Windows Disk Defragmentation - Everything you need to know. OS optimization: Disk defragmentation program Disk defragmentation xp
Defragmentation is the most important process that involves transferring data from several areas to one part of the disk. After defragmentation, system performance improves, writing and reading of any type of file speeds up. Windows operating systems already have a built-in defragmenter, but it has limited capabilities. That is why it is recommended to use third-party programs.
Every advanced user should have good program for defragmentation hard drive. Of course, sometimes it can be difficult to make a choice. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully familiarize yourself with the functionality of each utility, and then choose what suits you best.
Defragmenters for Windows
In the process of work, users create, copy and delete a huge number of files. After a few months, and sometimes even earlier, the OS slows down. To cope with the problem, it is recommended to pay attention to the following programs:
- Defrag Pro;
- SmartDefrag;
Whatever defragmenter you use, it is worth noting that it is not recommended for use on SSD drives. Otherwise, serious problems may arise.
Defrag Pro
This is the best program for high-quality hard drive defragmentation. Compared to many analogues, the utility is able to work with the file system:
- FAT32;
- NTFS;
- NTFS5.
The program works great on Windows XP, as well as more modern versions of the OS. The application can replace a standard defragmenter. At the same time, Defrag Pro can be launched on a schedule and also work in the background.
It is important to note that the defragmentation utility has not only a client version, but also a server version. In addition to defragmenting hard drives, the program can work with the registry and the swap file.
SmartDefrag
The program was developed by IOBit. The software product allows you to quickly and, most importantly, efficiently optimize the system through defragmentation. It is noteworthy that the application is perfect for Windows 10 and earlier versions. Even an inexperienced user can manage the program.
It is important to note that the program for quick disk defragmentation can work in manual and automatic mode. You can change the way it works in the settings. It's best to take advantage manual mode. In addition to the standard defragmentation procedure, the application is capable of:
- Move data at the time of download operating system. Thanks to the “Boot Time Defrag” technology, even those files that cannot be moved while the OS is running will be optimized;
- It is possible to launch the utility on a schedule;
- Disk analysis is performed only at certain moments. This reduces the load on the system.
It should be noted that it is difficult to find a better program than this one. In addition, the application is distributed in Russian.
Auslogics Disk Defrag
You can find free defragmenters on the Internet, but not all of them are as good as . The application optimizes and organizes files scattered on hard drives. After completion of the work, the speed of the system increases several times.
The program uses several algorithms, thanks to which disk defragmentation is faster than when running a utility built into the OS. After optimization is completed, a report on the work done will be provided.
The main features of the defragmenter include:
- Organizing files and cluster structure;
- Disk map showing the defragmentation process in real time;
- Intuitive interface;
- A clear reporting system. Thanks to this, you can understand how well the disk was defragmented;
- Ability to optimize 2 or more hard drives simultaneously.
The program can be downloaded for free from the official website. For effectiveness, it is recommended to use the defragmenter 2 times a week.
Everyone knows that the best programs are those that fully cope with the assigned tasks. Defraggler, developed by Piriform Ltd., is just such a defragmenter. The utility can work not only with hard drive, but also with specific directories. This is the best defragmenter for Windows 7.
Unlike paid analogues, the application works several times faster and better. During the defragmentation process, the user has the opportunity to observe the transfer of data from one place to another. While the program defragments the disk, you can work on the computer (it’s better, of course, not to do this). After finishing the work, a report about the changes will appear.
The main functions of the program include:
- Creation information card fragmented files;
- Setting up a schedule;
- Supports all popular file systems, including exFAT;
- Setting the interface language.
To see all the benefits of a defragmenter, it is recommended to test it yourself.
UltraDefrag is the best defragmenter. Despite the fact that the utility is small, it does an excellent job of moving even complex clusters. Hard drive defragmentation is not the only feature of UltraDefrag; the program can also work with the registry and the page file. In addition to the main interface, there is a console interface, thanks to which the utility is launched on a schedule.
The application works with these file systems like FAT, FAT32 and NTFS. After completion of the work, a report appears in the form of an HTML file. It should be noted that the program has a function such as turning off the PC after optimization is completed. Even beginners can handle the controls.
Conclusion
The user downloads the program that best copes with the assigned tasks. This is why it is recommended to consider third party applications, since the defragmenter built into the OS does not cope well with transferring files. One of best programs, can be considered Auslogics Disk Defrag. Before downloading the utilities, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with all the advantages and disadvantages.
Video review of the defragmentation program
When writing any files to HDD all information is distributed among clusters. If you decide to delete a particular file, the clusters with information will be erased, but instead there will be empty space. This disrupts the order of all files on the hard drive. As a result, when reading information, the hard drive spends much more time searching for the necessary clusters, since they are scattered throughout the media. This leads to a noticeable slowdown of the computer as a whole. This process is called fragmentation.
Defragmentation allows you to restore order in the internal space. This procedure organizes the location of all clusters on the media, moving them close to each other. After this, there is a noticeable increase in performance in resource-intensive applications and games. Let's figure out how to defragment a disk and in what cases it is necessary.
When should you defragment your drive?
If you notice that the performance of your personal computer has dropped significantly, then optimization is required. Long loading of programs, opening files, copying also hint that it’s time to optimize.
What programs are used to defragment a hard drive?
Operating systems XP, 7 and later have built-in software for defragmentation. If you want to perform the procedure one-time, you can use it. However, many note poor performance when using the standard utility. If you decide to use it, then follow these steps:
Let's look at how to defragment a disk using a built-in utility:
Let's look at an example of how to defragment a disk according to a schedule:
- The standard program allows you to set a regular schedule for defragmentation. In the previous window, click the button Set up a schedule....
- In the window that opens, select the frequency, day, time and partitions that need to be defragmented.
- Once the setup is complete, click OK.
Now the turned on computer will automatically launch the optimization procedure at the appointed time.
During this period of time, there may be a drop in performance as the system is busy with a more important process.
According to the instructions presented, you can defragment your hard drive in Windows XP, 7, 8 and 10. Now let's figure out how to defragment your hard drive using a third-party program.
Optimization using defragmenters
There are quite a few programs for defragmenting the system disk. Among them there are both options for advanced users and for beginners. For example, consider a simple utility Defragger, the full free version of which can be downloaded from the official website of the developers. Download the distribution, install the software and run it. The program cleans disks in OS 7, 8 and 10. To do this, follow the instructions:
By using Defraggler not only defragmentation of the system or external drive. You can also get information about the performance of the media, a list of files, or optimize each folder separately.
How to defragment a disk using Auslogics Disk Defrag
Another utility that allows you to quickly or completely defragment your hard drive. The main program window is very similar to Defraggler, so there should be no problems using it.
Let's look at the startup process:
Now you know how to defragment a hard drive, including SSD, using standard Windows tools or through third party software.
Video on the topic
Program overview
Defragmentation- the process of optimizing the structure of a logical disk by storing files in a continuous sequence of clusters.
Defraggler capable of defragmenting both the entire disk and individual files in normal or fast mode. Defragmentation in normal mode can take more than 2 hours, while fast defragmentation can take several minutes.
Note! By default, the program interface is in English. To Russify, you need to launch Defraggler, open the "Settings" -> "Options" menu, and select the "Russian" language from the "Language" list. Now the Defraggler interface is in Russian!
System requirements
- System: Windows 10, 8 (8.1), Vista, XP or Windows 7 (32-bit / 64-bit).
| Program features |
| Preparing for defragmentation | |
| Presentation of information about state of rigid disk. | |
| Disk performance evaluation. During the evaluation, the program will display the number of fragmented files, fragments and disk read speed (MB/sec). | |
| Search files by name and size, including unfragmented files. | |
| Finding and eliminating errors on the disk. | |
| Disk analysis | |
| Analysis of the logical disk structure and collection of necessary information about fragmented files, excluding files with system restore points and hibernation files. | |
| Disk Defragmenter | |
| Defragmentation of selected files, folders or the entire disk. In addition, you can defragment files based on the following criteria: empty, unfragmented, fragmented, swap files, writable files, readable files, or files in the MFT area. | |
| Defragmentation of free disk space. | |
| Supports quick, normal and full defragmentation. In the program settings, you can specify the size and number of fragments that should not be defragmented. | |
| Automatic defragmentation system files when the computer boots. | |
| Other | |
| Task scheduler support. In it you can specify the disk, frequency (for example, daily or when the computer starts), type and other conditions of defragmentation. | |
| Adding folders and files to the exclusion list. | |
- Fixed an issue that caused scheduled defragmentation to be interrupted.
- Improved detection of SDD drives.
- Now the program warns about an attempt to defragment the SSD drive.
- Updated user interface.
- Bugs fixed.
| Screenshots of the program |
The hard drive is one of the most important components of a computer, but not all users pay due attention to it. If the processor, video card, random access memory and other components, they can be replaced quite simply, whereas if the drive breaks down, the computer owner will lose all his data, which obviously no one wants. To avoid hard drive failure, you need to carefully monitor it and defragment it regularly.
What is disk defragmentation
The defragmentation process is very simple and very important, but many people forget about the need for it. It is the organization of files on the hard drive in such a way that the operating system can access them more easily and quickly when requested.
While the hard drive is operating, new information constantly appears on it. The user downloads files from the Internet, installs programs and games, creates new documents and performs a number of other tasks. When information is stored on a hard drive, it occupies a certain number of free clusters on it. At the time of deleting, changing, copying files, the clusters are cleared, but free space is formed between one and another file on the hard drive. Disk defragmentation is necessary to organize the files on the disk so that they follow each other sequentially, and there are no free clusters left between them.
Disk defragmentation on Windows is necessary because:
Some users know about the need to defragment, but do not do it. This is due to the fact that this process very lengthy, and organizing files on a large storage device can take up to ten hours. At the same time, the procedure time can be significantly reduced; to do this, it is enough to perform it monthly, as recommended by hard drive manufacturers. The more often you defragment, the less data on the drive will have to be moved, and therefore this process will happen faster.
Important: Defragmentation is only necessary on spinning head hard drives, while it is not necessary on SSD drives. The process of defragmenting a solid-state drive will only lead to a reduction in the number of rewrite cycles to it, but will not provide a performance increase.
How to defragment a disk
To defragment a disk, you need to run the corresponding process. operating room Windows system contains a special tool that allows you to defragment your hard drive. Unfortunately, it is not perfect, and in most cases it is more convenient to use third-party utilities. Different programs contain their own algorithms for defragmenting the drive. Below we will give an example of several such applications and tell you how to perform the work of organizing clusters using the system's tools.
Defragmenting a hard drive using Windows
If you're wondering how to defragment a disk in Windows 10 or earlier versions of the operating system, it's quite easy to do. To run the standard defragmentation tool you need to:
Please note that you can also configure “Schedule optimization” in this menu item. When selecting the appropriate item, you must specify the frequency of the process and the hard drive/drives that will be subjected to it. After this, the system will automatically defragment the drive according to the selected schedule.
Hard drive defragmentation programs
There are dozens of applications that allow you to defragment your hard drive. Each of them has its pros and cons. Some are better suited for large hard drives or drives that are installed on servers, while others are good for home use. Below we suggest considering a couple free programs to defragment the hard drive.
The simplest and most convenient application for defragmenting your hard drive on home computer– this is Defraggler. The free version of the program, which can be downloaded from the official website of the developers, does not have wide functionality, but it copes with its main task.
The application is officially localized into Russian, and it allows you to defragment not only the entire disk, but also an individual program or folder. The program also provides an option for quick disk defragmentation.
Auslogics Disk Defrag Free is free version application of the same name from Auslogics. You can also download it from the official website of the developers. The application is slightly more functional than Defraggler, and it does not have a Russian language, which makes it more difficult to work with. At the same time, the program has a number of functions that are not available in the official Windows hard drive optimization tool and in the Defraggler application.
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Let's continue... Most files on any hard drive, over time, especially with intense gaming, fragmented, what this means is written above - when saving, deleting and making any changes to them. All changes made to a file on your computer are saved to other hard disk sectors, quite far by hard drive standards, remote from the source file location. Naturally, over time, fragmentation affects most of the files on your hard drive. Now this can not be called file fragmentation, A fragmentation of the entire hard drive, which really slows down your computer.
Why? Now, to open files, you need to read information about the composition of the file in different places on the hard drive.
A fragmented hard drive needs to be defragmented. For what?
Severe file fragmentation, that is, if it consists of a large number of pieces, which are located in different places on the disk, forces the hard disk to do a lot additional actions, more precisely, the movements of the read heads, which clearly noticeably slows down your PC. Built in Windows program disk defragmentation(there are other, separate programs for this purpose, with more advanced functions) organizes fragmented files for more efficient work.
Conclusion - a disk defragmentation program is necessary to increase the performance of your personal home computer.
P.S. I would like to note that the new generation of solid-state hard drives no longer requires defragmentation; there are simply no fragmented files due to a completely different principle of reading and writing files.
Please note that this article is intended for inexperienced, novice users.
Methods to run a program to defragment the disk of your personal computer.
Double left click (left double click) on the shortcut My computer:
You should have a shortcut on your desktop (picture above) or click on the button Start(lower left corner), you will see there My computer and left-click on the inscription:
Hover your mouse over the drive you need, usually there are two drive C and drive D, right-click once (one right click), the context menu of the selected one will appear disk, carefully move the mouse over the word Properties and left click on this word button(one left click):
In the dialog box that appears left click on the tab Service:
In the Service tab left-click on the button - Run defragmentation...:
A window will appear in front of you, see the picture below, click on the button Defragmentation:
Now you must wait for defragmentation to finish until a window appears indicating that defragmentation is complete:
You can also defragment hard drives in other ways.(one or two left clicks on the chain):
1.Start >>> Control Panel >>> Administration >>> Computer Management >>> Disk Defragmentation >>> here select the disk you need –> Defragmentation;
2.Start >>> All programs >>> Utilities >>> Disk Defragmentation >>> here select the disk you need –> Defragmentation.
Well, not much advice:
You can see in the defragmentation program another button Analysis, before the beginning defragmentation you can press it, after a short time a window will appear whether it requires defragmentation or not, depending on the answer we press the button or not Defragmentation.
Try to defragment your hard drives at least once a month, well, if you play with toys, then once a week, or even more often, you will see productivity, that is PC speed.
Let me remind you that the defragmentation process increases the performance of your computer., and of course, due to the decrease in the number fragmented files, you will extend the operating time hard drive - hard drive.
Attention!!! Depending on the size of the hard drive, the size of the RAM, the speed of the processor, and the degree of file fragmentation on your PC, the disk defragmentation process can take anywhere from minutes to several hours.
Yes, I almost forgot, still try not to work on the computer during defragmentation. This is desirable, but not required, so, of course, if you have at startup defragmentation there are a lot of red sectors, and it takes a lot of time, then do it at night, everything will be ready by morning. Sometimes it takes up to 7-10 hours or more.
