# ReactOS clears NTFS hurdle toward Windows compatibility

> The open source Windows alternative can now install directly to NTFS drives, closing a decade-long gap in its development.
- Title: ReactOS clears NTFS hurdle toward Windows compatibility
- Summary: The open source Windows alternative can now install directly to NTFS drives, closing a decade-long gap in its development. ReactOS, an open source Windows…
- Keywords: reactos, ntfs, open source, windows alternative, operating system, technology, science, clears, hurdle, toward, Windows, compatibility
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2026/10/reactos-reaches-major-milestone-with-ntfs-install-support
- Published: 2026-10-19T18:30:56+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: reactos, ntfs, open source, windows alternative, operating system, technology, science
## ReactOS reaches NTFS milestone
ReactOS, an open source Windows alternative, can now be installed directly onto NTFS drive partitions. The move clears a long-standing hurdle and brings the project closer to beta.
## What NTFS means for ReactOS
Previously ReactOS required users to keep a FAT thirty-two partition for installations.NTFS, a proprietary Microsoft filesystem, traces back to Windows NT three point one in nineteen ninety-three.
## New driver still has limitations
The NTFS driver still lacks caching, journaling and security support, causing inferior performance. ReactOS warned there are still potentially undiscovered bugs. Users should tread carefully before switching.

> lacks caching (which causes inferior performance), journaling and security support
## A decade of development closes
Read-only NTFS support arrived in twenty sixteen. Boot support landed on FreeLoader in twenty twenty-two. Now ReactOS can finally install directly to NTFS, completing a gap in development spanning nearly a decade.
## Key takeaway

ReactOS, an open source Windows alternative, now supports installing directly onto NTFS drives, removing a major barrier to reaching beta status.