If you use Windows 11 and want to improve how your computer handles special storage called Dev Drive, this guide will help you mark it as Trusted or Untrusted. This affects how Windows protects and speeds up your files.

What is a Dev Drive?
A Dev Drive is a new kind of storage space designed to make your computer work faster, especially for developers. It uses special Windows technology called ReFS that helps keep your files safe and lets you control how your drive works.

By default, Windows trusts a Dev Drive. This means Windows Defender (the built-in security software) runs in a faster performance mode on that drive, which balances good security with speed.

If you mark a Dev Drive as untrusted, Windows Defender will protect it more strictly, using real-time protection mode. This is more secure but can slow things down a bit.

How to Set a Dev Drive as Trusted or Untrusted

Follow these simple steps to check and change your Dev Drive’s trust status.

Step 1: Open Windows Terminal as Administrator

1. Click the Start menu (Windows icon in the bottom-left corner).

2. Type Terminal in the search box.

3. When you see Windows Terminal in the results, right-click it and select Run as administrator.

Tip: You can also set Windows Terminal to always open as administrator. Learn how here.

Step 2: Check Your Dev Drive’s Current Status

In the Terminal window, type this command and press Enter:

fsutil devdrv query <drive letter>:

Replace <drive letter> with the letter of your Dev Drive. For example, if your Dev Drive is W, type:

fsutil devdrv query W:

Step 3: Set the Dev Drive as Trusted

If your drive is untrusted and you want to make it trusted to get better performance, run:

fsutil devdrv trust W:

This command makes your W: drive trusted.

Step 4: Set the Dev Drive as Untrusted

If your drive is trusted but you want to make it untrusted for stronger security, run:

fsutil devdrv untrust W:

This command marks your W: drive as untrusted.

Summary

• Trusted Dev Drive: Windows Defender runs in faster performance mode.
• Untrusted Dev Drive: Defender uses real-time protection, which is more secure but slower.
• You can easily switch between trusted and untrusted using simple commands in Windows Terminal.

That’s all! You now know how to control your Dev Drive’s security and speed settings to fit your needs.

Learn More

For more information, visit the official Microsoft page on Trusted Dev Drives.