Which of the following best illustrates the function of a write-blocker in a Windows environment?

The function of a write-blocker in a Windows environment is to prevent the modification of data during analysis. This is crucial in digital forensics, as maintaining the integrity of the original data is essential for the validity of the evidence presented in legal cases or investigations. A write-blocker ensures that any read operations do not alter the data on the original storage medium, effectively allowing forensic analysts to examine the content without risk of contamination or modification. This preservation of data integrity is fundamental in upholding the chain of custody and ensuring that the findings are credible and reliable.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary role of a write-blocker. Data recovery from damaged disks, while important, is a separate function typically involving specialized software or hardware tools. Enhancement of data transfer speed is not a characteristic of write-blockers; rather, their primary aim is data preservation. Lastly, write-blockers do not play a role in encryption, which pertains to securing data rather than protecting it from being altered during analysis.