NTFS: What Is the New Technology File System?

Key takeaways

• NTFS, developed by Microsoft in 1993, is a file system that organizes and stores files more efficiently than its predecessor, FAT.

• Although NTFS is primarily designed for Windows, you can use NTFS for Mac to interact with NTFS files on your Mac computer.

• NTFS is typically used for quick and reliable file access and retrieval.

NTFS is a good option if you need to set permissions for specific groups or users to access or restrict files and folders. Read on to learn about NTFS and how it compares to the earlier FAT file system.

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What is NTFS used for?

The new technology file system, or NT file system (NTFS), provides virtual space to organize and store files. It also notes file positions in folders, creation dates, and access details and provides data encryption.

NTFS was developed by Microsoft and launched in 1993 to replace its predecessor, the file allocation table (FAT) system, to improve performance and enhance data support. Recent Windows versions and various operating systems in Windows Server use NTFS as the primary file system.

Key features of NTFS

The NTFS system offers advanced functions, including increased reliability, security encryption, large-volume support, and administrative control, making it a high-performance and powerful storage solution.

• Journaling file system: One essential feature that enables NTFS to improve system reliability and data integrity is its transaction journal. A particular benefit is that it completes its journaling before making changes to the disk, which allows faster recovery without data loss in the event of a power or system failure during disk changes.

• Advanced security: The access control list (ACL) feature grants administrators the authority to set permissions for specific groups or users to access or restrict files and folders. BitLocker Drive Encryption provides device encryption support, which increases the security of critical system information and stored data. The encryption prevents access from external sources by blocking files needed to discover the user’s passwords.

• Extensive volume support: On newer versions of Windows, including Windows Server 2019 and later and Windows 10 version 1709 and later, NTFS supports volumes up to eight petabytes, although the size and number of clusters can impact the system’s capability.

NTFS for Mac

You can use a program called NTFS for Mac to access NTFS files on a Mac computer.

Logging: Tracking files is conveniently done by an administrator through the master file table’s logging and auditing system. Records provide access to see what has been added, removed, or altered.

Capacity allocation: Administrators can assign disk usage quotas to individual users, which is effective for tracking and controlling space used on shared network drives.

Quick access to files: NTFS uses complex binary trees to index files, enabling rapid retrieval for file access.

Read more: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary

exFAT vs. NTFS

NTFS and exFAT are both file formats supported by Windows; however, exFAT supports data volumes of up to 128 petabytes, 16 times the eight petabyte capacity supported by NTFS. As for security, NTFS offers more robust security features than exFAT. You can learn more about these file formats in The Differences Between exFAT vs. NTFS.

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