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Memefs requires two components: WinFsp (Windows File System Proxy) and the memefs executable. This guide walks you through both installation methods.

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Prerequisites

Memefs only works on 64-bit Windows operating systems. 32-bit systems are not supported.

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Install WinFsp

WinFsp is required to enable user-mode file systems on Windows. Memefs cannot function without it.
1

Download WinFsp

Visit the WinFsp releases page and download the latest installer for your system.
2

Run the installer

Execute the WinFsp installer and follow the installation wizard. Accept the default installation options unless you have specific requirements.
3

Verify installation

WinFsp should be installed to C:\Program Files (x86)\WinFsp\ by default. Verify that the installation directory contains the WinFsp binaries.

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Installation methods

You can install memefs using either the automated installer or manual installation. The installer provides the easiest installation experience and optionally configures the WinFsp launcher service.
1

Download the installer

Download Memefs-Installer.exe from the releases page.
2

Run the installer

Execute the installer with administrator privileges. The installer will guide you through the setup process.
3

Choose components

The installer offers two components:
  • Memefs itself (required): Installs the core executable and dependencies
  • WinFsp Launcher Service (optional): Enables use with launchctl for automatic startup
Select the components you want to install.
4

Complete installation

The installer will copy files to C:\Program Files\memefs\ by default:
  • memefs-x64.exe - The main executable
  • winfsp-x64.dll - WinFsp library
  • Readme-Installation.txt - Auto-start instructions
If you selected the WinFsp Launcher Service component, memefs will be registered with launchctl, enabling automatic startup configuration.

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Method 2: Manual installation

For advanced users who prefer manual control over the installation.
1

Download binaries

Download the following files from the release package:
  • memefs-x64.exe
  • winfsp-x64.dll
2

Choose installation directory

Create a directory for memefs, such as C:\Program Files\memefs\ or any location of your choice.
3

Copy files

Copy memefs-x64.exe and winfsp-x64.dll to your chosen installation directory.
4

Add to PATH (optional)

For easier access, add the installation directory to your system PATH environment variable.

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Verify installation

Confirm that memefs is installed correctly:
1

Open Command Prompt

Open a Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
2

Navigate to installation directory

If you didn’t add memefs to your PATH, navigate to the installation directory:
cd "C:\Program Files\memefs"
3

Run memefs

Execute memefs without arguments to see the usage information:
memefs-x64.exe
You should see the command-line options displayed, confirming the installation is working.

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Optional: Configure auto-start

To automatically mount a RAM disk when you log in, you can create a scheduled task using the WinFsp launcher.
1

Open Task Scheduler

Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler.
2

Create new task

Click “Create Task” (not “Create Basic Task”) in the Actions pane.Configure the General tab:
  • Set a name like “Memefs RAM Disk”
  • Select “Run with highest privileges”
  • Configure for your Windows version
3

Add logon trigger

Go to the Triggers tab and click “New”:
  • Begin the task: “At log on”
  • Select “Specific user” and choose your account
  • Click OK
4

Add launch action

Go to the Actions tab and click “New”:
  • Action: “Start a program”
  • Program/script: "C:\Program Files (x86)\WinFsp\bin\launchctl-x64.exe"
  • Arguments: start Memefs ramdisk "" \\.\R:
Adjust the drive letter R: to your preferred mount point.
5

Configure settings

Go to the Settings tab:
  • Optionally uncheck “Stop the task if it runs longer than”
  • Optionally uncheck “Only run if the computer is connected to a power supply” (for laptops)
6

Save and test

Click OK to save the task. Right-click the task and select “Run” to test it immediately.
The WinFsp Launcher Service component must be installed for the launchctl auto-start method to work. If you used manual installation, you’ll need to register the service manually or use alternative auto-start methods.

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Next steps

Now that memefs is installed, proceed to the Quick start guide to mount your first RAM disk.

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