How to create Dev Drive on Windows 11

If you’re a developer running Windows 11, you may have heard about the new Dev Drive feature. Microsoft designed Dev Drive to give you faster, more reliable storage for your code, tools, and development environments. It uses the Resilient File System (ReFS), which brings performance boosts and better security compared to the classic NTFS.

Setting up a Dev Drive isn’t complicated, but there are a few steps and requirements. Here’s how you can do it:

What You Need

• Windows 11 (22H2 or later) with the latest updates installed.
• Administrator access on your PC.
• At least 50 GB of free disk space (recommended).
• Your system drive must use NTFS or ReFS.

Why Use a Dev Drive?

• Faster performance: Optimized for handling source code, package caches, and git operations.
• Less interference: Uses Microsoft Defender’s new performance mode, so real-time scans don’t slow your workflow.
• Better reliability: ReFS is more resilient against corruption.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Under “Advanced storage settings,” select Disks & volumes.

Step 2: Create a New Volume

1. Click Create Dev Drive (if available).
   • If you don’t see this option, make sure you have the latest Windows 11 update installed.
2. Choose the disk where you want to create your Dev Drive.
3. Select the amount of space you want to allocate (at least 50 GB is recommended).
4. Assign a drive letter.
5. Name your new drive (e.g., DevDrive).
6. Click Format, making sure the file system is set to ReFS.

Step 3: Finish Setup

• Wait for Windows to create and format the new Dev Drive.
• Once done, you’ll see your Dev Drive listed in File Explorer with the name and drive letter you picked.

Step 4: Move Your Projects

• Copy or move your code repositories, package caches, and tools to your new Dev Drive.
• Update your development tools or IDE settings to use folders on the Dev Drive.

Pro Tips

• Don’t store critical personal files on Dev Drive—it’s optimized for development, not for general data storage.
• If you run into errors, check if your system supports ReFS. Older versions or editions of Windows 11 might not.
• Back up your work regularly, even though ReFS is resilient.

Wrapping Up

Dev Drive is a smart addition for anyone serious about development on Windows 11. It speeds up workflows and minimizes interruptions from security scans, giving your code a dedicated, high-performance space. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself.

Need a step-by-step video guide or have troubleshooting questions? Drop a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!