Microsoft has unveiled a new feature called “performance mode” in Microsoft Defender specifically designed for developers on Windows 11. This capability aims to minimize the impact of antivirus scans on files stored on Dev Drives, a new type of storage volume using the Resilient File System (ReFS).
Dev Drives provide enhanced performance and resiliency against data corruption, making them ideal for storing large data sets like source code repositories and build output.
By combining Dev Drives with performance mode, developers can experience a significant boost in build speed of up to 30%, according to Panos Panay, Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer for Windows and Devices.
The performance mode in Microsoft Defender for Antivirus offers improved file system performance for file I/O scenarios, surpassing the effectiveness of folder or process exclusions. This mode prioritizes both security and performance by delaying scans until file operations are completed.
To set up a Dev Drive, users need to access the Windows Settings app and follow the steps under System > Storage > Advanced Store Settings > Disks & volumes. Performance mode is automatically enabled for newly created Dev Drives designated as “Trusted” and is only available for volumes using the Resilient File System (ReFS). However, Dev Drives transferred from other devices will be set as untrusted and use the real-time protection mode.
While currently available only for Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev Channel, Dev Drives require a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 50GB of free disk space.
Performance mode relies on Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Microsoft Defender for Business, or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 or Plan 2 with specific versions of the Antimalware platform and signature.
This new capability enhances the productivity and security of developers, offering an optimal solution for balancing performance and threat protection.
