We provide in situ atomic-scale deformation process of Ag NWs (d < ∼10 nm).
Plastic deformation mechanism of Ag NWs is different from high SF energy metal.
There is a transition from extend dislocation to SF for [54] and [001] NWs.
There is a transition from full dislocation to {111} planes slip in [11] NWs.
Plastic deformation is impacted by size, SF energy and loading direction.