NTFS Last Access Update
On this page
Recommendation
Leave as defaultLeave the default state if backup, archiving or audit programs use this attribute.
On a verified gaming system, the update time can be disabled. Modern Windows already optimizes these updates, so a large disk speed gain should not be expected.
- Scope
- NTFS access time attribute
What changes
Section titled “What changes”NTFS updates the “last access date” attribute when files and directories are accessed. According to Microsoft documentation, disabling these updates reduces write overhead and improves file and directory access speed. Modern Windows already optimizes writes: it defers the on-disk update by up to an hour and combines it with other attribute updates, so a large benefit should not be expected.
The parameter modes distinguish user management (updates enabled or disabled at your choice) and system management, when Windows manages updates itself. The BoosterX tweak switches the file system to user management with updates disabled; the default state is system management.
Registry changes
Section titled “Registry changes”The setting is available in the free version of BoosterX. The table shows its registry values.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Hive and path | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem |
| Value name | NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate |
| Type | REG_DWORD |
| Windows default | 0x80000002 |
| Disable updates | 0x80000001 |
| Revert | 0x80000002 |
The value 0x80000002 — system management, updates enabled; 0x80000001 — user management, updates disabled. Revert — value 0x80000002.
Exceptions and differences
Section titled “Exceptions and differences”The last access attribute is used by backup, archiving and audit programs — Microsoft directly documents the impact of disabling it on them. If you run such programs, leave the default state.
How to verify the result
Section titled “How to verify the result”- In File Explorer, enable the “Last access date” column: right-click the column header → “Last access date”.
- Open a file and refresh the folder view: the date should change.
- After disabling and rebooting, open another file: the column stops updating. After reverting — it updates again.
How to change and revert
Section titled “How to change and revert”In BoosterX, open “Optimization” → “Tweaks” → “Disk and file system” → “NTFS Last Access Update”, set the toggle to the desired state and click “Apply”. If “Instant apply” is enabled, a separate click is not required. Microsoft documents that a reboot is required for the parameter to take effect — perform it.
Confirmation
Section titled “Confirmation”- Microsoft: fsutil behavior, checked 2026-09-19 — effects of disabling, write optimization, impact on programs and reboot.
Last checked: 2026-09-20.