How Can SMB Compression Speed Up Windows 11 File Transfers?

Windows has a handy feature called SMB compression. It shrinks files as they move across your network. This means less data travels between computers. Why? Faster file transfers. What happens? Your large files move quicker, especially to remote servers.

SMB compression is usually turned on by default. But if you turned it off, you can turn it back on using these steps.

How to Enable SMB Compression

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type optionalfeatures and press Enter.
3. Scroll down to find “SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support” and expand it.
4. Check the box next to “SMB 1.0/CIFS Client” and “SMB 1.0/CIFS Server”.
5. FLAG: Admin privileges required
6. Click OK to save your changes.

Map Network Drives With SMB Compression

Now you can use SMB compression to map network drives. This makes file transfers faster.

Using Command Prompt

Use this command format to map a network drive with compression:

net use * \192.168.1.100\SharedFolder /requestcompression:yes

Here’s an example that maps a shared Documents folder:

net use * \192.168.1.100\Documents /requestcompression:yes

The star (*) automatically picks a drive letter for you.

Using PowerShell

With PowerShell app, use this command format:

New-SmbMapping -LocalPath "Z:" -RemotePath "\192.168.1.100\Documents" -CompressNetworkTraffic $true

Using Robocopy

With Robocopy, use this command format:

robocopy C:\Users\Documents \192.168.1.100\PathToDocuments /compress

Create a New Network Share With SMB Compression

Windows also lets you create brand new network shares. You can turn on compression right from the start.

Use PowerShell app to create a new shared folder with compression already built in.

Here’s an example. It creates a shared Documents folder with compression enabled:

New-SmbShare -Name "Documents" -Path "C:\Users\Admin\Documents" -CompressData $true

FLAG: Admin privileges required

Update an Existing Share

Do you have an old shared folder without compression? You can add it now.

Use this command to turn on compression for an existing share:

Set-SmbShare -Name "Documents" -CompressData $true

FLAG: Admin privileges required

Summary

What is SMB compression? It’s a Windows feature that shrinks files as they travel your network.

Why use it? Faster file transfers, especially for big files and remote servers.

How to enable it? Turn it on through Optional Features, or use simple commands in Command Prompt or PowerShell.

What commands do you need? Use net use to map drives, New-SmbShare to create shares, or Set-SmbShare to update existing shares.

Key takeaway: SMB compression makes your network faster and more efficient. Windows 11 makes it easy to set up with straightforward commands.

Frequently Asked Questions