Storage Spaces supports several RAID-like features, including “simple” to increase storage performance, but does not protect files against hardware failure (requires two drives minimum). On the other hand, the “two-way mirror” requires two drives and offers protection against failures since the data is copied in multiple drives, and there is a “three-way mirror,” but it requires five drives. The storage feature also offers the “parity” resiliency option, which requires at least three drives, and it provides storage efficiency and protection against failures by copying data in multiple places. If you want to protect data against two drive failures, there is the “dual parity” option, requiring at least seven drives. In this guide, you will learn how to create a pool and storage space using the Control Panel and the modern Storage Spaces experience in the Settings app of Windows 11.

Create Storage Spaces pool and space using Settings Create Storage Spaces pool and space using Control Panel

Create Storage Spaces pool and space using Settings

To create a pool with Storage Spaces on Windows 11, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the new drive will appear in File Explorer to store data. If a drive fails, the storage and data will be available, but you will need to replace the hard drive in question as a second drive failure will cause data loss.

Simple – requires at least two drives, and there is no data protection. Two-way mirror – requires at least two drives, and there is data protection in the event of one drive failure. Three-way mirror – requires at least five drives and offers data protection of up to two drive failures. Parity – requires three drives and offers data protection and performance. Dual parity – requires at least seven drives, and it offers data protection with up to two drive failures and performance.

Create Storage Spaces pool and space using Control Panel

To create your first drive pool and space with Control Panel, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the pool and space will be configured, creating a new drive available in File Explorer with the specified letter and label.

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