Hard drive defragmenter. Disk defragmentation - what is it for and how to do it, Windows programs and special utilities

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Defragmentation hard drive is in a great way improve computer performance. Although the term "defragmentation" itself sounds very serious, it is actually very simple and useful process in the event that your computer starts or behaves suspiciously.

What is hard drive defragmentation

First, let's understand this term that is not clear to everyone " defragmentation».

If you believe the know-it-all, then the process in which the logical structure of a disk partition is optimized and updated in order to ensure the further storage of all files on your computer in a continuous sequence of clusters is defragmentation. Or another way - redistributing files on the disk for their further location in contiguous areas.

Imagine a huge library filled to the brim with different books in an absolutely chaotic order. And try to imagine that there is no librarian in this library at all! As visitors each day pick up books and do not put them back in their original place, they are placed further apart in a chaotic manner. Now imagine that you come to the library and want to take some “The Art of Programming” in 4 volumes, and all 4 books are located in different places in the library. And the search begins... You will spend a lot of time finding all the books. The same thing happens on your computer. We download some programs, and after a while we realize that we no longer need them and delete their. And in their place new information is recorded, which takes up less space on your hard drive. And then holes appear in which you can no longer write anything. This process is - fragmented data.

When running programs that contain hundreds of files, Fragmentation can slow down your computer's performance. Because the clusters(cells) of files on your hard drive are fragmented, they are located far from each other and the computer has to rush at cosmic speed through all the nooks and crannies of memory, like an idiot with a mortar, and collect them in parts. What immediately comes to mind is a game popular in the 80s and 90s, where a wolf runs around with a basket on the last level.

But for your computer this is a normal process, and the more you install programs, download files, the faster the number of these holes grows, and we get low productivity and a slow operating system.

What does hard drive defragmentation do and how does it happen?

To start operating system analyzes the disk for fragmented files and sends them to the buffer by sequentially rewriting them to a new location. Many people immediately have a question: “will data be lost after defragmentation”? The answer is no, don't confuse defragmentation with formatting. And there is also a very common misconception that using defragmentation you can check on the disk. This is not true, there are many programs for this.

With the help of disk defragmentation, we have the opportunity to combine all parts of one file into one chain, i.e. All empty cells will be collected in one pile at the end of the disk, and all parts of the data files will become sequential and end up at the beginning. After defragmentation, the speed of access to all files and their parts increases significantly. Of course, after a certain period of time, fragmented files will appear again, but there is only one way out - you need to defragment again after some time.

Overview of hard drive defragmentation programs

There are a huge number of programs on the Internet that can be used to defragment your hard drive. Windows also has a built-in defragmenter, but its performance leaves much to be desired. Now I will list the most famous programs:
is a very fast defragmentation program; the program uses a number of algorithms that make the defragmentation process faster than using conventional utilities.

- a relative of the recently very popular JkDefrag. It can be called stable, productive and easy to work with.

- a successful program from the well-known company Piriform. Combines stability, security and ease of use.

- there is a possibility productive work both in graphical mode, and even through the console.

- works in automatic mode, and decides when to start defragmentation. It also helps prevent some failures in the operating system.

Try not to forget do defragmentation at least occasionally it is will extend the life of your computer and speed up its performance. Don't forget to leave 10-15% free space on the disk for defragmentation. I advise you to do this operation at night, because it takes a lot of time. Most programs have a function that will shut down the computer after the defragmentation process is completed.

Disk defragmentation - this will be the topic of this article. Here you will learn about what disk defragmentation is and why it is needed.

Defragmentation- the process of updating and optimizing the logical structure of a disk partition in order to ensure that files are stored in a continuous sequence of clusters. After defragmentation, reading and writing files speeds up, and therefore the work of programs, due to the fact that sequential read and write operations are performed faster than random accesses (for example, a hard disk does not require head movement). Another definition of defragmentation is: redistributing files on a disk so that they are located in contiguous areas.

Long files occupy multiple clusters. If writing is done to an empty disk, then clusters belonging to the same file are written in a row. If the disk is full, it may not have a solid area large enough to accommodate the file. However, the file will still be written if there are many small areas on the disk, the total size of which is sufficient for recording. In this case, the file is written in several fragments.

The process of breaking a file into small pieces when writing to disk is called fragmentation. If there are many fragmented files on the disk, the read speed of the media decreases, since searching for clusters in which files are stored on hard drives takes time. On flash memory, for example, search time does not depend on the location of sectors, and is practically zero, so defragmentation is not required for them.

Defragmentation is most often used for such file systems like File Allocation Table for MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows, since programs for working with them usually do not provide any means to prevent fragmentation, and it appears even on an almost empty disk and a light load.

In addition to slowing down your computer when working with file operations(such as reading and writing), file fragmentation negatively affects the “health” of the hard drive, as it forces the positioning heads of the disk, which read and write data, to constantly move. To eliminate the problem of fragmentation, there are defragmenter programs, the principle of which is to “assemble” each file from its fragments. A common disadvantage of such programs is their slow operation - the defragmentation process usually takes a very long time (up to several hours).

Manual defragmentation and fragmentation prevention:

Despite the fact that among programs of this kind there are quite intelligent ones, you can do a good defragmentation on your own. To do this, just create on disk new section with the file system, and then simply copy the files that will be stored on it to this logical disk. During such copying to an empty disk, data is written sequentially, without fragmentation. In addition, the process of writing files itself takes several times less time than defragmentation using programs.

Knowledge of the file structure and principles of operation of the hard drive helps to greatly reduce file fragmentation thanks to proper organization user work. This organization consists of first recording onto a blank disk those files that are intended to be stored for a long time: favorite films, archives, music. Those files that are not planned to be stored for a long time are better written to the end of the disk: deleting them will not cause fragmentation of other files.

It helps to use a separate partition for frequently changed files. For example, in Unix-like operating systems on separate sections User data and settings are often located (/home directory), temporary files (/tmp), protocols, caches, etc. (/var).

File systems:

FAT: MS-DOS 6.x and Windows 4.x contain a utility Defrag. The DOS version is based on Norton SpeedDisk, version for Windows - on .
NTFS Note: Windows NT 5 and later contain a defragmenter based on Diskeeper. Windows NT 4 and earlier did not have built-in utilities for defragmentation.
ext2: uses offline defragmenter e2defrag.
ext3: e2defrag can work with ext3 only if it is temporarily converted into ext2. Instead, you can use a filesystem-independent defragmenter - for example, Shake.
ext4: An online defragmenter is planned that works by creating extents and moving files into them.
XFS: online defragmenter xfs_fsr.
$sudo xfs_fsr -v /dev/sdX1
Also in the GNU/Linux operating system, the command to move files is often used mv, which can read files from one partition and write a defragmented version to another, and then move the files back. For example, the following example defragments all files in the /home/user folder (/mnt/user is the mount point of the empty partition)
$mv /home/user /mnt/user
$mv /mnt/user /home/user
Information about file fragmentation can be obtained using the utility filefrag from the package e2fsprogs.

How often should you defragment hard drives?

It depends on the intensity using hard disk. Previously, software manufacturers recommended defragmenting the disk once a month. For a home computer used occasionally in the evenings and not too intensively, this frequency, in my opinion, is even excessive. Once every two months, or even three, is quite enough. If the home computer is used intensively - new games are constantly installed, movies are downloaded, old files are deleted, then once a month is a completely adequate defragmentation frequency.

If the PC is used constantly and intensively, as they say, both in tail and mane, then once every 3-4 weeks is a completely normal option for defragmentation. In this case, it may be wise to schedule this process to run automatically. The only advice is to choose a time when the computer is used least intensively, since during defragmentation, working with the PC may be impossible or difficult, since this process “eats up” quite a lot of resources.

How to defragment a hard drive?

Exist special programs for defragmentation. There are quite a lot of them. I don't recommend using the standard one Windows defragmenter. It works for a long time and is not very high quality. Successful programs There are both paid and free ones for defragmentation. I will list only the most notable of the free and paid defragmenters.

Program:
Developer:
OS: Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7 (32bit/64bit)
License: Shareware (30-day trial)

- Very powerful program to defragment the hard drive. PerfectDisk uses a single-pass S.M.A.R.T. defragmentation method, which provides a fairly fast work programs.

PerfectDisk has all the functions necessary for high-quality defragmentation, including: defragmentation of any files in one pass, the ability to consolidate directories at the OS boot stage, successful work with large drives, defragmentation of MFT and all system files. Work with RAID volumes is supported.

PerfectDisk can defragment not only local drives, but also network drives, and in this case, network defragmentation scheduling profiles and fully customizable work logging are used to facilitate task setup.

Key features of PerfectDisk:

Better performance for PCs and laptops.
The most complete tool for managing, configuring and working in different conditions support for large storage drives.
Automatic defragmentation and background optimization.
OptiWrite™ to prevent fragmentation.
S.M.A.R.T. Monitoring physical disks.
Additional reports and customization of management functions.
Support for large storage drives.
SMARTPlacement Technology - a patented method for optimizing the defragmentation strategy, reducing overall operating time and resources involved
Space Restoration Technology - technology for optimizing free space into as large blocks as possible.
Patent-pending Resource Savert - technology to increase defragmentation speed.
Defragment files and free space in one pass.
Defragmentation of individual files.
Possibility to work from command line with capabilities similar to the graphical interface.
Automatic update of components via the Internet.
Designed for today's advanced users looking for optimal PC performance.

Program:
Developer:
OS:
License: Freeware

- Free program for defragmenting your hard drive for Windows. It is a logical continuation of the JkDefrag program, but has a different interface and is not distributed as open source. A minimalistic defragmenter distributed under the GNU license.

In addition to its immediate purpose - defragmentation - the program can optimize files on the hard drive. To do this, it includes standard scripts:

System Disk (Daily, Weekly, Monthly) - these scripts are created specifically for system drives. They place MFTs and folders at the 30% mark of the disk and create zones from the beginning of the disk with divisions for files used during boot, used by most programs, regular files and rarely used files with gaps between each of the zones. Scripts differ in execution speed and, accordingly, in the quality of defragmentation and optimization. The fastest and simplest of these scripts is Daily, the longest and best is Monthly.
An acid-colored diagram appears in a small window, changing as MyDefrag works.

Main features of MyDefrag:

Version that works from the command line - for work without installation.
The standard version of the program is fully automated; you just need to run it with the selected parameters.
Two defragmentation algorithms.
DLL library (for use when working with programming languages).
Task Scheduler.

Program:
Developer:
OS:
License: Freeware

- This free utility, which provides users with a powerful and easy-to-use hard drive defragmentation tool that works with FAT16/32 and NTFS file systems in 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems Microsoft systems Windows.

Like all other programs of this kind, the utility Auslogics Disk Defrag is designed to defragment the file system through optimization and maintenance work, as well as organizing files to improve the performance and performance of programs and the Microsoft Windows operating system.

The program has an easy-to-use interface and simple management, provides information about the current state of the system, allows you to change the priority of work, can protect data on your computer from viruses, and has a built-in task scheduler. Auslogics Disk Defrag uses numerous file checking algorithms, thanks to which defragmentation occurs several orders of magnitude higher than in the standard Microsoft Windows defragmenter, and is also capable of detecting errors on the hard drive and quickly eliminating them. After all operations on files, the utility provides the user with a full report on all actions taken.

Main features of Auslogics Disk Defrag:

Easy to use graphical interface.
Automatic check.
Optimize your entire file system with one click.
Consolidation of free disk space.
Task Scheduler.
Efficient organization of the MFT file table
Defragmentation of selected files or separate folders.
Supports hard drives larger than terabytes.
Minimum consumption system resources.
A complete report on all performed program actions.
International support.
Ability to defragment multiple disks simultaneously.

Program:
Developer:
OS: NT 4.0/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/Windows 7 (32bit/64bit)
License: Shareware (30-day trial)

- A very powerful program for defragmenting hard drives under Windows, can work with FAT, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5 file systems, Volume/Stripe Sets arrays, and replace standard utilities OS defragmentation, work in background, on a schedule and built into the Microsoft Management Console.

Five defragmentation modes are available to the user: STEALTH, SPACE, COMPLETE/Name, COMPLETE/Date and COMPLETE/Access. It should also be added that in addition to the regular (Professional) version of Defrag Pro, its network (Server) version is also available, designed for working in local networks, and there is also the possibility of automatic operation (launch upon reaching a certain level of fragmentation), ActivityGuard function for monitoring system resources when the program is running and the ability to defragment the paging file and system files (registry, MFT, etc.) at the system boot stage.

Key features of O&O Defrag:

If necessary, the program checks the volume of errors before defragmentation.
The defragmentation procedure can be scheduled for a specific time, or can be performed when the computer is typically idle.
Defragmentation can be run in the background so that the user barely notices it is running.
Defragmentation can be launched in screensaver mode.
Feeding area: classify various files on different zones according to their level, use and apply different methods to get files in the corresponding zones.
Special support for laptops.
Support for removable drives.
Easy to use even without experience.
Five various methods defragmentation.

Program:
Developer:
OS: NT 4.0/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/Windows 7 (32bit/64bit)
License: Freeware

- This is a free utility that provides users with a powerful and easy-to-use tool to defragment their hard drive. The utility was created by the British private company Piriform Limited and written in C++. The utility can process separate files, groups of files or entire disk partitions. Supports NTFS, FAT32 and exFAT file systems.

Unlike similar programs, Defraggler has useful opportunity Quickly and easily defragment only selected files, rather than processing the entire disk.
After launching and analyzing the hard Defraggler disk will display a list of all fragmented files. Just select the files you are interested in and you will see their location on the disk, and Defraggler will defragment them in a few seconds.

Portable version:
Defraggler Portable - This is a special version of Defraggler designed to work with removable media information such as USB flash drive, Memory Stick, iPod/MP3 players and other devices.

Key features of Defraggler:

Organize empty disk space to prevent further fragmentation.
Fast defragmentation.
Defragmentation of free disk space.
Planner for automatic start defragmentation.
Providing complete interactive map fragmented files.

Program:
Developer:
OS: NT 4.0/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/Windows 7 (32bit/64bit)
License: Shareware (30-day trial)

- A program for defragmenting a hard drive, originally created for VAX systems, and later released for Microsoft Windows. It is the primary product of Diskeeper Corporation, (formerly Executive Software) based in Burbank, founded on July 22, 1981.

Among the main features and differences from other defragmenters are the real-time defragmentation mode, as well as intelligent system accelerating access, which is based on optimizing frequently used applications, which can significantly increase the speed and performance of the system as a whole. The program allows you to perform defragmentation in both manual and automatic modes. In addition, the utility optimizes the system to improve speed and performance.

A new feature that has appeared in Diskeeper is automatic defragmentation, that is, a built-in scheduler. Automatic defragmentation occurs on the fly. Diskeeper does not require the creation of a schedule, as it works constantly, using resources only when the PC is idle. In most cases, scheduling is not applied, and disk performance remains at a high level.

Diskeeper can defragment and move system files, including MFT data, that are not accessible to many other programs, which makes a significant contribution to increased performance. This function is performed before the operating system is fully loaded, when the files are not yet in use and can be accessed.

Another feature of Diskeeper is “ Intelligent Technology accelerating file access" (I-FAAST). As it runs, I-FAAST determines how often files are being used, then arranges them based on a hard drive speed test. Thanks to this, Diskeeper speeds up file access and helps prevent fragmentation. The I-FAAST function is only available in Professional Premier, Server and Administrator editions.

Proprietary IntelliWrite technology, using automatic defragmentation, allows you to further reduce the percentage of data fragmentation on disks and thus increase overall system performance. There are six versions of the software: Home, Professional, Professional Premier, Server Standard, Server Enterprise and Administrator.

Basic Disk capabilities eeper:

An advanced defragmentation algorithm that is constantly being improved by developers.
Low consumption of system resources, work in the background.
The ability to defragment partitions with a small amount of free space.
Full support for 64-bit and server versions of Windows.
Supports volumes with no size restrictions.
Logging of all performed operations.
Convenient graphical shell.
IPv6 protocol support.
Advanced network settings.

Program:
Developer:
OS: NT 4.0/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/Windows 7 (32bit/64bit)
License: Freeware

- a free utility that effectively defragments hard disks while optimizing their performance.

All you need is to simply install Smart Defrag, and then the program will do everything itself “set it and forget it.” IObit Smart Defrag defragments files unnoticed by the user, without loading system resources at all. You can configure defragmentation on a schedule, set it so that the program starts when Windows startup, minimized to the system tray, stopped working when switching to battery power, turned off the computer at the end of the defragmentation process, and so on. Can defragment without optimization, with fast optimization, or full optimizations to choose from.

Key features of Smart Defrag:

Defragments disks automatically in the background.
Works great with the latest large hard drives.
Scheduled defragmentation.
Uses “Safe Intelligence” technology, which decides How and When it is best to defragment a particular disk. Thanks to this, the disks will not be damaged due to incorrect or untimely defragmentation.
Shutting down your computer
Convenient to use.
Completely free. Can be used both on home computers and in offices.
Minor fixes and improvements.
Multilingual support (including Russian).

Program:
Developer:
OS: Windows NT 4.0/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/Windows 7 (32bit/64bit)
License: Shareware (30-day trial)

- A utility for defragmenting and optimizing hard drives. Thanks to original technology, Paragon Total Defrag performs low-level defragmentation, providing almost zero level of disk fragmentation. Thanks to exclusive access to the disk file system, Paragon Total Defrag allows you to speed up and optimize all critical system files and metadata, including MFT (Master File Table), directories, and swap files.

When working with a file system just begins, fragments of its files are located side by side, forming a single whole. Over time, as a result of creating and deleting files, files and their fragments end up in different sectors of hard disk, which first causes a slowdown in its operation, and then a decrease in performance.

Total Defrag – A new comprehensive product for complete defragmentation and optimization of the file system. It is based on own developments Paragon and performs low-level defragmentation of the entire hard drive, minimizing the level of file fragmentation.

Key features of Paragon Total Defrag:

Defragmentation of disks/volumes, including RAID systems online/offline.
Defragmentation of GPT and MBR disks.
Defragmentation of dynamic volumes.
Two defragmentation modes: Fast and Safe. Safe mode is slower, but it helps protect data in the event of a power outage during the defragmentation process.
Unique algorithms for low-level defragmentation and system optimization.
9 different defragmentation strategies.
Defragmentation of important system files during reboot mode.
Ability to speed up application launch.
Maximize file system performance.
Complete optimization of the file system, including systematization of folders and files virtual memory, master file table (MFT), metadata, registry files, etc.
Defragmentation with a minimum of free space (less than 1% of unallocated space on the hard drive is required).
A bootable CD with a version of the program that runs directly from the CD.
It has become faster thanks to an improved defragmentation mechanism.

Program:
Developer:
OS: Windows NT 4.0/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/Windows 7 (32bit/64bit)
License: Shareware (30-day trial)

- Small, but quite fast in operation and highly customizable defragmentation utility. UltimateDefrag allows you to look at the defragmentation process in a new way. Firstly, the program prompts the user to determine in which places on the hard drive his files should be stored. According to the program developers, on any hard drive there are areas from which calling files is faster, and there are also areas when accessed which the device responds more slowly.

The user is asked to place those files that he accesses frequently in faster areas of the disk, and archives and rarely used files in slower areas. Thus, work is accelerated both due to the fact that the disk is not fragmented and due to the fact that access to the necessary files provided faster. Finally, proper placement of files makes it possible to speed up the defragmentation process itself, since it can exclude those areas of the hard drive where unused files are stored.

Key features of UltimateDefrag:

Defragmentation of all NTFS system files: MFT, swap file, $Logfile, Hyberfile, $USN ChangeJournal and more. Not only can you defragment them, UltimateDefrag allows you to specifically place them where you like for optimal performance on both 64-bit and 32-bit Windows.
Defragmentation Simulation allows you to simulate defragmentation in a compressed amount of time. Perfect for those complex defragmented routines where you want to squeeze every millisecond of performance from your hard drive. Defragmentation simulation also accurately estimates the time defragmentation will take based on your current options.
File Drag and Drop - Allows you to drag and drop a file or full list files, to whatever position you want it to be on your hard drive.
True File Usage Tracking tracks your files' behavior, usage frequency, fragmentation rate, degree of fragmentation and places them optimally.
FragProtect is an algorithm that places files in a manner that minimizes the rate of re-fragmentation to the slowest rate according to the laws of entropy as they relate to your files on your hard drive.
An even faster defragmented mechanism takes smart solution on how to defrag every fragmented file it encounters so that it defragments the file in the fastest time possible. A 2 Gbps file can be defragged after a few seconds when certain conditions are met.
Auto Defrag allows you to tune the exact performance you want and shows you your disk performance gains.

Program: Vopt
Developer:
OS: Windows NT 4.0/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/Windows 7 (32bit/64bit)
License: Shareware (30-day trial)

- Disk defragmentation program for Microsoft Windows. Software developer - Golden Bow Systems. Vopt is considered one of the oldest defragmenters; its first versions worked under MS-DOS. It is still often claimed that Vopt has better performance than the built-in Windows Disk Defragmenter.

Vopt gained popularity due to the high speed of file reorganization and the unobtrusiveness of this process when running in the background. The utility supports FAT, FAT32 and NTFS file systems, can work with large volumes, the size of which can reach 16 TB, and has a very effective defragmentation algorithm. It can defragment all files, including large files, system files and the MFT area, and can defragment automatically on a schedule (daily, weekly, on system startup, during downtime, etc.) or on demand. In the second case, the user is allowed to select a defragmentation method, change the priority of this operation and adjust optimization parameters. The program can be launched from the command line.

The program has a number of additional functions for cleaning disk space - deleting temporary files, clearing browser caches, automating the defragmentation process, and others. Also, Vopt, as well as most modern defragmenters, has a built-in system to protect against the loss of defragmented files in the event of failures (for example, an unexpected power outage).

Main features of Vopt:

Quick analysis and defragmentation of hard drives.
Scheduling automatic disk defragmentation.
Cleaning the system of junk files.
Changing the size of the paging file and cache.
Display running processes and CPU and RAM resource consumption.
Multilingual support (including Russian).

Program:
Developer:
OS: Windows NT 4.0/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/Windows 7 (32bit/64bit)
License: Shareware (30/40-day trial)

- Conditionally- free program, which provides users with a powerful and easy-to-use hard drive defragmentation tool. The program was created by the German private company Ashampoo.

Ashampoo Magical Defrag is based on the principle of set it and forget it, but still also offers an extensive range of options. The Job Manager provides you with a variety of defragmentation jobs, each of which can be configured individually, and a Job Scheduler that offers editable time settings for each job. Thanks to the Defragment now function, you can start non-stop defragmentation with just one click of the mouse.

Additionally, you can also run any preset defragmentation job at any time, regardless of the scheduled time, by simply clicking Run Job. Another feature of the program is SSD protection, which prevents software from involving the SSD in the defragmentation process. Because of their nature, SSDs don't need to be defragmented and will wear out much faster if you continue to defragment them. The built-in Screensaver allows you to monitor the progress of defragmentation and comes with various designs.

Key features of Ashampoo Magical Defrag:

Automatic Defragmentation: Automatically defragments your hard drives every time your computer is idle.
No interference with other programs: Stops automatically every time you start using the computer, or when any other program starts running.
Set it and forget it: You no longer have to worry about defragmenting your hard drives. Ashampoo Magical Defrag takes care of everything for you.
Multi-user support: Once you have installed Ashampoo Magical Defrag, it will also work in regular user accounts without administrator rights. The program even works when users are not logged in yet!
Fragmentation protection keeps your hard drives from fragmentation for a long time using an intelligent algorithm. Therefore, you will never have to worry about performance loss due to fragmented volumes again.
Battery Monitoring automatically pauses Ashampoo Magical Defrag whenever the laptop is switched to battery power.
Statistics: Displays complete statistics on the current defragmentation status.
Improved defragmentation mechanism.
The job manager takes into account individual defragmentation strategies.
Multiple defragmentation jobs.
Task planner for individual time management.
Defragmentation: Run permanent defragmentation with just one click.
Start Job: Start any predefined defragmentation job from Job Administration, regardless of the predefined list of jobs.
SSD protection.
Volume analysis with status report.
Screensaver showing various designs for graphical visualization of the current defragmentation progress.
A completely new skin for the user interface.
Multilingual support (including Russian).

Program:
Developer:
OS: Windows XP/Server/Vista/7 (32bit/64bit)
License: Freeware

- free program for defragmentation and hard optimization disk that works with FAT, FAT32 and NTFS file systems. DiskTune supports 32- and 64-bit Microsoft Windows XP/Server/Vista/7 operating systems.

To move files securely, DiskTune uses an API system utility Windows Defrag.exe and the Windows operating system service - “Volume Shadow Copy”, which allows you to copy files that you are currently working with and even system and locked files.

Also, to protect the hard drive from overheating, DiskTune uses S.M.A.R.T technology. (self-monitoring, analysis and reporting technology), with the help of which it monitors the main characteristics of the drive and, if the hard drive overheats, DiskTune stops the defragmentation process.

Key features of DiskTune:

Supports 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
Allows you to easily create and run jobs.
Uses the “Volume Shadow Copy” service.
Allows you to defragment only selected folders.
Allows you to defragment the master file table (MFT).
Uses S.M.A.R.T technology. to protect the hard drive from overheating.
Supports several hard drive defragmentation modes.

Program:
Developer:
OS: Windows NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Vista, 7
License: Freeware

is a free and open source disk defragmenter. The program can process any system files, including the registry and page file. Works quickly, efficiently and reliably.

UltraDefrag supports scheduled work, defragmentation of the entire disk or individual folders/files, and it is possible to turn off the computer after the task is completed. The result of defragmentation can be recorded in an HTML report.

Key features of UltraDefrag:

Supports FAT, exFAT and NTFS.
Defragmentation of all files, including system and NTFS meta-files.
Full disk optimization that processes all files.
Fast disk optimization - mainly processes fragmented files.
MFT optimization.
Exclude files by name, number of fragments and size.
Writing debugging information to a log file.
Disks that need to be scanned by CHKDSK are excluded from processing.
You can set useful actions after defragmentation is complete.

Program:
Developer:
OS: Windows 2000 (SP4) or higher
License: Shareware (14-day trial)

- a compact and easy-to-use utility designed to defragment hard drives. The mst Defrag program allows you to defragment both manually and in the background. In the latter case, mst Defrag constantly monitors changes in data on hard drives - a list of changed (added) files is created, which will be defragmented in the next downtime of the computer. Thus, the utility does not occupy RAM during active use computer, and therefore is practically invisible to the user.

The mst Defrag defragmenter is available in three versions: Home, Professional and Server Edition. Unlike Home Edition, mst Defrag Professional and mst Defrag Server Edition include the ability to work in local network, thereby allowing you to defragment network drives.

Main features of mst Defrag:

Uses mst Battery-Guard technology to save laptop battery.
Uses mst I/O-Guard technology, which, when defragmented, allows you to use only unused computer resources.

Program:
Developer:
OS: Win 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista/Windows 7
License: Freeware

- free utility for analysis and defragmentation local disks. Optimizes and defragments disks to obtain maximum performance system operation. There is an automatic defragmentation option, which will run when the computer is in standby mode, and a scheduler function, with which you can set up a scheduled launch.

When defragmentation is complete, automatic shutdown. Having also indicated the load level of the processor and hard drive, the utility pauses its work when it reaches it. Supports FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5, NTFS and EFS file systems. To defragment your hard drive, Disk SpeedUp allows you to exclude certain files and folders that do not need to be defragmented.

Key features of Disk SpeedUp:

Automatic and intelligent defragmentation of hard drives.
Supports FAT, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5, NTFS and EFS file systems.
Run defragmentation of hard drives on a schedule.
Allows you to exclude certain files and folders.

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. In operating systems Windows family There is already 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 to defragment the 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 company. 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 when the operating system boots. 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:

Creating an information map of 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 file systems such as 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 the 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

Hello.

In order for your computer to work quickly and stably, from time to time, you need to give it a little attention - carry out small preventive measures ☺. This article will focus on optimization work hard disk (HDD), in particular about such an operation as .

In general, I’ll tell you from experience, most users don’t do it, and don’t even realize that it exists...

Meanwhile, if you regularly perform this operation, your disk will work faster (reading and writing speed will increase), there will be fewer waits and freezes (for example, in games), and responsiveness will improve.

And so, first things first...

Addition!

In this article you will find the best programs for disk defragmentation -

What is it: type. questions

What kind of process is defragmentation?

In general, the files you write to HDD, are not located on it in one piece, but are split into small ones (they are called clusters (maybe someone remembers from the computer science course) ). When you access a file on disk, the system needs to read information from all these pieces. And the problem here lies in the fact that these pieces (as you work on your PC) will not be nearby, but scattered throughout the disk (this scatter is called fragmentation), and collecting them takes time.

Defragmentation is a process that allows you to organize all these pieces on the disk, placing them close to each other. As a result, the speed of reading files from the disk increases, which speeds up the performance of both your PC and, in fact, your work.

How often should I defragment, and in general, how do I know if I need it now?

A difficult question... The fact is that it is hardly appropriate to talk about any specific period here, it all depends on how and how much you work on your PC (the more often and the more information you record/delete, the more often you need to do this), what file system is on the disk (for example, on NTFS fragmentation does not have such a strong impact on the speed of operation, and therefore defragmentation can be carried out much less frequently than on FAT 32).

I will also add that SSD drives (which have become very popular in Lately) you don’t need to defragment it - you won’t get any performance gains, and you’ll also shorten its “life” somewhat.

To analyze disk , it is best to use a special utility - (the details of working with it will be discussed below). She will give you another result within a minute: in my case, for example, the fragmentation was about 6.8% - and she recommends fast defragmentation. Well, I have to agree...

Do I need to defragment an NTFS drive?

In general, if you compare the FAT 32 and NTFS file systems, then the disk with the first file system needs to be defragmented more often than with the second (it’s just that the structure of the file systems is different, and on one of them fragmentation affects the speed of operation, on the other the effect is much less) .

However, no matter what, after defragmenting the HDD with NTFS, it will still work somewhat faster and more responsive. Therefore, this operation makes sense. Especially when it comes to discs with Windows and computer games (where the well-known glitch with a slight “freezing” for a moment while reading information from the disk can infuriate you) .

Do all drives need to be defragmented, or just the one with Windows on it?

The one on which Windows is highly desirable (if you have several disks with the OS, then of course they are worth it). I will also add that this also applies to those disks on which programs, games, etc. are installed (note: some simply divide the disk into 2-3 logical partitions and install some programs not on the partition with the system).

Perhaps you shouldn’t defragment disks on which you have regular movies, music, or some rarely used files.

Note!

How to defragment

What to do before defragmentation!

firstly, deleting all unnecessary files (programs, games, movies, etc.);
secondly, clean the disk from “garbage” and empty the recycle bin (the best utilities for auto-cleaning garbage are here:).

What does this give: because. There is less information on the disk, and defragmentation will be faster (since there will be no need to transfer extra “pieces” of information from one place to another). In addition, cleaning out “excess junk” has a positive effect on the responsiveness and performance of your system as a whole.

Using Smart Defrag

IObit Smart Defrag

This is a relatively small utility that has won the trust of millions of users around the world. By the way, one of the best utilities for disk defragmentation! Its main advantages:

unique algorithms for ultra-fast disk defragmentation (by the way, you can separately defragment large files or free space, optimize games, or perform defragmentation when the system boots);
you can manually specify specific folders and files for defragmentation;
the main options in the utility are free;
supports Russian language;
good interface: everything is in its place, convenient, many tips, everything is designed for an untrained user;
improves hard drive performance;
automatic operation possible;
There are also additional options for cleaning the disk from debris.

And so, I will assume that you have the Smart Defrag utility (the program installation is standard). After starting the program, you will see all your disks in the main window. First, check the boxes of all the drives that you want to analyze (I also recommend checking the boxes in the settings next to the “Cleaning” item). The screenshot below shows how this is done ☺.

The Smart Defrag program will begin its work: within 1-2 minutes it will analyze your disk and assess the degree of fragmentation. What is most captivating about it is that it will also give a recommendation on the advisability of defragmentation (in my case, Smart Defrag recommends not to do it).

Note: if Smart Defrag recommends defragmentation, simply select the recommended action and click on the “Smart Defragment” button (see screenshot below).

As an example, here is a screenshot after optimizing my other disk: the program assessed the degree of fragmentation before and after optimizing the disk.

Evaluation "before" and "after" defragmentation

By the way, please note that Smart Defrag has an option to defragment individual folders and files. If you are concerned about the low performance of some individual games, try adding their folders to special. window and defragment them regularly (this should have a positive effect on the speed of access to game files).

Standard Windows tools

In all popular Windows versions(XP, 7, 8, 10) there is a built-in defragmenter. It is, of course, far from ideal (and does not have as many options as the previous utility), but nevertheless, it accomplishes its task...

To launch it, press the button combination WIN+R, in the "Run" window that appears, enter the command "dfrgui" (without quotes), see the example below.

Disk analysis, is defragmentation necessary // Windows 10

After analysis, the optimizer will tell you which disks need defragmentation (see screenshot below “Optimization required”). Then simply select this disk and click the “Optimize” button, and wait for the operation to complete. Good Job! (good job)

We optimize the disk with a standard program // Windows 10

Summary (what to remember)

It is highly advisable from time to time to run defragmentation of the disks on which you have Windows, programs and games installed - this way your system and software will work faster and more responsively;
Do not defragment SSD drives;
The standard defragmenter built into Windows is far from the best the best choice(it is advisable to use third-party utilities);
Before defragmentation - remove everything from the disk extra files, clear the “garbage” (browser cache, temporary files, etc.), empty the trash;
if your PC is slow and no defragmentation helps, check out this article:

That's all I have.

Good luck!

Defragmentation hard disk necessary to combine all fragmented files into groups. Essentially, it arranges certain parts of the file. This allows you to quickly read the data stored in this file when accessing it. Naturally, after defragmenting the hard disk The speed of writing data to this media also increases. After grouping scattered files, groups of free clusters appear, located quite close to each other. Now, to record new information, there is no need to distribute it between different disk.Defragmentation disk has a positive effect on computer performance and operating system speed. Even if a file was written to a newly defragmented disk, there is no guarantee that it will not end up distributed among different sectors. A huge number of operating system files are constantly changing. This means that clusters are cleared and rewritten multiple times. Naturally, new data certain files cannot be written “next to” the file itself. Defragmentation of hard disk It is recommended to perform it at least once a month. Remember that this process reduces the number of required movements of the hard drive read head disk. Considering the fact that hard drives have a certain operating life, defragmentation can extend the life of the hard drive. disk. Defragment your hard drive disk can be done using the standard tools of the Windows operating system or additional utilities. The choice depends on your preferences, but this process is extremely useful, and neglecting it can lead to irreversible consequences.

Video on the topic

To decrease loading processor, first of all, you need to find out which processes consume a lot of computing power. And after that, either unload the unnecessary process from memory, or remove the program from startup.

You will need

Computer, task manager, defragmentation program.

Instructions

First call the operating room task manager windows systems. Then click on the processes tab and see which objects are consuming a lot of processor power. If this is the program you need, then don't touch it. Look for processes that you don't need. Just find out this process first. Just go to a search engine and read its description. This way you can log out of the system unnecessary processes that increase loading .

Then enter the word msconfig in the execute window. Go to the tab. Remove all unnecessary programs that you don't need. After all, they, together with windows, can significantly. You can remove all programs; this will not interfere with the operation of the operating system. Leave only the antivirus.

After completing these steps, look at the result. Loading processor You can look in the tasks in the performance tab. If this is not enough, you should carry out. Excessively fragmented files not only slow down the reading and execution of programs, but also take up a significant portion of productivity processor. If you don't want to defragment everything, then do it on system disk(where windows is installed). This will help take some of the load off processor.

Clean the operating system from temporary files. Use CCleaner program. In some cases, it frees up several tens of gigabytes of space. It also provides a registry cleaning function. Carry out this operation and you will not only get more free space, but also reduce loading processor.

Video on the topic

Helpful advice

If all these steps helped, but the games are running slowly, then update DirectX. This component is designed to effectively manage computer devices in games. WITH using DirectX games can directly use the computer's entire processing power. In this case, the operating system no longer acts as an intermediary and does not increase the processor load.

No matter how large a hard drive is, space on it sooner or later runs out. Of course, you can increase the number of treasured gigabytes in a radical way: by purchasing additional disk. But why go this route if you can still find some space on the disk itself?