Have you recently noticed that the speed of your NVMe SSD has suddenly decreased? You are not alone. A recent Windows 11 update has put an end to a trick that significantly boosted the performance of these drives. Find out why this change was made and what it means for savvy users.
The 3 key points not to miss
- The Windows 11 update blocks a registry trick that increased the speed of NVMe SSDs by up to 80%.
- This trick used a native NVMe driver from Windows Server 2025, now inaccessible on Windows 11.
- Microsoft may have blocked this trick to avoid compatibility issues with certain tools and features.
What is this blocked registry trick?
Until recently, a little-known trick allowed Windows 11 users to improve the performance of their NVMe SSDs. By using a native NVMe driver from Windows Server 2025, this method bypassed an additional translation layer, thus optimizing disk performance. Microsoft even acknowledged that this technique could increase IOPS (input/output operations per second) by up to 80%.
Why did Microsoft put an end to this technique?
The disabling of this trick by the latest Windows 11 update has sparked strong reactions. The use of the non-standard driver caused compatibility issues with certain software, such as Samsung Magician, and could potentially affect critical functions like BitLocker. Microsoft seems to have taken this measure to ensure system stability, although it has disappointed many users seeking to maximize their hardware resources.
Users’ hopes for the future
With rising storage hardware costs, users are constantly looking to get the best out of their systems. Many hope that Microsoft will officially offer this native NVMe driver in a future Windows 11 update, but without the observed compatibility issues. In the meantime, users will have to settle for standard performance or explore other alternatives to boost their systems.
Context and competition
Microsoft is no stranger to controversial updates. Over the years, the company has had to juggle innovation and stability, often to the dismay of its users. Meanwhile, competitors like Apple and Linux continue to offer alternative storage solutions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The world of computer hardware is constantly evolving, and users must stay informed to make the most of their equipment.