How defragmentation occurs. How to do a quick or complete disk defragmentation on Windows: all programs and methods
What is hard drive defragmentation? You've probably heard the expression - disk defragmentation? What is it and what is it for? As you know, all information on a hard drive is recorded in so-called clusters. A cluster is a cell of a certain size in which some piece of a file is stored. Just a piece, because... the cluster is very small. The cluster size varies depending on the size of the hard drive and the type of file system used.
When formatting a hard drive, it is divided into clusters. Without this procedure, you will not be able to install an operating system on it, which means you will also not be able to work with such a disk.
Each cluster also has sectors. If the file is large, then it is written to clusters in parts. If the hard drive is new or just formatted, then writing to it occurs in a chain (in order).
And if you have been working with this disk for a long time, installing programs or creating new files, and then deleting them, then the chain of clusters is broken. Where particles of a file have been deleted, holes (empty clusters) are formed.
Therefore, the recording of the next file will be scattered across all these “holes”. One part of the file may be at the beginning of the disk, the second in the middle, and the third somewhere at the end of it. This state of the disk is called fragmentation .
Not only does fragmentation begin to slow down the computer, but the hard drive is also not used rationally.
In this case, when you open such a file, the hard disk head begins to intensively search for all parts of this file throughout the disk. Naturally, its operation slows down, and constant operation in this mode leads to rapid wear of the read heads.
All this work resembles a turntable with vinyl discs. Only there the head goes in a spiral and the disc (they used to be called records) is played gradually from the outer edge to the inner.
And then the hard drive head jumps from one sector or turn to another, collecting the entire “song” in parts. And thus the head can move first to the beginning, then to the end, then to the middle of the disk until it collects the entire file in order.
And if all the pieces of the file were in order, then the work would be much faster, and wear on the head would also be minimal. It turns out that as we delete, write and rewrite, our hard drive wears out, which has a very bad effect on its “health”.
Is it possible to help the disk work faster and not get sick? Can! To do this, it is necessary to carry out preventive work with it at least once a month, i.e. defragmentation disk . When defragmenting, all parts of files are collected in order and moved to the beginning of the disk. Therefore, the heads will not have to search for them for a long time and strain.
How to defragment a disk
If you are a novice computer user, you can initially carry out this procedure using the utility built into Windows Defragmentation .
INWindowsXP it is located at: Start – Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Disk Defragmentation .
On Windows 7 this program is located at: Start – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Disk Defragmenter . The seven has the ability to set a time for automatic disk defragmentation.
Open this program, select your hard drive and click the big button at the bottom Disk Defragmenter . And wait for the result. If you have done a lot of bloat on your hard drive, the first procedure may last several hours. Still depends on the disk space and speed of your computer. It is better to start this procedure at night or when you do not need a computer for work. But this is at your discretion.
In the future, it is better to use third-party programs for defragmentation, because They “treat” your disc much better, which means it will “live” longer. There are a lot of such programs on the Internet. I can recommend Defraggler And O&O Defrag Free.
If you use third-party programs, you will be asked to indicate the cluster size. For the NTFS file system, it is better to specify a size of 4 KB.
It is forbidden!
Defragment flash media (flash drives), memory cards and SSD drives. This procedure is disastrous for them.
Video on the topic What is hard drive defragmentation:
I hope that I was able to convey to you the necessary information.
Disk defragmentation on Windows 7,8,10 is a mandatory and simple operation. Read on and see how it will help speed up your computer. Methods using built-in OS functions and third-party utilities are described below.
What is disk fragmentation and defragmentation?
Many Windows users have probably heard that defragmenting your hard drive will speed up your computer. Let's take a closer look at what fragmentation and defragmentation mean and why you should start this process on your PC now.
Fragmentation is the breaking up of disk space into fragments. In simple words, when data is written to a new HDD, all information is divided sequentially (in clusters). After some time, the user copies, deletes, moves data. This provokes the release of space by some clusters and their replacement by others.
The data recorded on the disk can be distributed in “pieces” in different sectors of the drive. This usually happens with various executable files, videos and other media files. After deleting an object or moving it, the disk sector is freed. Over time, different types of information accumulate in neighboring sectors:
As a result, various types of data are scattered chaotically throughout the HDD. File reading slows down, which affects overall system performance. Also, a fragmented disk can cause deterioration in the performance of the hard drive.
You can fix the problem using the reverse process - defragmentation. The task of the operation is to compare all similar pieces of data and add them to common clusters. All data on the hard drive is distributed “on shelves” and the HDD reading head becomes “easier” to find information.
What does disk defragmentation do?
- Programs and files open faster;
- Frees up space on your hard drive;
- Improves overall OS performance.
When and how often to defragment?
Disk defragmentation on Windows is a process that takes quite a long time. It should not be performed frequently, as it may adversely affect the operation of the hard drive.
The frequency of the process also depends on how often and how you use your computer. For example, if you constantly install new programs, download information, and use disk space, it is recommended to defragment the Windows disk once every 1-2 months. This will allow you to maintain a good level of OS performance.
If you rarely launch games or applications, or do not store a large amount of data on the disk, you should run the process no more than once every 3-4 months.
Note that there is a concept of quick disk defragmentation on Windows. It works only “on the surface” of the HDD, that is, with those directories and partitions that you use most often. You can run such defragmentation using third-party utilities. They will run the operation every time you turn on the computer. This does not harm the device and helps keep it running fast.
Defragmentation methods
You can start defragmenting hard disk partitions in two ways:
- Using Windows services;
- Using third party applications.
The first case is the safest, but takes a long time. Special programs allow you to defragment faster or run it every time you turn on the system. Before installing defragmentation utilities, we recommend scanning the executable file with an antivirus.
Instructions for Windows 7, 8, 10
Defragmentation process:
Once the process is complete, close the command prompt and restart your computer.
Using the Defragger utility (free)
Defragger is a handy disk defragmentation program. Suitable for all versions of Windows.
Immediately after launch, the utility will scan hard drives. To start defragmentation, select a disk from the list and click on the “Defrag” button at the bottom of the main window. The main feature of the application is the ability to visualize the process of reclaiming disk space.
The program is distributed free of charge. Other features of Defragger:
- Simultaneous scanning of multiple disks;
- Analysis of folders, files and individual applications;
- Choice of batch or regular optimization;
- Disk defragmentation in Russian. You can change the application interface language in the Settings tab.
AusLogics Disc Defrag (free)
Auslogics Disk Defrag is another popular free Windows disk defragmenter program. With its help, you can simultaneously run defragmentation of several disks connected to the computer.
You can also set the priority for scanning and optimizing disks or set automatic defragmentation. If you are using an older version of Windows 7, we recommend checking the “Turn off PC after task complete” checkbox. As a rule, defragmentation of older versions of the OS can take several hours and it is better not to leave such a system turned on all night or while the user is away.
Diskeeper utility (paid)
Diskeeper is a paid defragmentation utility that offers more features and disk optimization options.
Program features:
- Accelerated data processing;
- Defragmentation without loading the operating system. This is possible thanks to the use of special program code algorithms;
- Generating reports on HDD operation and viewing the history of generating error reports;
- Automatic removal of temporary files and other “garbage” to speed up the operating system;
- Ability to optimize the operation of connected USB and CD drives;
- Troubleshoot defragmentation issues.
Why you can’t defragment SSD drives
If your computer works not with an HDD, but with an SDD, you do not need to perform defragmentation. The speed at which a solid-state drive processes files is independent of how the data is stored on it.
We recommend disabling defragmentation for such drives. This can be done in the “Disk Optimization” window, the work with which is described in detail above. If you do not disable the process, the SSD will quickly fail, since such drives have a limit on the number of write cycles. Each defragmentation permanently overwrites partitions.
Solving defragmentation errors
If you are unable to run defragmentation or receive error messages while performing the task, follow these steps:
- Open a command prompt as a system administrator;
- Enter the command CHKDSK /C (change the letter to the desired one);
- Press Enter to execute. The scan may take several minutes. As a result, a detailed report about the drive parameters and detected errors in its operation will appear on the screen. Error processing and resolution will begin automatically.
Also, a defragmentation error may appear due to lack of free space on the disk. We recommend removing unnecessary files and applications and then restarting the process again. The HDD must have at least 1 GB of free space for normal operation.
Scan the file system with an antivirus or boot the OS in safe mode and try defragmenting again.
Another type of error does not manifest itself in stopping the process, but in the disappearance of files from the disk. This happens when multiple files are placed on the same cluster. The problem is typical for older versions of Windows 7. In this case, the system simply deletes all copies of files and frees up memory. It is impossible to return the data.
Bottom line
To constantly monitor the health of your hard drive, you should check the “Disk Optimization” window. Remember that the lower the percentage of fragmentation displayed in the window, the better the performance of your HDD. Also, before defragmenting the disk, scan it for errors using the “Analyze” button or using a third-party program.
And this article will discuss the best programs for defragmenting your hard drive. All of them are free, and you can easily find them at the office. developers website (links will be provided). Some of them are in Russian, some are in English. But it is very easy to understand the programs, since they have a simple and intuitive interface. And most importantly: it is the same almost everywhere.
All of the utilities below work on Windows 7, 8 and 10, and some also on XP. And you can install them on any computer or laptop running on these OS.
Do you need a fast defragmenter? In this case, Smart Defrag from IObit is best suited. This is one of the fastest utilities for defragmenting a hard drive, and this does not affect the quality of the process itself. And all because the developers managed to create effective scripts that can significantly speed up the execution time of this procedure on large hard drives. Today this is very relevant - especially considering that HDD drives with a capacity of 1 TB and higher are found on almost all computers and laptops.
The main advantages of the Smart Defrag program:
- 3 modes of hard drive defragmentation - simple, deep, with optimization;
- works in the background (does not interfere with your business);
- high security of files (if the electricity suddenly goes out, nothing will happen to them);
- optimized to work on Windows 7, 8, 10 and XP;
- entirely in Russian;
- free.
By the way, this utility can be configured so that it automatically defragments the hard drive at the right time. And this is very convenient.
Auslogics Disk Defrag
Another excellent free defragmentation program (in Russian) is Auslogics Disk Defrag. This is also a fairly fast defragmenter, which, moreover, takes up very little space. The impressive speed of this process is ensured by the fact that the utility transfers files to the fastest part of the hard drive - and as a result, this has a positive effect on the operation of the OS itself.
Main advantages:
- supports Windows XP, 7, 8 and 10;
- works in the background;
- can run defragmentation automatically.
By the way, it has a distinctive feature - it can defragment both local drives and individual folders with files.
It is recommended to use the Auslogics BoostSpeed program on your computer or laptop. This is an excellent utility for optimizing and cleaning your PC, which has many useful tools - including the above-mentioned Disk Defrag. With Auslogics BoostSpeed you can not only defragment your hard drive, but also clean the registry, speed up the Internet, optimize services, etc.
Defraggler is the best disk defragmentation software. At least that's what many users think. It is very simple, convenient, and most importantly – free.
Its main advantages:
- defragments the hard drive quickly and efficiently;
- supports all versions of Windows (32 and 64-bit);
- entirely in Russian;
- can defragment the registry, as well as individual files.
Also, this defragmentation utility supports automatic shutdown of the laptop or computer after the process is completed. Therefore, you can safely run it at night or before leaving for work.
MyDefragGUI is a simple utility that is an excellent replacement for the built-in Windows defragmenter.
Main advantages:
- effective file defragmentation;
- availability of a task scheduler;
- small size;
- There is a portable version.
In addition, MyDefragGUI can defragment all types of drives - built-in and external hard drives, USB flash drives and memory cards.
Ashampoo Magical Defrag
Another great free defragmenter is Magical Defrag from Ashampoo. By the way, products from these developers are always warmly received by ordinary users, and this utility for defragmenting a hard drive is no exception.
It is a “set it and forget it” program. The developers themselves emphasize that Ashampoo Magical Defrag works quietly and unnoticeably, i.e. starts the defragmentation process only when almost all the resources of the computer or laptop are free. Therefore, you simply won’t notice any glitches or slowdowns.
Instead of a conclusion
Listed above are the top five free (or shareware) programs for defragmenting your hard drive. Therefore, if you do not like the built-in Windows defragmenter (or it does not work for certain reasons), install any utility. Links to them are given above, so you can easily install the program that you like the most.
Personally, I use IObit Smart Defrag. But this is just my opinion.
One of the ways to increase the efficiency of a modern computer is a disk defragmentation program - an application that rationally distributes data across a storage device.
With its help, even an inexperienced user can speed up the computer.
And, if their size has increased, it may turn out that the new information will be placed not in the adjacent sector, already occupied by other data, but in another part of the hard drive.
As a result, the file takes longer to access and the overall program startup time increases.
All this happens gradually, but if the disk has not been defragmented for a long time, the operating speed may drop by 10–20 percent or even more.
Defragmentation is a process that allows you to move parts of files so that they are located contiguously.
This simplifies access to programs by reducing the distance traveled by the read heads of the hard drive. The best programs for defragmentation
Helpful information:
Defraggler
IObit SmartDefrag
The fast Russian program provides file placement in one of the best ways, as it uses the most effective scripts.
Data is placed on the fastest sections of the disk, and the system runs significantly faster.
The main advantages of the application include a high degree of file security, which is not threatened even by a sudden accidental shutdown of the computer while SmartDefrag is running.
In addition, defragmentation can be carried out in three modes (simple, deep and optimized).
O&O Defrag
A well-known program is, if not the best, then at least one of the most popular.
It is often used by advanced users to move parts of files to places where they can work with maximum efficiency.
With the help of O&O Defrag, the performance of a desktop computer, laptop, and workstation can be restored.
The advantages of a defragmenter are:
- Special installers for embedding a custom script;
- Automatically configure defragmentation mode;
- High speed of analysis and optimization;
- Process charts;
- Expanded functionality when working on the network;
- Availability of a multilingual interface (there is also a Russian version);
- Supports all types of Windows, ranging from XP and Vista;
- Automatic selection of bit depth (32 or 64) for better performance in the corresponding operating system;
- Special mode for mobile PCs (netbooks and laptops).
Windows Tools
If for some reason (for example, there is no Internet access, Windows is protected from installing third-party applications, or there is a possibility of infection with a virus), you cannot download the defragmentation utility, you can use the standard program that is built into operating systems.
To access it you need:
- Open the Start menu;
- Start typing the word “defragmentation” in the search bar;
- Go to the corresponding utility that appears in the search results;
- Run disk defragmentation.
The same can be done if in the “Start” menu you first find the “standard” item and then “utilities”.
This method is suitable for Windows 7 and XP. And for Windows 8 and 8.1, you can open the search bar even faster by pressing the Win + Q combination.
Then the defragmentation utility is located in the same way and the process starts.
The need for manual defragmentation
Manual defragmentation is not always practical on some operating systems and modern hard drives.
For example, SSD media not only do not need optimization, but even wear out from frequent use of this process.
Moreover, such disks will not work faster even after defragmentation.
In Windows 7 and later versions, the ability to defragment SSDs is disabled by default, and the standard utility runs automatically from time to time, which is quite enough to optimize the system.
Old versions of Windows require mandatory manual defragmentation. Although this problem can be solved by updating the system.
If this is impossible to do, you will have to use either built-in software or a third-party one - preferably one from the list of the most popular and free ones, since paid applications do not provide any advantage.
Good day!
Despite the fact that Windows has a built-in disk defragmenter, there are hundreds (if not more) of similar programs (that do it ten times better!).
The fact is that, in my opinion, Microsoft added it to Windows to have it, and its work is far from ideal (the algorithms are imperfect, there is no detailed schedule and settings, you cannot manually specify specific folders and files, etc.) ...
Addition!
If you don't know what defragmentation is and how to do it, I recommend reading this help article:
The best utilities for HDD defragmentation
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IObit Smart Defrag
A very powerful disk defragmenter, which, thanks to its unique algorithms, is capable of maximizing the performance of your disk subsystem!
The program not only defragments the files themselves, but also distributes them on the disk in a special way: according to how often they are used. All operations can be configured to be performed automatically (which means you won’t be distracted and waste time optimizing the system every time).
Smart Defrag is the main window of the program: there are options for disk cleaning, game optimization, etc.
Advantages:
- unique defragmentation algorithms (according to the developers, they are among the best in the World);
- you can defragment individual folders or files;
- game optimization;
- it is possible to work according to a schedule;
- high safety during operation (if suddenly the electricity goes out during defragmentation, everything will be fine with your data);
- there is an option to defragment the disk before booting the system;
- thoughtful and user-friendly interface;
- The utility is free, and entirely in Russian (even the most “distant” menus with high-quality translation).
Defraggler
Defraggler is a simple, free program to quickly evaluate and defragment hard drives. The utility has everything you need in its arsenal: assessing the state of the disk, analysis, defragmentation of individual files (it’s convenient to optimize folders with games), etc.
By the way, the utility automatically determines the type of media (HDD, SSD), which is very convenient if you have several media connected - there will be no need to remember which one is “which” (note: since SSD drives are not recommended to be defragmented).
Peculiarities:
- defragmentation of individual files (many similar programs allow you to optimize only the entire disk);
- there is a portable version that does not require installation (the program can be copied to a flash drive/external HDD and used on any PC);
- the utility supports all the latest versions of Windows (including Windows 10);
- NTFS and FAT32 file systems are supported;
- automatic disk type detection;
- After analysis, the utility shows a list of fragmented files (convenient when you do not want to defragment the entire disk).
Auslogics Disk Defrag
This defragmenter differs from others in its compactness and high speed. The program is rightfully considered one of the best in the World - more than 11,000,000 users have recognized this product!
Peculiarities:
- it is possible to defragment both individual files/folders and free space;
- allows you to defragment Windows system files (which affects overall performance);
- it is possible to work in the background, as unnoticeably as possible for the user (so your system will always be in optimal condition);
- the program is free for home users;
- Supported by all popular OS Windows 7/8/10 (32, 64 bits).
Disk SpeedUp
This utility is from the famous Glary Soft PC optimization kit. The utility optimizes disks for maximum system performance. Disk SpeedUp can work automatically and according to a schedule, without distracting the user (by the way, you can set at what CPU load the defragmenter will turn off background operation. This option is not found in most other utilities of this kind).
Peculiarities:
- automatic mode and work according to a predetermined schedule;
- there are options to turn off the PC after defragmentation is complete;
- setting the PC load level (CPU and hard drive) to disable background defragmentation;
- support for all the most popular file systems: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5, NTFS EFS;
- the program has pre-configured templates for work (suitable in most cases);
- regular updates and improvements to the program;
- support for all versions of Windows 7/8/10.
MyDefrag (old name: JkDefrag)
Despite the fact that this program was created not by any company, but by a single programmer, it is rightfully considered a leader in its segment.
Judge for yourself: it can work both in simple mode (for ordinary users) and provide complex and detailed settings for advanced ones. MyDefrag supports various scripts; you can create or edit them yourself), it can work according to a pre-configured schedule, analyze the HDD and defragment not only occupied space, but also free space.
There are silent settings - they are suitable for those users who do not want to deal with all this multi-functionality of the utility. By the way, it works in all versions of Windows (XP/7/8/10), fully supports the Russian language.
O&O Defrag
A very powerful and multifunctional utility for optimizing hard drives. Can work with many file systems (FAT, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5), Volume/Stripe Sets arrays, supports background mode, scheduled work, etc.
Peculiarities:
- There are 5 defragmentation modes: STEALTH (note: invisible in the background), SPACE (note: free space), COMPLETE/Name, COMPLETE/Date and COMPLETE/Access;
- there is an option to start defragmentation when a certain percentage level of fragmentation is reached;
- the ability to defragment system files that affect the performance of your system (swap file, registry, MFT, etc.);
- availability of a schedule;
- pleasant and intuitive interface (even completely novice users can figure it out);
- support for all Windows file systems: FAT, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5;
- support for Russian and all modern OS Windows 7/8/10.
Puran Defrag
Free defragmenter India. It is distinguished primarily by its high-speed operation (it uses its own unique PIOZR algorithm). As for defragmentation, Puran Defrag can defragment the entire disk, as well as individual folders and files (including setting a schedule, with the ability to limit work during CPU load with extraneous tasks, prioritizing system files).
Puran Defrag - main program window
It will save those users who have little time to maintain the system (or for those who constantly forget about it). So to speak, once you configured Puran Defrag, your system will always be responsive and fast. Comfortable!
Peculiarities:
- your own unique algorithm (high-speed and high-quality work);
- separate priority for defragmenting system files;
- command line support;
- the ability to turn off the PC after completing the HDD optimization process;
- it is possible to set a schedule for automatic and background defragmentation;
- compressing directories to increase system boot speed;
- you can defragment individual folders/files from the Explorer context menu;
- support for all popular versions of Windows XP/7/8/10 (32 and 64 bits).
That's all.
For additions on the topic - a special merci!