How to Format ReFS for Drives (Full Guide)

Updated by

Oliver 

Updated on Sep 11, 2024

The Resilient File System (ReFS) is a modern file system introduced by Microsoft with Windows Server 2012. It is designed to overcome the limitations of the older NTFS file system and provide enhanced data integrity, resilience, and scalability for today's large data volumes.

Therefore, this article from EaseUS will show you how to format ReFS for your drives so that it can meet your specific needs.

How to Format ReFS for Drives

Before formatting to ReFSE, you need to ensure you are running a compatible Windows version.

Currently, ReFS supports Windows Server 2022/ 2019/2016/2012, Windows 8.1, and later client versions like Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. In addition, Windows 11 is getting ReFS support as well.

If your system meets the requirement, check below to continue.

Way 1. Format ReFS via EaseUS Partition Master

In order to provide beginners with a convenient and user-friendly formatting solution, EaseUS Partition Master Server has designed an intuitive interface and versatile formatting functionality.

Whether it's a disk or an external device, this tool can help you format it as ReFS with just one click.

• Suitable for: All users (beginners and experts)
• Supported OS: All Windows Server
• File System Compatibility: ReFS/NTFS/FAT32/exFAT/Ext2/Ext3/Ext4

Follow the steps here to format the hard drive to ReFS with ease:

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.

This tool not only allows you to convert NTFS to ReFS, but other file systems are also supported.

Way 2. Format ReFS via Disk Management

You can also format the drive to ReFS through the Windows built-in utility - Disk Management.

Step 1. Right-click on the Start menu icon and select "Disk Management."

Step 2. In Disk Management, right-click on the target drive partition and select "Format."

Step 3. In the Format window, select "ReFS" from the File system dropdown menu.

Step 4. Optionally, you can set the allocation unit size, volume label, and tick "Perform a quick format" if desired.

Step 5. Click "OK" and proceed.

However, if you are using a Windows 10/11 Home and trying to format an external hard drive, you won't find the ReFS option in Disk Management because it's not supported.

Way 3. Format ReFS via Command Line

Command Prompt also allows users to format a partition to ReFS with a few command lines.

Step 1. In the Taskbar search box, enter a Command Prompt and open it as an administrator.

Step 2. Type in the following commands and hit "Enter" after each:

• diskpart
• list disk
• select disk X (Replace X with the number of the disk that contains the target partition)
• list partition
• select partition Y (Replace Y with the number of the partition you want to format to ReFS)
• format fs=refs quick

For more detailed information on the differences among these file systems, you can check the article below.

ReFS VS NTFS VS FAT32, Which One Should You Use?

Do you know the difference between ReFS, NTFS, and FAT32? If not, this page covers detailed information on their distinction. Click here and learn more.

Enable ReFS on Windows (Windows 8.1/10)

While ReFS is supported on Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, you may need to enable it manually to format a drive with ReFS. Here's how:

Step 1. Press the "Win" + "R" keys and enter regedit to open the registry editor.

Step 2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem.

Step 3. Right-click on the blank area on the right and select "New">"DWORD (32-bit) Value."

Step 4. Then, name the parameter with the name RefsDisableLastAccessUpdate and enter 1 as its value.

Step 4. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MiniNT.

If there's no MiniNT folder, select "Edit" > "New" > "Key" to create one.

Step 5. In MiniNT, create a 32-bit DWORD parameter and name it AllowRefsFormatOverNonmirrorVolume. Also, enter 1 as its value.

Step 6. Restart your PC and you should be able to format the drive to ReFS.

If you found this guide on how to format ReFS for drives helpful, please share it with others who may benefit from it.

Conclusion

This page covers a full guide for users to format a drive to ReFS. From the preparation to the additional tip on how to enable ReFS for Windows 8.1 and 10, you can follow these steps to complete the process with ease. Among the methods, EaseUS Partition Master offers the easiest and safest way for beginners who are not familiar with the operation. Download this ReFS format tool if you are looking for a quick and secure measure.