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Windows ReadyBoost: How to Use It in Windows 10 and 11

Article updated: November 2026.

Is your computer running slowly? If you use an older computer with a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), Windows ReadyBoost may help improve its performance. This feature uses a compatible USB flash drive as a cache to reduce some disk access delays.

ReadyBoost was introduced in Windows Vista and continued in Windows 7, Windows 8 and later Windows versions. It is mainly intended for computers with traditional mechanical hard drives and limited memory.

In this guide, you will learn what Windows ReadyBoost does, how to enable it, which USB flash drives are suitable, and what to do if the ReadyBoost option is missing.

If your computer is running slowly, you can also try these ways to fix a slow Windows 11 PC before considering a hardware upgrade.

Windows ReadyBoost USB flash drive caching feature

Windows ReadyBoost technology

What Is Windows ReadyBoost?

Windows ReadyBoost is a feature that uses removable flash storage, such as a USB flash drive or memory card, to store cached data.

It helps Windows retrieve certain frequently accessed data without relying entirely on a traditional mechanical hard drive.

ReadyBoost does not increase your computer's physical RAM. Instead, it provides an additional cache that may reduce some disk access delays.

This feature is mainly intended for older computers with traditional HDD storage and limited RAM.

How Does ReadyBoost Work?

Traditional hard disk drives use moving mechanical parts to read and write data. This makes random data access slower than access through flash storage.

A USB flash drive can access small pieces of cached data without the mechanical delays of an HDD. ReadyBoost uses this advantage to improve certain disk operations.

However, the actual improvement depends on several factors:

  • The type and speed of your internal storage.
  • The amount of RAM installed in your computer.
  • The performance of the USB flash drive.
  • The applications and tasks running on your computer.

ReadyBoost cannot guarantee faster performance in every situation.

If your computer experiences unusually high disk activity, read our guide on how to fix 100% disk usage in Windows.

ReadyBoost Requirements

Not every USB flash drive is suitable for ReadyBoost. Windows checks the performance and available storage space before allowing you to use the feature.

Consider these requirements before choosing a USB drive:

  • Use a reliable USB flash drive with good random read and write performance.
  • Choose a device with sufficient free storage space.
  • Connect the flash drive directly to your computer when testing it.
  • Allow Windows to test the device automatically.
  • Keep the flash drive connected while ReadyBoost is in use.

A USB 3.0 or newer flash drive may offer good transfer speeds, but its USB version alone does not guarantee ReadyBoost compatibility. Windows evaluates the actual performance of the device.

USB storage capacity and file system

ReadyBoost uses part of the available space on a compatible flash drive. The maximum usable cache size depends on the Windows version and file system.

FAT32, NTFS and exFAT have been supported on different Windows versions. However, formatting a USB drive will not guarantee that Windows accepts it for ReadyBoost.

Important: Back up your files before formatting a USB flash drive. Formatting removes the existing data.

If your computer frequently displays low memory warnings, see our guide on how to fix low memory problems in Windows.

How to Enable ReadyBoost in Windows 10

You can try the following steps on a supported Windows 10 computer with a traditional HDD.

Step 1: Connect a USB flash drive

Insert a compatible USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer.

Step 2: Open File Explorer

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

Select This PC from the navigation pane.

Step 3: Open USB drive properties

Right-click your USB flash drive and select Properties.

Step 4: Select the ReadyBoost tab

Look for the ReadyBoost tab in the Properties window.

If Windows accepts your flash drive, it will display the available ReadyBoost options.

Step 5: Configure ReadyBoost

You may see the following options:

  • Do not use this device: Disables ReadyBoost on the selected drive.
  • Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost: Reserves the available space on the drive for ReadyBoost.
  • Use this device: Allows you to select how much storage space to reserve for ReadyBoost.

Select Use this device if you want to reserve a specific amount of space.

Move the slider to select the storage capacity. Click Apply, followed by OK.

Windows will create the ReadyBoost cache on the flash drive.

Can You Use ReadyBoost in Windows 11?

ReadyBoost availability in Windows 11 depends on the computer and the connected storage device.

On a supported system, you can check for ReadyBoost through the USB drive properties window.

  1. Connect a USB flash drive.
  2. Open File Explorer.
  3. Right-click the USB drive.
  4. Select Properties.
  5. Check whether the ReadyBoost tab is available.

If Windows provides the ReadyBoost options, follow the configuration steps described above.

If the tab is missing, Windows may have determined that the system or the connected drive is not suitable for ReadyBoost.

Do not assume that every Windows 11 computer can benefit from this feature. Computers with SSD storage generally do not need ReadyBoost.

Why Is the ReadyBoost Tab Missing?

If you cannot find the ReadyBoost tab in USB drive properties, consider these possible reasons.

1. Your computer uses an SSD

ReadyBoost is primarily designed to help computers with traditional HDDs. An internal SSD is generally much faster than a typical USB flash drive for the storage operations ReadyBoost is designed to accelerate.

As a result, Windows may disable ReadyBoost when the system drive uses an SSD.

2. Windows does not accept the USB flash drive

Windows checks the flash drive's performance. A device with insufficient random read or write speeds may not qualify.

3. Your Windows installation does not offer the feature

ReadyBoost availability can vary depending on the Windows installation and hardware configuration.

Reformatting the drive or purchasing a larger USB flash drive will not necessarily solve this problem.

4. Your computer does not need ReadyBoost

ReadyBoost is intended for systems that may benefit from an additional flash cache. Windows can determine that the feature is unnecessary for a particular system.

How to Turn Off ReadyBoost

If ReadyBoost is enabled and you want to stop using it, follow these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Select This PC.
  3. Right-click the USB flash drive.
  4. Choose Properties.
  5. Open the ReadyBoost tab.
  6. Select Do not use this device.
  7. Click Apply and OK.

Windows will stop using the drive for ReadyBoost. You can then use the available space for normal file storage.

Windows ReadyBoost settings in USB drive properties

ReadyBoost settings in Windows (older interface)

Better Alternatives to ReadyBoost

ReadyBoost is an older technology. If your computer is still running slowly, consider these alternatives.

1. Upgrade to an SSD

Replacing a traditional HDD with an SSD is one of the most effective ways to improve an older computer's overall responsiveness.

An SSD can reduce Windows startup times, application loading times and file access delays.

Before replacing your storage drive, you can also learn about hard drive troubleshooting and repair.

2. Increase physical RAM

If your computer has insufficient memory for your daily tasks, adding compatible RAM can improve multitasking performance.

Check your motherboard or laptop specifications before purchasing additional memory.

For more information about computer memory, read our guide to troubleshooting RAM problems.

3. Disable unnecessary startup applications

Too many startup applications can slow down your computer.

Open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Select Startup apps and disable applications that you do not need to start automatically.

4. Free up storage space

Remove unnecessary files and applications to maintain sufficient free storage space.

You can use Windows Storage settings to review temporary files and other unnecessary data.

You can also follow our guide on removing unnecessary junk files from your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ReadyBoost increase RAM?

No. ReadyBoost does not increase physical RAM. It uses compatible flash storage as a cache to help with certain disk operations.

Does ReadyBoost work with Windows 10?

ReadyBoost can work on supported Windows 10 installations, particularly computers using traditional HDD storage. Windows must also accept the connected flash drive.

Does ReadyBoost work in Windows 11?

ReadyBoost availability depends on the Windows 11 installation and hardware. Check the USB drive properties to see whether the ReadyBoost tab is available.

Can ReadyBoost make an SSD computer faster?

Generally, no. An internal SSD is already much faster than a typical USB flash drive for the operations ReadyBoost is designed to accelerate.

How much USB space should I use for ReadyBoost?

There is no universal amount that guarantees better performance. Use the amount Windows recommends and offers for your particular computer and USB drive.

Can I use my USB flash drive while ReadyBoost is enabled?

The space reserved for ReadyBoost is used for caching. If you want to use the drive for normal file storage, select the option that reserves only part of its capacity.

Final Thoughts

Windows ReadyBoost was a useful feature for some older computers with slow mechanical hard drives. It may still help certain supported systems, but it is not a universal solution for slow computers.

For most modern computers, an SSD upgrade or additional physical RAM provides a more practical performance improvement. If you use Windows 11 and cannot find the ReadyBoost option, do not waste time trying to force it through unsupported registry changes.

Windows 10 support note: Standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. If you still use Windows 10, check your eligibility for Extended Security Updates or consider moving to a supported Windows version.

For more information, visit Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-support information.

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