What file system does Windows use for managing access control?

Windows primarily uses the NTFS (New Technology File System) for managing access control. NTFS provides a robust and advanced set of features compared to other file systems. One of its core characteristics is the implementation of Access Control Lists (ACLs), which allow for detailed and granular access permissions to be set on files and directories.

This capability enables system administrators to define exactly who can access specific resources, the types of operations they can perform (e.g., read, write, execute), and to implement security measures at a much more specific level than simpler file systems can offer. Additionally, NTFS supports file encryption, compression, and large file sizes, making it suitable for modern computing needs.

Other file systems mentioned do not provide the same level of access control management as NTFS. For example, FAT32, while widely used, lacks advanced permissions and only has a flat structure for file management. EXT4 is used primarily in Linux environments and is not native to Windows. APFS is a file system designed for Apple devices and also does not apply to Windows systems.