New Storage Enhancements in Windows 11 Insider Builds
Microsoft has introduced notable storage improvements in the latest Insider builds of Windows 11, specifically in Dev build 26300.8170 and Beta build 26220.8165. These updates aim at enhancing speed, user experience, and eliminating a long-standing restriction.
Performance Boost in Storage Navigation
The update facilitates quicker navigation through Settings > System > Storage > Advanced Storage Settings > Disks & Volumes, enabling users to view drive properties, partitions, and storage details more swiftly. Furthermore, the handling of permissions on the Storage page has been revamped, reducing the frequency of the UAC prompt to instances when accessing temporary files.
Enhanced FAT32 Drive Formatting
Additionally, Windows now supports formatting FAT32 drives up to 2TB via command line, overcoming the decades-old 32GB limit. This change reflects the fact that FAT32 can naturally accommodate larger volumes, offering a much-needed enhancement for users who require compatibility with this file system.
Solution for Slow Disk Properties Access
For years, accessing disk properties on larger drives had been notably sluggish, particularly on systems with multiple or high-capacity volumes. In personal testing, there was a remarkable improvement observed in speed, indicating that the update effectively addresses this persistent annoyance.
UAC Prompt Improvements in Storage Settings
Before this update, merely opening Settings > System > Storage could trigger a UAC prompt, even for basic read-only operations. Now, users will only encounter the UAC prompt when accessing areas that necessitate elevated permissions, streamlining the experience.
Anticipating More Enhanced Features
These storage enhancements are currently available to Windows 11 Insider users. While Microsoft hasn’t provided a specific timeline for general availability, such updates typically reach regular users within a few months. With these improvements, optimism grows regarding the future capabilities of Windows 11.
