NTFSplus: A new read-write NTFS driver for Linux

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Understanding the Role of the NTFSplus Driver in Accessing NTFS Partitions under Linux

For several years, interoperability between Linux and Windows has relied heavily on efficient file system management, particularly NTFS (New Technology File System). This system, developed by Microsoft, is primarily used in the Windows ecosystem to manage physical disks and partitions. However, gaining read-write access to an NTFS partition from a Linux system has always represented a significant technical challenge, particularly due to fundamental differences in file and metadata management. Until recently, Linux offered three main solutions for handling NTFS partitions. The oldest, the ntfs driver, provided read-only access, greatly limiting its use for critical operations. Then, the ntfs-3g project, running via FUSE (Filesystem in Userspace), offered read-write access, but with a performance cost and a dependency on user space that could lead to restrictions, particularly in terms of disk access and error handling. In November 2021, a major step forward was taken with the addition of thentfs3

driver, developed by Paragon Software, to Linux kernel 5.15. This driver provided direct read/write support, native to the kernel, allowing for better integration and increased performance. However, maintenance and certain limitations, such as partial support for the NTFS journal or the handling of Windows symbolic links, sparked debate among developers. Faced with this situation, in 2025, an ambitious new project calledNTFSplus appeared, spearheaded by Namjae Jeon, an expert renowned for developing the exFAT volume repair mechanism in Linux. NTFSplus is intended to be a fundamental overhaul of NTFS support, aiming to overcome the shortcomings of its predecessors and provide more reliable, efficient, and easier-to-deploy Windows disk access.Key features of NTFSplus include:

The transition from buffer head management to the more modern iomap mechanism, which optimizes disk reading/writing. The use of folios rather than memory pages, a technical innovation that improves file management performance.A pragmatic approach to the NTFS journal, focusing for now on journal replay, with prospects for further development. For system administrators, developers, and users, NTFSplus offers a powerful promise: complete NTFS freedom between two often-partitioned worlds, facilitating coexistence and seamless file exchange between Windows and Linux, without sacrificing robustness or speed.

Discover how to use and install an NTFS driver on Linux to easily access, read, and write to NTFS partitions. A practical guide and solutions to common problems. Technical comparison between NTFSplus, NTFS3, and NTFS-3g: what are the performance and features? Analyzing the technical differences between these drivers helps us better understand the true scope of NTFSplus. The NTFS-3g driver, while very popular, suffers from constraints related to its operation in user space via FUSE. This mode prevents deep integration into the kernel, which generates: Higher latencies during heavy operations such as copying large files or indexing. An increased need for specific permissions to access certain low-level system functions. An impact on concurrent access management, which can lead to synchronization errors.

Another aspect: ntfs-3g correctly supports the NTFS journal, unlike NTFSplus for the moment. However, NTFSplus demonstrates better system support with more modern low-level techniques inherited from maintenance and experience gained with exFAT.

  • NTFS3, available since kernel 5.15, is written under the GPL by Konstantin Komarov at Paragon Software. It provides native kernel integration and handles reading/writing via more traditional APIs based on traditional memory structures. Its limitations have become apparent over time:Known issues with Windows symbolic link management, an important feature for some cross-platform developers, explained in thistechnical detail on ntfs3
  • .
  • Maintenance and evolution are slowed by an internal workload at Paragon, limiting frequent updates.

A less modern code base compared to that offered by NTFSplus, particularly in terms of the use of folios. NTFSplus claims to overcome these challenges through several innovative approaches: The use of folios has enabled speed gains already observed with other file systems such as ext4 under Linux 6.16.

Cleaner and commented code, facilitating maintenance and integration into Linux distributions.

A scalable strategy for journal management, even if post-journal crash recovery is not yet fully stabilized.

On a practical level, users can anticipate a seamless dual-access experience, avoiding tool fragmentation or constant migration between systems thanks to robust native read-write drivers. This perfectly illustrates an effective Windows-Linux bridge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejLPAHpVRZsInstallation and deployment of NTFSplus on current GNU/Linux distributions

  • Adopting NTFSplus in a Linux environment requires several prerequisites, as it requires compiling or loading into a recent kernel. Here’s how to do it, step by step:
  • Check the Linux kernel version:
  • NTFSplus requires a 6.2 kernel or later, as it relies on recent mechanisms like folios. A simple command like

uname -r

can confirm the version.

and load with

  • modprobe ntfsplus
  • is preferred. This step can be automated on some distributions using packages.
  • Mount the NTFS partition:

Using the command mount -t ntfsplus /dev/sdXY /mount/point . It is important to have root privileges for this operation. Configure the system for automatic mounting: modify the fstab with an entry set to ntfsplus to ensure transparent Win disk access at boot. For beginners wishing to experiment with Linux alongside Windows, a dual boot is often the best solution, documented in several well-written guides such as installing Ubuntu in dual boot with Windows.

A few important usage tips:

Always ensure the stability of the NTFS partition before mounting to avoid data loss.

Avoid using NTFSplus and ntfs-3g simultaneously on the same partition to prevent conflicts.

  1. Regularly back up critical data to avoid an incident in the event of a crash. Installing NTFSplus thus opens up a wide range of possibilities, especially for those who previously worked with less powerful tools. Learn how to use an NTFS driver in Linux to easily access, read, and write to Windows partitions. A practical guide, tips, and solutions for optimal compatibility between Linux and the NTFS file system. Impacts and benefits for users and system administrators in 2025
  2. Adopting a more efficient and reliable read-write NTFS driver like NTFSplus directly impacts several key operational aspects: Improved performance: Increased autonomy in large file transfers, faster access to open files, and better management of concurrent writes.
  3. Improved stability: Significant reduction in errors related to poor NTFS journal management or insecure operations, thanks to modern error reporting mechanisms. Simplified workflows: Native integration with the Linux kernel eliminates the need for FUSE, resulting in fewer dependencies and manual steps, which is particularly attractive to enterprise administrators. Better compatibility: refined management of NTFS-specific attributes such as creation dates, compression, and Windows symbolic links. Promote skills development: thanks to more accessible and documented code, NTFSplus facilitates understanding of the underlying mechanisms, an asset for the open-source community. For Linux system enthusiasts and professionals, having a native, well-mastered, and high-performance NTFS drive represents a real competitive advantage, particularly in multi-platform work scenarios. Simplified access to Windows partitions promotes collaborative work, gradual migration to Linux, and even seamless coexistence in heterogeneous environments. This context is increasing interest in solutions that bridge the technical divide between systems and encourage Linux disk to fully fulfill its role as an effective gateway to Microsoft systems. The educational role is not neglected, since dedicated tutorials for testing Linux without removing Windows, such as those offered in
  4. this resource , are becoming increasingly relevant in this context of multiple access. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSqDzFP262UEvolutionary Outlook for NTFSplus and Integration into the Linux Ecosystem
  5. The future of NTFSplus depends largely on the support of Linux kernel maintainers and the open-source community. The project represents a new era, illustrated by extensive open-source collaboration and modern code that could gradually replace ntfs3 if it proves more robust and stable in the long term. Planned areas for improvement and features include: Full implementation of NTFS journaling, to ensure consistent handling after crashes or abrupt disconnections. Extended support for advanced NTFS attributes, including compression, encryption, and user quotas. The integration of Windows symlinks correlated with those of Linux to improve the compatibility of Windows-Linux bridged systems. Additional optimizations around folios and memory, aimed at further increasing file system responsiveness and reducing CPU load. Gradual simplification of installation procedures, including integration into major distributions, facilitating deployment by end users.

The development of NTFSplus also illustrates a model of collaboration with independent developers and companies. By clearly affirming the need for an easy-to-manage partition between systems, this driver helps strengthen Linux’s appeal as a versatile and accessible platform. For professionals and amateurs looking to migrate or test hybrid environments, it’s important to keep a close eye on these developments. Additional educational resources are needed to reduce technical barriers, particularly on the detailed operation of the file system and best administration practices on the fundamental differences between Linux and Windows.

Learn how to install and use an NTFS driver on Linux to read and write to Windows-formatted disks. A practical guide to easily access your NTFS files on Linux.