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You can configure WinFsp-MemFs-Extended to automatically create your RAM disk when you log into your Windows account. This is accomplished using the Windows Task Scheduler and the WinFsp launcher control utility.

Prerequisites

Before setting up autostart, ensure:
  • WinFsp is installed on your system
  • WinFsp-MemFs-Extended is properly installed
  • You have the WinFsp Launcher Service component installed (available during installation)

Using Task Scheduler

The recommended method for autostart is to create a scheduled task that launches the RAM disk on logon.
1

Open Task Scheduler

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

Create a new scheduled task

In Task Scheduler, click “Create Task” (not “Create Basic Task”) in the Actions pane on the right.
3

Configure general settings

In the “General” tab:
  • Enter a name for your task (e.g., “Launch RAM Disk”)
  • Select “Run whether user is logged on or not” (optional)
  • Check “Run with highest privileges”
  • Ensure “Configure for” matches your Windows version
  • Set the user account to your account
4

Add a logon trigger

Switch to the “Triggers” tab:
  • Click “New”
  • Set “Begin the task” to “At log on”
  • Select “Specific user” and choose your user account
  • Click “OK”
5

Configure the action

Switch to the “Actions” tab and click “New”:Program/Script:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\WinFsp\bin\launchctl-x64.exe"
Add arguments:
start Memefs ramdisk "" \\.\R:
Replace R: with your desired drive letter. The arguments are:
  • start - Command to start a service
  • Memefs - The WinFsp service name (from installer)
  • ramdisk - Instance name (can be customized)
  • "" - Empty UNC prefix (for disk mode)
  • \\.\R: - Mount point (drive letter)
Click “OK”.
6

Adjust power settings (optional)

Switch to the “Conditions” tab:
  • Uncheck “Start the task only if the computer is on AC power” if you want the RAM disk on battery-powered devices
  • Adjust other power-related settings as needed
7

Save and test

  • Click “OK” to save the scheduled task
  • Right-click the task and select “Run” to test it immediately
  • Check if the RAM disk appears in File Explorer
  • Log out and log back in to verify automatic startup

WinFsp launcher integration

During installation, you can enable the “WinFsp Launcher Service” component. This registers WinFsp-MemFs-Extended with the WinFsp launcher control system.

Registry configuration

The installer creates the following registry entries: Location: HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\WinFsp\Services\Memefs Keys:
  • Executable: Path to memefs-x64.exe
  • CommandLine: -i -F NTFS -l Ram -u %1 -m %2
  • Security: D:P(A;;RPWPLC;;;WD)
  • JobControl: 1
These settings allow the launcher to:
  • Use case-insensitive mode (-i)
  • Report as NTFS filesystem (-F NTFS)
  • Set volume label to “Ram” (-l Ram)
  • Accept UNC prefix and mount point parameters (%1 and %2)

Customizing launcher settings

You can modify the CommandLine value in the registry to change default behavior:
-i -F NTFS -l "My RAM Disk" -s 2147483648 -u %1 -m %2
This would:
  • Add a custom volume label
  • Set a default size of 2GB
  • Maintain compatibility with launcher parameters

Launcher command syntax

The launchctl-x64.exe utility syntax:
launchctl-x64.exe start <ServiceName> <InstanceName> <UNCPrefix> <MountPoint>

Examples

Mount to R: drive:
launchctl-x64.exe start Memefs ramdisk "" \\.\R:
Mount to auto-selected drive letter:
launchctl-x64.exe start Memefs ramdisk "" \\.\*
Network share mode:
launchctl-x64.exe start Memefs ramdisk \\Server\\Share ""

Stopping the service

To stop a running RAM disk launched via launcher:
launchctl-x64.exe stop Memefs ramdisk
Warning: Stopping the service will unmount the RAM disk and all data will be lost.

Troubleshooting

Task doesn’t run on logon

  • Verify the task is enabled in Task Scheduler
  • Check that “Run with highest privileges” is enabled
  • Review the task history for error messages
  • Ensure the WinFsp service is running

Drive letter already in use

  • Change the mount point in the task arguments
  • Use * to auto-select an available drive letter
  • Check for conflicting mapped network drives

Permission errors

  • Ensure the task runs with your user account
  • Verify “Run with highest privileges” is checked
  • Check that WinFsp is properly installed

Service fails to start

  • Verify the WinFsp Launcher Service component was installed
  • Check registry entries at HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\WinFsp\Services\Memefs
  • Review Windows Event Viewer for error details

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