Windows 11 can now be set up specifically for developers

Three people working on a problem at a PC screen.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The latest Windows 11 update has opened up a number of new options and configurations targeted specifically at developers.

The highly anticipated Windows 11 23H2 update includes Dev Home as a new setup configuration, allowing developers to tailor their setup for their needs . 

The upgrade will add Window’s highly anticipated AI companion, Copilot, who will help users enhance their efficiency by giving recommendations and completing mundane tasks - but we’re also excited about some new extra features for developers…

So what's new for devs?

Firstly, monitoring your hardware performance has never been easier with the addition of customizable widgets. These can be stuck to your dashboard alongside a number of GitHub widgets giving you a dashboard through which you can fully monitor your project.

Not only that, but you also have the option to build your own extensions to Dev Home including DevIDs, providing the ability to sign in and out of a service, and repository linking to individual developer IDs. As further updates are released, expect greater functionality and customization to Dev Home extensions.

Secondly, new storage options have been added via Dev Drive - a new feature that allows you to create a drive that optimizes performance for developer scenarios through Resilient File System (ReFS). This file system uses mirror-accelerated parity to boost storage performance and efficiency, alongside accelerated VM operations including block cloning and sparse VDL.

When compared alongside NTFS storage, ReFS is identical in terms of max file name and path name length, but where it excels is in its max file and volume sizes - 35 petabytes compared to NTFS’ 256 terabytes. However there are a number of critical features not currently available to ReFS, such as file system compression and encryption, but there is potential for these to be added in the future.

Thirdly, Microsoft has placed emphasis on keeping your project files as secure as possible by adding two new levels of performance to Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Performance mode can be applied to your Dev Drives to give peace of mind while also maintaining speed and performance, and a real-time protection mode that scans files as they are opened.

The update is also available to Windows 11 22H2 through a small package update, with the added benefit of extending support for Home and Pro, and Enterprise and Education editions by 24 and 36 months respectively.

These updates are a long-awaited welcome for many devs, and we are looking forward to what else Windows has planned.

Via The Register

More from TechRadar Pro

TOPICS
Benedict Collins
Staff Writer (Security)

Benedict has been writing about security issues for over 7 years, first focusing on geopolitics and international relations while at the University of Buckingham. During this time he studied BA Politics with Journalism, for which he received a second-class honours (upper division), then continuing his studies at a postgraduate level, achieving a distinction in MA Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy. Upon joining TechRadar Pro as a Staff Writer, Benedict transitioned his focus towards cybersecurity, exploring state-sponsored threat actors, malware, social engineering, and national security. Benedict is also an expert on B2B security products, including firewalls, antivirus, endpoint security, and password management.

Read more
female PC gamer playing on a desktop
Microsoft lays out reasons Windows 10 gamers should upgrade to Windows 11, but I can pick a few holes in these arguments
AOC Agon Pro AG276FK gaming monitor tilted slightly to the side, showing the Windows desktop screen
Windows 11 users get ready for more ‘recommendations’ from Microsoft – but I’m relieved to say these suggestions might actually be useful
A woman sitting in a chair looking at a Windows 11 laptop
If you're waiting for Windows 12 I have bad news: Microsoft is seemingly focused on cramming even more AI into Windows 11 instead
a person's hands holding a black PC gaming handheld
Microsoft is finally fighting back against the rise of SteamOS by overhauling Windows 11 to be better on handhelds
A man sitting at his desk in the evening and using a desktop computer
It looks like Microsoft is forcing its controversial Windows 11 24H2 update on people and (plot twist!) it might be for the best
Windows 11 logo
Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Home: which version is right for you?
Latest in Pro
Hands typing on a keyboard surrounded by security icons
Outdated ID verification myths put businesses at risk
China
Chinese hackers targeting Juniper Networks routers, so patch now
Google Meet create custom backgrounds
More AI features are coming to Google Workspace
Mac Studio on a desk
I compared Apple's Mac Studio M3 Ultra with 10 Windows workstations and I am truly shocked by what I found
Google Chrome dark mode
Google updates Chrome extension rules to ban affiliate link injection without user action or benefit
Abstract image of robots working in an office environment including creating blueprint of robot arm, making a phone call, and typing on a keyboard
This worrying botnet targets unsecure TP-Link routers - thousands of devices already hacked
Latest in News
Google Gemini Robotics
Gemini just got physical and you should prepare for a robot revolution
Lilo & Stitch Official Trailer
Stitch crashes into earth and steals our hearts with the first trailer for the live-action Lilo & Stitch
GTA 5
GTA Online publisher Take-Two is gunning for a black market that’s basically heaven for cheaters
Y2K cast looking shocked
Y2K has a streaming release date on Max, so you can witness the technology uprising at home
The Discovery+ homepage
Discovery+ just got a big update to its streaming app that makes it more like Max – here are 5 great new features to try
Two Android phones on a green and blue background showing Google Messages
Struggling with slow Google Messages photo transfers? Google says new update will make 'noticeable difference'