How to Convert NTFS to ReFS (with Pictures)

ReFS stands for Resilient File System, which provides advanced features such as deduplication, data mirroring, and virtualization support. While NTFS, the default file system in Windows 11/10 and earlier versions, can efficiently store, organize, and retrieve files on the hard drive, it can have some compatibility issues.

Windows 11 is getting ReFS support to solve some of the problems encountered with NTFS. If you want to convert NTFS to ReFS to test its functionality, please refer to EaseUS for three options to convert NTFS to ReFS without data loss.

Convert NTFS to ReFS Easily

In fact, Windows' built-in tools do not provide direct commands or solutions for converting NTFS to ReFS. To finish the conversion task, we will introduce a useful third-party tool, EaseUS Partition Master Professional.

• Suitable for: For all users, including beginners and experts
• Supported OS: all Windows versions, including Windows 11/10
• File System Compatibility: Support all formats, including NTFS, ReFS, and EXT format

EaseUS Partition Master is a full-featured disk partition tool that provides the format and converts functions to resolve file system-related errors. It simplifies the NTFS to ReFS conversion process without requesting any technical skills.

Follow the steps and learn how to convert NTFS to ReFS by formatting:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master, right-click the partition you intend to format and choose "Format".

Step 2. In the new window, enter the Partition label, choose the FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 file system, and set the cluster size according to your needs, then click "OK".

Step 3. Then you will see a warning window, click "Yes" in it to continue.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the top-left corner to review the changes, then click "Apply" to start formatting the partition to FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4.

Continue reading if you want to learn more about using Windows' built-in tools to change NTFS to ReFS. If you find this tutorial useful in solving your file system needs, don't forget to share it with others. 

How to Enable ReFS with Registry Editor

Windows 10, Windows 8, or earlier versions of Windows do not support ReFS, as It is a hidden feature. So, if you want ReFS partitions on all Windows systems, start the ReFS file system in the registry first.

Tip: Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, and Workstation editions on the Unified Drive natively support the ReFS file system. If you are using the Windows 11 version, please skip this section or use EaseUS Partition Master to convert the partition.

Step 1. Run a command prompt window and type regedit.exe to open the registry editor.

Step 2. Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem

Step 3. Create a DWORD (32-bit) named RefsDisableLastAccessUpdate with a value of 1 and click OK.

Step 4. Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MiniNT

If the folder does not exist, please recreate it and name it MinNT.

Step 5. Go ahead and create a new DWORD (32-bit) named 

AllowRefsFormatOverNonmirrorVolume with a value of 1 and click OK.

Step 6. Reboot and let the changes take effect.

After booting ReFS, you can switch NTFS partitions to ReFS in all Windows systems.

Format NTFS to ReFS with Windows Built-in Tool

Windows does not provide a direct method of format conversion. If you don't have important data, you can directly use the following method and reformat NTFS to the ReFS file system. Otherwise, please backup your important data.

1. Format NTFS to ReFS with Disk Management

Suitable for: Users who are familiar with the process of computer operation

Windows Disk Management provides a generic formatting solution. It is also possible to convert NTFS to ReFS by reformatting:

Step 1. Right-click on the Windows icon and select Disk Management Tools.

Step 2. Right-click on the NTFS destination drive and select the Format option.

Step 3. Select the target ReFS file system in the pop-up window and click OK to perform a quick 

format.

2. Convert NTFS to ReFS with Diskpart

Suitable for: computer experts who have parameter command knowledge

If you are familiar with computer operation, you can use the Windows Treasure Chest - Command Prompt to convert NTFS to ReFS. Please make sure that the parameters are correct in this process: 

Step 1. Open the Run window with the Windows+R button.

Step 2. Type cmd and open the command prompt.

Step 3. Enter the following commands in sequence and hit Enter after each command:

• diskpart
• list disk
• select disk 1
• list partition
• select partition N
• format fs=refs quick

These are the two solutions to format NTFS to ReFS. If you still have confusion about the two file system and don't know which one to choose, click the page to get more knowledge.

Conclusion

ReFS is trying to become the new Windows 11 default file system, and EaseUS Partition Master fully supports it. You can format or convert it with this tool.

For older versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 and 8, you need to enable ReFS on your computer before you can format it.

FAQs About How to Convert NTFS to ReFS

Besides converting NTFS to ReFS, some people have more questions about NTFS and ReFS file systems. Below, we have collected 3 of the most popular questions. Read on and let these answers clear your doubts.

1. Can I Convert NTFS to ReFS?

In fact, you can't convert NTFS to ReFS. ReFS, a next-generation file system, is not supported on Windows 8 or earlier versions of Windows. It is only supported natively by Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, and Workstation editions on the Unified Drive during the Windows setup process.

2. Will ReFS replace NTFS?

No, ReFS will not replace NTFS, and NTFS will still be around. ReFS maximizes data availability and resistance to corruption. Microsoft has added the all-important file-level snapshot feature to ReFS version 3.7, but NTFS is still one of the most widely used file systems today.

3. Is ReFS better than NTFS?

ReFS offers higher performance than NTFS, especially when used with virtual machines. It can also support datasets up to millions of terabytes in size, which is far beyond what NTFS can support.

4. How do you format a disk to ReFS?

There are several ways to help you format your disc to ReFS format, such as using a third-party disc management tool - EaseUS Partition Master:

Step 1. Log in to EaseUS Partition Master, go to Partition Manager, and select the target drive.

Step 2. Select the "Format" option and set the ReFS file system and cluster size.

Step 3. Click Yes to apply the changes.