How to enable, disable REFS format on Windows 10

Since the launch of Windows 8 (Windows Server 2012), Microsoft has introduced a new file system called ReFS (Resilient File System). ReFS is developed based on NTFS, removing some unnecessary features.

How to enable, disable REFS format on Windows 10

Step 1:  Open Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R key combination , type ' regedit ' and press Enter.

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Step 2: Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlFileSystem

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Step 3:  Right click on FileSystem

Select create a new DWORD Value with the name RefsDisableLastAccessUpdate .

Set the Value to 1 to enable ReFS format, or 0 to disable.

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Step 4: Navigate to: 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlMiniNT .

If the MiniNT key does not exist, create a new key with the name AllowRefsFormatOverNonmirrorVolume , Value is 1.

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Finally, restart Windows to save the changes. Now you can easily format your ReFS drive.

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TipsMake has just guided you how to turn off and on ReFS format on Windows 10. Using ReFS for boot drives does not require periodic Checkdisk checks, which helps reduce boot times on large drives and speeds up your computer. Wish you a successful operation and a productive working day!

Micah Soto

Update 01 April 2025