Windows Enterprise includes a feature that allows you to configure a hard drive partition in read-only mode.
This way, if the Windows partition is set to read-only, it won’t freeze or experience stability issues. To achieve this, the system must have two partitions:
C: read-only
D: writable 
 

1. Enable Unified Write Filter (UWF) Feature

First, you need to enable UWF on your Windows system. This can be done via the Windows Features dialog or using PowerShell.

Using PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

2. Run the following command to enable UWF:

3. 1. Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "Client-UnifiedWriteFilter" -All

4. Restart your computer to complete the installation of the feature.

2. Configure Unified Write Filter

Once UWF is enabled, you can configure it using UWF management tools via Command Prompt or PowerShell.

Using Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Use the uwfmgr.exe tool to configure UWF. For example, to enable UWF on a specific volume, use:

3. 1. uwfmgr.exe volume protect C:

4. This command enables UWF protection on the C: drive.

3. Manage File and Registry Exclusions

You may need to exclude certain files or registry keys from being protected by UWF. This allows them to be updated even when UWF is active.​

• To add a file exclusion, use:

• • uwfmgr.exe file add-exclusion C:\path\to\file

To add a registry exclusion, use:

• uwfmgr.exe registry add-exclusion "PathToRegistryKey"
  

4. Finalize the Configuration

After configuring exclusions and other settings, you need to commit the changes and restart the system. UWF settings will take effect after reboot.

• To commit changes and restart, use:

• uwfmgr.exe filter restart
  

Important Notes

• Performance Impact: Be aware that enabling UWF may impact system performance and cause wear on storage media due to how the overlay mechanism works.
• Maintenance: When you need to make permanent changes to the system, you must temporarily disable UWF, make the changes, and then re-enable it.
• Storage Space: Ensure you have enough disk space for the overlay, as UWF uses storage to keep track of changes.

For detailed configuration options and advanced settings, refer to Microsoft’s official documentation on Unified Write FilterThis guide provides an overview, but your specific use case may require a more customized approach.