How to Create RAMDisk on Windows 11 & 10

In this article, we will examine how to create a RamDisk. We will use Dataram RAMDisk software on Windows 10.

What is RamDisk?

What is RAMDisk? How to Use DataRAM Software?

A virtual drive lets you allocate specific hard disk space to your computer’s RAM hardware. This technology provides faster read and write speeds than hard disk and SSD devices.

There are two ways to create a RAMDisk on your computer. These;

1. Software RAM
2. Hardware RAM

In software usage, you allocate a particular HDD block to existing RAM devices. However, when the computer restarts, it deletes all information.

Hardware usage is a hardware solution. Multiple slots on an external electronic card create it. Because the manufacturer designs this card specially, the data stays when the PC restarts.

The electronic card for hardware technology appears below:

Gigabyte RAM Disk

What Does RAMDisk Do?

When we install a program on our PC, we install it on the system drive. For example, we install Google Chrome, Adobe Photoshop, or Camtasia in the C area. Therefore, when we run one of them, we perform an operation. Then we save the caches on the HDD.

If you design a project with Photoshop, configure its Cache location on this drive. That way, you read Cache files faster. Also configure the Chrome Cache area on this drive. Then you surf the Internet faster.

Because SSD Disks are high-performance, you may not create and use disk space. However, this technology makes sense for jobs that need high-speed writing and reading.

You can configure Google Chrome’s cache section on the drive. Run the following command at the CMD prompt. Before executing this command, change the Cache folder name of Chrome to Cache.bak.

mklink /d "C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cache" "G:\ChromeCache"

How to Create RAMDisk Step-by-Step on Windows 11 or 10

To create a RAMDisk on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10, download the program. Use the button below. After downloading Dataram, follow the steps below.

Download Software

Installing Dataram Software

Step 1

To install the Dataram software, run the setup file as an administrator. Then, please select the I accept the terms in the License Agreement option. This confirms the license terms.

Please Read the License Agreement

Step 2

After accepting the license agreement, click Install.

I Accept the terms in the license agreement

Step 3

After completing the Dataram installation, click the Finish button.

Completed Setup Wizard

Step 4

Dataram software opens…

Dataram Software

Configuring RAMDisk Settings

Step 1

In the Settings window, select FAT32 Partition. To change the drive name you want to create, type a name. Use the Set Label Disk section.

In the settings section, you’ll see the FAT32 option. Let’s break this down; it’s actually an older format. The FAT file system logic is still functional for small storage sizes. However, for newer drives, it’s better to use the NTFS format.

Configuring RAM Disk

Step 2

Configure the RAM drive size in Disk Size. Then click the Load/Save tab.

Load/Save

Step 3

In the Load/Save settings, select Save Disk Image at Shutdown. Then click the Options tab.

Save Disk Image at Shutdown

Step 4

In the Options section, select 2 options like the image below. Then click the Start RAMDisk button.

Start RAMDisk

Step 5

As you can see in the image below, you created the virtual drive successfully!

RAM Drive

Step 6

The system creates a RAMDisk.img file on the C:\ drive. This prevents data loss from this drive when you restart your computer.

RAMDisk.img

HDD, SSD, SDHC, and RAMDisk Data Write and Read Speeds Comparison

Now compare data write and read speeds. Test Hard Disk, SSD, SDHC, and RAM Disk.

Examine the test results below. You can see that this technology is much faster than the others.

HDD Data Write and Read Speed

Crystal Disk Mark

SSD Data Write and Read Speed

SSD Disk Speeds

SDHC Data Write and Read Speed

SDHC Disk Speeds

RAMDisk Data Write and Read Speed

RAM Drive Disk Speeds

How to Install Dataram RAM Disk ⇒ Video

You can watch the video below. It shows how to create a virtual drive on your computer’s RAM hardware. Also subscribe to our YouTube channel to support us.

Watch on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions About RAMDisk

How big is the speed difference between RAMDisk and a normal SSD?

The difference is huge. RAMDisk technology beats SSDs by far. In tests, RAMDisk reaches 6000 MB/s speed.

An ordinary SSD stays stuck around 500 MB/s. Do you see the gap? This is why professionals use RAMDisk.

For example, move the cache location to RAMDisk in Adobe Photoshop. Filter effects give results right away. Waiting time on an SSD is extra.

What is the difference between software RAMDisk and hardware RAMDisk?

Software RAMDisk takes space from your existing RAM. But when you turn off the computer, everything inside flies away.

Hardware RAMDisk is an external card. It has special RAM slots on it. Even if you restart, your data stays safe and sound.

Sadly, hardware solutions are very expensive. I suggest the software one for you. Dataram is a great option to start with.

Is it possible to create a RAMDisk in Windows 11?

Yes, for sure. Dataram RAMDisk software works fully with Windows 11. You just need to follow the same steps.

It even works without problems on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. The operating system does not matter. The basic logic is the same on all.

I always tell my clients this: The setup wizard guides you step by step. Do not panic. Just do not forget to check the ‘Save Disk Image at Shutdown’ option.

Does creating a RAMDisk harm my computer?

No, it is fully safe. RAMDisk only turns a part of your RAM into temporary storage. It does no physical harm to your hardware.

But there is one point you need to watch. If you set aside a very large RAMDisk, your system may run low on RAM. The computer slows down or freezes.

Luckily, Dataram warns you. I suggest you do not go over half of your total RAM. For example, if you have 16 GB RAM, an 8 GB RAMDisk is ideal.

How do I move Google Chrome cache to RAMDisk?

Open the CMD command prompt as admin. Then use the mklink command. I gave the full example in the article.

First, rename Chrome’s original cache folder as ‘Cache.bak’. Then point it with the command to the new folder on the RAMDisk.

This way Chrome opens pages in seconds. Videos load right away. You will see the difference with your own eyes when you try it. It is a wonderful trick.

How do I protect my data on RAMDisk when I turn off the computer?

Use Dataram’s ‘Save Disk Image at Shutdown’ feature. This option saves all data to an image file when shutting down.

Dataram creates a ‘RAMDisk.img’ file on your C drive. On the next startup, this image loads automatically. Your data comes back just as it was.

Because without this feature, everything flies away. During setup, make sure to check both related options in the Options tab. Then your mind will be at ease.

Conclusion

RAMDisk technology makes your PC work faster. It’s faster than regular hard drives or SSDs. For instance, you can use the Dataram program on Windows 10. You can also use it on any other system you have. In short, this lets you make a virtual drive on your PC’s RAM.

We can use this technology, especially for tasks like designing in Adobe Photoshop. It makes things quicker when we use programs like Google Chrome. As a result, you can pick between software or hardware RAM drives for these tasks.

Also, Dataram is a great starting point. Honestly, I would suggest trying other tools as well. Making an alternative drive with ImDisk is quite handy. Even though its look is slightly different, it will easily get the job done.

What is RAMDisk? How to Create RAMDisk on Windows 11 & 10