Microsoft has introduced a new native NVMe driver for users of Windows 11, providing a significant speed enhancement for compatible storage devices. This update allows NVMe drives to operate more efficiently, potentially increasing sequential read speeds by up to 500 MB/s. However, users must enable this new driver manually, and some have reported issues with stability and compatibility.
Historically, NVMe drives have been supported on Windows systems since the introduction of StorNVMe in Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. While this early support allowed NVMe devices to function seamlessly within the existing storage framework, it did not fully leverage the capabilities of NVMe technology. With the rollout of the new driver in Windows Server 2025, Microsoft aims to optimize the way Windows interacts with NVMe devices, eliminating reliance on older SCSI abstractions.
As users begin to test the new driver, experiences have varied. While some have successfully enabled it without issue—enjoying the performance benefits—others have encountered problems. Reports include disk management tools failing to recognize NVMe drives, application crashes, and performance issues in DirectStorage-enabled games, which are connected to a lack of BypassIO support.
How to Enable the New NVMe Driver
To enable the new NVMe driver, users must be running Windows 11 25H2 and check that their drives are using StorNVMe.sys in the Device Manager. There are two primary methods for enabling the driver: through the Registry Editor or via PowerShell.
Using the Registry Editor involves navigating to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Policies\Microsoft\FeatureManagement\Overrides. Users need to add three REG_DWORD values, each set to a hexadecimal value of “1.” After making these changes, a reboot is necessary for the driver to take effect.
Alternatively, users can execute a series of commands in an elevated terminal to activate the new driver. If any issues arise, the same values can be deleted in the Registry Editor to revert to the previous configuration.
Understanding the Changes in NVMe Support
The term “native” NVMe support in Windows has evolved over the years. Previously, Microsoft’s implementation involved adapting NVMe devices to fit within a storage framework designed around SCSI protocols. This meant that, while NVMe drives were faster than traditional SATA and SAS options, they still operated under a legacy structure.
With the introduction of the native NVMe driver, Windows can now manage NVMe commands directly, enhancing efficiency and performance, especially in enterprise environments with high workload demands. However, this shift is not merely a minor update; it represents a substantial architectural change in how Windows handles NVMe I/O.
For daily users, the improvements may not be immediately noticeable, but in scenarios requiring higher input/output operations per second (IOPS), this change can significantly improve performance. Microsoft indicates that systems enabled with the new driver can achieve up to 80% more IOPS per second while utilizing 45% less CPU power for 4K random read workloads on NTFS.
While the transition to this new driver presents clear benefits, it also comes with challenges. Users should carefully consider the risks of enabling the new NVMe driver and remain aware of potential incompatibilities that may arise during this period of adjustment. As Microsoft continues to refine this offering, it will be crucial for users to stay informed about updates and best practices for optimizing their NVMe storage experience on Windows 11.
