Microsoft has introduced a new NVMe driver, nvmedisk.sys, within Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11 25H2, designed to improve storage performance on high-end NVMe SSDs. This driver promises significant gains in throughput and latency by bypassing the legacy SCSI translation layer.
How nvmedisk Changes Performance
The nvmedisk.sys driver can enhance the speed of sequential and random read/write operations. By reducing the overhead associated with disk.sys, the driver allows the operating system to communicate more efficiently with the flash controller. This improvement is particularly beneficial for high-performing SSD models, such as Samsung's 990 Pro and Crucial's T705.
Installation and Stability Cautions
While nvmedisk is available in Windows 11 25H2, it is not enabled by default for all hardware. Activating it manually via registry changes may lead to instability or even prevent the system from booting if the SSD controller lacks specific compatibility hooks. It is critical for users to verify driver details through Device Manager before attempting any modifications.
Advice for Users and Developers
Given the potential risks associated with the driver change, users are advised to create a full-disk backup before switching to nvmedisk. Currently, this feature is softly launched; further testing and updates are anticipated for a stable release. KitGuru highlights the driver as a much-needed update to replace the outdated 2006 driver stack.
