What are the pros and cons of NTFS compression for large files?

2 Benefits of NTFS compression

One obvious benefit of NTFS compression is that it can save you some disk space, especially if you have large files that contain a lot of redundant or similar data, such as text documents, log files, or backups. The amount of space you can save depends on the type and content of the files, but some users report saving up to 50% or more. Another benefit of NTFS compression is that it can improve performance in some scenarios, such as when you have a slow disk or a fast CPU. By compressing the data, NTFS reduces the amount of disk I/O and transfers, which can speed up the access time and reduce the wear and tear of the disk. Also, by decompressing the data in memory, NTFS can reduce the memory usage and increase the cache efficiency.

4 Alternatives to NTFS compression

If you are looking for ways to save space and improve performance on your disk, you may want to consider some alternatives to NTFS compression. One alternative is to use a different file system, such as FAT32 or exFAT, which have different features and compatibility than NTFS. However, these file systems also have some disadvantages, such as lower security, reliability, and support for large files. Another alternative is to use a third-party compression tool, such as 7-Zip or WinRAR, which offer more options and algorithms than NTFS compression. However, these tools also have some drawbacks, such as requiring more time and manual intervention to compress and decompress the files, and being incompatible with some applications or systems.

5 Tips for using NTFS compression

If you decide to use NTFS compression on your large files, here are some tips to help you optimize its performance and avoid potential problems. First, you should only compress files or folders that are rarely accessed or modified, as this will reduce the CPU overhead and fragmentation. Second, you should avoid compressing files or folders that are already compressed or encrypted, as this will not save any space and may even increase the size. Third, you should monitor the disk space and performance of your system, and adjust the compression settings accordingly. You can use tools such as Disk Cleanup or Defragmenter to free up some space and improve the efficiency of your disk. Fourth, you should backup your important files or folders before compressing them, as this will prevent any data loss or corruption in case of an error or failure.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?