What is and how to activate the disk write cache in windows 10

Many components are decisive for our computer to function well. The hard drive plays a key role in the performance of the computer. In Windows, there are also various aspects that must be considered to achieve optimal performance of our equipment. One of those aspects is the disk write cache. It is a term that will sound to many, but for those who do not know it, we explain what it is and we tell you a couple of key details about it.

Index of contents

What is disk write cache? How do you turn it on and off in Windows 10?

The write-to-disk cache helps improve system performance. The reason for this is because disk operations are performed faster by collecting the data that is waiting to be stored in RAM. Although a system error or power loss can cause data loss or damage. So it is not without risks. In the case of Windows 10, the disk write cache is enabled by default for internal drives. While for external drives or hard drives, it is disabled.

The good part is that we can manually activate or deactivate it at any time. So it is something that we can change if we want to. And that is what we are going to show you next. How to enable or disable write cache in Windows 10. Below we explain the process to carry out both actions.

Enable or disable disk write cache

The truth is that the process is much simpler than many can expect. So there is no need to worry if you are not an expert user. In this case, the first thing we have to do is open the Windows 10 device manager. To achieve this you just have to click on the start menu button with the right mouse button. We can also use a keyboard shortcut, this time Windows Key + X and select the Device Manager option.

Once that is done, the next thing to look for is the Disk Units section. By clicking on it and unfolding it we find the disk drives that are in our computer. We then have to select the disk drive on which we want to enable or disable the disk write cache.

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To do this, we right-click and enter properties. There, we have to look for a tab called Directives. In it we will find a box with which to enable or disable the write cache on that unit. Therefore, all we have to do is check or uncheck the box in question. Click on accept and the changes are saved. And in this way we can activate the disk write cache in Windows 10.

If we re-enter the properties of an external drive, we will see that the window has changed. In this case, we will have the option to select among several options, called Quick Extraction or Better Performance. The first is marked by default and is the one that disables the write cache on the device. And Enhance Performance is what enables write caching on the drive.

Conclusions

As you can see, activating or deactivating the disk write cache in Windows 10 is not complicated. In a minute you can have it ready. And in this way enjoy better performance on your external disk drive thanks to this function.