DiskSpd

Overview

DiskSpd is Microsoft’s storage workload generator for measuring performance under configurable I/O conditions. It best suits technical users who need command-line testing, repeatable profiles or detailed processor and storage reporting. Its broad range of workload controls is useful, but newer I/O paths have specific operating-system and filesystem requirements.

Key features

DiskSpd supports random and sequential I/O tests, with IOPS and latency measurement. That makes it suitable for examining both throughput-oriented workloads and responsiveness, rather than relying on a single headline score. Its command-line interface and XML profiles favor users comfortable configuring tests over those seeking a guided desktop benchmark.

Version 2.3 adds an IoRing path with registered buffers and configurable submission batching, plus BypassIO modes for partial bypass or required full bypass. These options provide more ways to shape a workload, but they are not universally usable: IoRing and BypassIO require Windows 11 or later, and BypassIO also requires NTFS.

Processor controls include topology-aware affinity, physical-core assignment and P-core/E-core ordering. Results can include processor names and cache topology in text or XML, while XML profiles and results accommodate the newer I/O, affinity, buffer and completion settings. This depth is valuable for controlled technical comparisons, though the configuration overhead is unnecessary for a quick, uncomplicated disk check.

The 2.3 binary release includes amd64 and arm64 builds. Releases provide precompiled ZIP binaries as well as source code. The repository also includes VM Fleet, a framework for exploring storage capabilities in Windows Server Hyper-Converged environments with Storage Spaces Direct; that is a separate, specialized use rather than a general-purpose benchmark feature.

Pricing

Free — free. The free plan includes DiskSpd, with Windows 10 version 1803 or later as the minimum supported operating system. IoRing and BypassIO require Windows 11 or later, and BypassIO additionally requires NTFS. There are no paid tiers or seat and quota distinctions to weigh, so the decision is about technical fit rather than plan limits.

The repository uses the MIT License, permitting use, modification and distribution subject to its conditions. GitHub Issues is the channel for reporting DiskSpd problems; security vulnerabilities should instead go to the Microsoft Security Response Center, not public GitHub issues.

Platforms

DiskSpd is offered for Windows, Linux and macOS, while its stated minimum operating-system requirement and newer-mode requirements apply to Windows. The 2.3 release has amd64 and arm64 binaries. Check the requirements for the intended platform and mode before depending on a particular test path.

Who it's for

DiskSpd is a strong fit for administrators, engineers and technically confident users who want configurable storage workloads, command-line operation, XML-based repeatability or processor-topology-aware testing. Its reporting and affinity controls serve investigations where workload conditions matter. It is a weaker choice for casual users who want a simple graphical score, or for anyone whose target system cannot meet the requirements of the desired I/O mode.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Random and sequential tests with IOPS and latency measurement cover distinct storage-performance questions.
• Pros: XML profiles and text/XML reporting help preserve detailed settings and results across repeat runs.
• Pros: The free MIT-licensed tool has amd64 and arm64 release builds.
• Cons: IoRing and BypassIO are limited to Windows 11 or later, and BypassIO also needs NTFS.
• Cons: Command-line and profile-driven configuration is less suited to a quick, guided benchmark.

Alternatives

For a broader set of disk benchmark options, browse Disk Benchmark Software. Choose fio instead if its free GNU GPL version 2 software and Linux, macOS and Windows availability better match your needs. Filebench is a free Linux option. Modern FS Benchmark is a free choice for Linux or self-hosted use.

Linux users seeking an open-source disk benchmark can consider KDiskMark. For a Windows freeware option with a 261 KB download, consider AS SSD Benchmark. Parkdale is free to download and use on Android, macOS and Windows. D-Bench is a free Windows option supporting Windows 8/8.1/10/11 or Vista/7. Storage Benchmark Kit is free and supports Windows, macOS and Linux.

Verdict

Choose DiskSpd if you need a free, configurable storage workload tool with command-line control, XML profiles and detailed I/O and processor options. Its chief advantage is the control it gives technical users over test conditions; its chief drawback is that the more specialized modes depend on recent Windows versions and, for BypassIO, NTFS. For a simple guided benchmark or a platform-specific alternative, compare the options above.