Download a program for defragmentation. Disk defragmenters for Windows computers. Programs for defragmenting hard drives

Defraggler- a utility that performs Windows defragmentation disks and individual files. The program is an effective and convenient means of increasing the productivity and speed of any computer.

The program is produced by a British company Piriform, known for developing popular computer applications. Download Defraggler available for free on our website via the official link; the utility, while highly functional, is distinguished by its modest distribution size ( less than 5 MB), does not require installation and supports Russian version.

What does Defraggler do?

Defragmentation consists of optimization location individual fragments files on your hard drive, arranging them in a logical row without empty space. The process allows you to reduce the time of access to information and significantly speed up the operation of the system. It is recommended to carry out defragmentation system disk at least weekly, and the rest - once every few months, depending on the load.

Defraggler, compared to the standard Windows system utility, defragments faster and more thoroughly, speeding up system performance by 35%. An important reason to download Defragler for Windows, it is possible to defragment the entire disk, as well as separate folders and even files, which is important for large data sets (movies, etc.). The program is extremely easy to use, clear and has a pleasant visual design. Portable version will ensure its operation from removable media.

Features of the Defraggler defragmenter

Defraggler provides the following features:

  • Selecting the desired disk, folder, file;
  • Carrying out an analysis of the structure and errors of the selected area;
  • Performing quick/deep defragmentation of content or free space;
  • Display of external drives (SSD, USB);
  • Planning automatic start process;
  • Defragmentation system files when turning on the device.

Download Defraggler in Russian and it is possible to run defragmentation for stationary computers And laptops with operating systems Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP and architecture x86/x64.

And this article will discuss the best programs for defragmentation 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 hard defragmentation disk, 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.

Main advantages Smart programs Defrag:

  • 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 great one free program for defragmentation (in Russian) – 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 - best software to defragment the disk. 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 everything Windows versions(32 and 64 bit);
  • entirely in Russian;
  • can defragment the registry, and also separate files.

This defragmentation utility also supports automatic shutdown 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 hard drive defragmentation 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.

All file systems store information in small clusters, so placing any file requires not just one cluster, but a fairly large number of them. When writing a file, the OS provides the required number of free clusters, but it is not at all necessary that the allocated clusters will be located sequentially. Of course, when initially copying files to new hard disk they will be written to adjacent clusters. But after some time, when the file size increases during the process of editing them (when at a certain stage the clusters allocated for a specific file will not be enough to write it) or when writing large files to an already quite full disk, which simply does not have the required number of adjacent free clusters, the files will end up fragmented. Over time, the number of fragmented files, as well as the degree of their fragmentation, increases. This process occurs most quickly when files are actively overwritten (with frequent saving and deleting of files, moving files and folders, active installation/uninstallation of applications), as well as when working with a disk that is more than half full. Fragmented files remain fully functional, but they are slower to read because each time you open such files, the system is forced to search for all fragments of the file, which slows down its response time. In addition, severe disk fragmentation (due to the increased use of read heads, which require many movements across the disk to read all parts of fragmented files) can lead to a reduction in its service life. Therefore, it is periodically necessary to resort to the process of disk defragmentation. To defragment disks, you can use the built-in Windows utility program Windows Disk Defragmenter, called by the command "Start" > "Programs" > "Accessories" > "System" > "Disk Defragmenter". This program is based on an outdated commercial version of the Diskeeper package and allows you to defragment volumes formatted in the FAT, FAT32 and NTFS file systems. The scanning depth during its operation is quite large, and most files are defragmented, but in terms of performance this solution is noticeably inferior to many alternative packages, and the range of settings in it is limited to the bare minimum. In addition, Windows Disk Defragmenter requires at least 15% of free disk space to operate (and it can be much less) and places files without any optimization, while in some similar solutions Certain optimization technologies have been implemented that allow for some gains in file download speed. In addition, this defragmenter does not merge all the free space of the volume - as a result, the likelihood of a rapid increase in the level of disk fragmentation in the future remains. And the possibilities for automating the defragmentation process in this program are limited. Therefore, it is much more convenient to use other defragmenters, some of which we will consider in this article, but first we will dwell on several features of the defragmentation process itself.

Features of hard drive defragmentation

  1. Most defragmenters can reorganize files in the background, but it is still unlikely to be possible to use resource-intensive applications, so it is wiser to run the defragmentation process when there is no activity on the computer (for example, at the end of the working day) or while operations are being performed on the computer. not requiring special system resources.
  2. If the disks are more than 75% full, then to carry out a full defragmentation you need to turn to defragmenters that are less demanding on the amount of free space, and carry out the procedure in two stages - first, carry out a quick partial defragmentation (this will allow you to get larger blocks of free space) and only then - full.
  3. As a rule, for daily (weekly) defragmentation it is wiser to limit quick methods defragmentation - some files will remain fragmented, but in general, access to many of the files will be accelerated. But at the same time, sometimes (as necessary) you should set aside time for complete defragmentation, running it with high priority - preferably in those moments when you are not using the computer. As for the continuous defragmentation mode offered in some defragmenters, its usefulness is a controversial issue. Of course, on the one hand, this approach can actually reduce the need for frequent complete defragmentation. On the other hand, continuous defragmentation leads to increased load on the hard drive, which can shorten the life of the drive.
  4. It is wiser to remove junk files from your computer before starting defragmentation, and also exclude from consideration the system files pagefile.sys and hiberfil.sys, which are used by the system as temporary files and are recreated at the beginning of each Windows session.
  5. In fact, not only user files are fragmented on the disk, but also service files of the operating system - system files and the master file table (MFT), which is a directory of all files on a particular partition and stores records about the location of each file, their attributes, etc. If the defragmenter has built-in functionality for defragmenting the named service files, then, as a rule, MFT defragmentation is performed immediately after enabling the corresponding option, and system files, access to which is blocked by the operating system, only through the so-called offline defragmentation, performed after rebooting the computer, but before Windows starts.

Programs for defragmenting hard drives

List of solutions offered on the market that can be used for defragmentation hard drives, is wide enough. These include both paid packages with wide functionality and free, but quite useful programs. All utilities discussed in the article, with the exception of Paragon Total Defrag, are based on the API (Application Programming Interface, an application programming interface, which is a set basic functions, which a programmer can use to access the functionality of a software component). When using this technology, defragmentation is carried out in the background (this is convenient, since certain access to the computer is preserved), but some small part of the files will remain fragmented (for example, some service files), which, however, in most cases is completely uncritical. Paragon Total Defrag, in addition to background defragmentation, can also perform full low-level defragmentation, which allows you to achieve an almost zero level of fragmentation, but requires exclusive access to the system.

PerfectDisk 10

Developer: Raxco Software, Inc.
Distribution size: 47.6 MB
Spreading: shareware PerfectDisk is one of the best solutions to defragment hard drives. The package supports file FAT systems 16, FAT32, exFAT and NTFS and can work with large volumes reaching several terabytes. It provides defragmentation of entire disks (you can select more than one disk), as well as individual, most fragmented files. The latter is useful if you need to quickly optimize access to, say, a mail database, a video, etc. All files are processed, including large files, system files and the MFT area; the latter can not only be defragmented, but also be re-allocated taking into account optimization. Thanks to the support of Space Restoration Technology, free disk space is also defragmented, which is done by combining free sectors into the largest possible blocks. To operate the utility, a minimum of free space is required (from 1%), and defragmentation of files and free areas is performed in just one pass (and not in two, as is done in many other defragmenters). PerfectDisk can perform defragmentation automatically and manually. In the first case, the utility will independently launch defragmentation according to the specified schedule or when the computer is not active - the latter can be implemented in two ways: through the StealthPatrol mode or screensaver mode. The operation of the utility in automatic mode is configured using a wizard, and it itself works in the background quite unnoticed by the user. Manual defragmentation allows the user to independently manage defragmentation by specifying the scope of defragmentation and the method used. The program is presented in several editions - Home and Professional editions may be of interest to home users. The Professional edition has all the features of the Home edition and additionally includes the Space Explorer and Space Reports modules that provide analysis disk space, and tools for removing temporary and other unnecessary files, as well as duplicate files. The demo version of the program (there is no Russian localization) is fully functional and operational for 30 days. The cost of the commercial version depends on the edition: Home - $29.99, Professional - $39.99. The program has quite a lot of settings, but the intuitive interface allows you to get used to this solution relatively quickly. The program window has three tabs - the "Defragmentation" tab combines tools for analyzing and defragmenting disks, system and user files. The "AutoPilot Schedulng" tab provides the ability to configure automatic defragmentation - according to a schedule, in screensaver mode, or through StealthPatrol mode. The "Product Resources" tab provides access to various types of reference information. Access to the utility properties is provided on any of the named tabs. To run disk analysis in PerfectDisk, open the "Defragmentation" tab, select required disk and click on the "Analyze" button or use the command of the same name from context menu. Based on the results of the analysis, the program will provide very extensive information. For example, after analysis, you can see not only a fragmentation map, but also find out the level of fragmentation of files, directories, free space, MFT, etc., identify the most fragmented files, indicating their size and paths, and receive recommendations regarding the defragmentation strategy in this particular case . You can find out additional information about the number of files on the disk, as well as the most fragmented and “excluded” files (that is, files to which access is prohibited). To defragment disks manually, on the “Defragmentation” tab, select a disk (or several disks), indicate defragmentation method and click on the "Start" button. Three defragmentation methods are provided: simplified defragmentation (Defragment Only Pass), defragmentation using SMARTPlacement technology and by consolidating free space (Consolidated Free Space). With simplified defragmentation, which requires a minimum of time, only those files for which free blocks of the required size are found are defragmented - all other files are skipped, and free areas are not combined into large blocks. When connecting SMARTPlacement technology, free blocks are combined, and files are placed in accordance with their update activity, which allows minimizing their refragmentation in the future. The "Consolidate Free Space" method provides defragmentation of all files and free areas, but without optimizing the location of the files. To speed up defragmentation, individual files can be excluded from consideration by creating a list of excluded files in the disk properties (the "Drive Properties" command from the context menu, the "Excluded Files" tab). It is also possible to delete temporary files before starting defragmentation. If it is necessary to defragment individual files, click on the “Selected Files” button, in the “Defragment Selected Files” window that opens, indicate the files of interest and click on the “Defragment” button.

Defragmentation of system files, access to which is blocked by the operating system, is started by clicking on the "System Files" button and occurs after a reboot. First, in the disk properties (the "Drive Properties" command from the context menu, the "Offline Defragmentation" tab), you need to specify which objects you want to defragment.

It is possible to carry out defragmentation without user intervention, in automatic mode. This is configured on the "AutoPilot Schedulng" tab, where you can, for example, enable defragmentation in screensaver mode, which will ensure that this process is carried out when the user is definitely not at the PC. This is not difficult to do - you just need to specify the disk, select the defragmentation method and determine the frequency of this procedure.

There is functionality for setting a certain defragmentation threshold, upon reaching which defragmentation stops, and managing the priority level - by changing it, it is easy to temporarily block the operation of the utility or, conversely, provide it with greater resources. All this is regulated through the program properties, which can be accessed on any of the tabs.

Diskeeper 2009

Developer: Diskeeper Corporation
Distribution size: 28.5 MB
Spreading: shareware Diskeeper is one of the most popular solutions for defragmenting a hard drive. The package supports file NTFS systems, FAT16 and FAT32, can handle volumes up to 1 TB and provides defragmentation different types files, including large files, system files and MFTs, as well as highly fragmented files containing millions of fragments. However, it is slower than many other solutions. According to the developers, it can defragment disks with only about 1% of free space, but in practice, with such a small amount of space, the utility usually ignores files big size. Diskeeper allows you to defragment your disk automatically or manually. In the first case, the utility works like background application , without interfering with the user’s normal work (this is realized thanks to continuous monitoring using InvisiTasking technology), and independently decides on the defragmentation method, the time of the process (taking into account the degree of fragmentation) and its priority. You can also configure the program to perform defragmentation according to a specific schedule. With manual on-demand defragmentation, the choice of defragmentation method and the priority of this process is made by the user. If necessary, at certain periods of time it is easy to block the defragmentation process manually, and at others (if you are not working on a computer), on the contrary, set the process to a high priority. Manual defragmentation can be carried out in parallel with other actions on the computer, since I/O Smart technology ensures that the defragmentation process is suspended during disk I/O operations. It is possible to simultaneously run analysis/defragmentation not only for one, but also for several disks at once, but there is no defragmentation of folders and files. There is also boot-time defragmentation, designed to defragment the MFT and the swap file. The program is presented in several editions - Home and Professional editions may be of interest to home users. The Professional edition has all the features of the Home edition and can work with volumes up to 2 TB. It also additionally has support for I-FAAST (Intelligent File Access Acceleration Sequencing Technology) optimization technology and FragShield 2.0 tools (they reduce the degree of fragmentation of critical system files and help configure paging files in such a way that fragmentation in the future is less likely). The demo version of the program (partial Russian localization) is fully functional and operational for 30 days. The cost of the commercial version depends on the edition: Home - $29.95, Professional - $59.95. The Diskeeper defragmenter is relatively easy to use, although it has quite a lot of settings, and the interface, which is only partially translated into Russian, is particularly convenient, of course, does not provide. By default, the program window has three panels - two basic horizontal and one additional vertical (the "Quick Launch" panel), which can be easily disabled through the "View" menu. The horizontal panels display disks and operations with them, and the vertical panel contains tabs with reference information. To start analyzing disks, just select one of them (or several at once) and select the “Action” > “Analyze” command from the main menu or the “Analyze” command from the context menu. Based on the results of the analysis, very detailed reports are generated, from which you can not only identify the initial state of the disk and the level of its fragmentation after reorganizing the files, but also, for example, find out what the performance losses were due to the level of fragmentation that occurred. By default, the program enables automatic defragmentation mode for all disks found in the system - to disable it, click on the "Properties" button and uncheck the "Enable automatic defragmentation on the selected volumes" checkbox. Defragmentation is started manually using the "Defragment" command (from the "Action" menu or the context menu). Two defragmentation methods are offered - Quick and Recommended, choice the desired method carried out through the properties of manual defragmentation (button "Manual Defragmentation Properties"). When using the first method (in the Home Edition this method unavailable), less time is spent on defragmentation, but its effectiveness is also lower, since free areas are not merged in this case. In the case of the Recommended method, which is installed by default, the defragmentation process is longer and includes not only defragmentation of files, but also partial consolidation of free disk space. In the same window, you can also activate the function of automatically reducing the defragmentation priority for disk I/O operations (the "Enable I/O Smart" checkbox).

In terms of optimization, Diskeeper implements I-FAAST technology (Professional edition only), which takes into account the degree of activity in accessing files when placing files. In addition, the package provides the ability to more effectively defragment large files - this means their partial reorganization, after which the files remain fragmented, but to a lesser extent (possibly this option useful if the amount of free space is insufficient or there is very little time to carry out the process). An exception is allowed when defragmenting specified files and folders - say, temporary files that will soon be deleted. This is done through the list of exceptions (command "Action" > "Configure Diskeeper" > "Diskeeper Configuration Properties", tab "File Exclusion").

O&O Defrag 11.5 (Professional Edition)

Developer: O&O Software GmbH
Distribution size: 13.6 MB
Spreading: shareware O&O Defrag is a convenient defragmenter with wide functionality. The program supports FAT, FAT32, NTFS and EFS file systems, can work with large volumes reaching several terabytes in volume, and is distinguished by two unique technologies. Thanks to ActivityGuard technology, the utility monitors computer activity and ensures that the defragmentation process is carried out unnoticed in the background, promptly reducing or increasing its activity. And support for OneButtonDefrag technology allows you to fully automate the defragmentation process and carry it out in accordance with user-specified settings when a certain level of fragmentation is fixed on the disk. Defragmentation can be performed on demand or automatically - according to a schedule or when the computer is inactive (screen saver mode - "Screen Saver Mode"). The program works even with fairly small amounts of free space (5%) and allows you to run the defragmentation process not only for one, but also for several or even all disks installed on the computer. There is also selective defragmentation of files and folders, however, it is implemented in a way that is not quite usual for defragmenters - through the Explorer context menu. But it does not provide for the consolidation of free space into a single area. In addition, O&O Defrag may have problems processing individual files if the program cannot find a free disk area of ​​sufficient size - in this case, the utility, having recorded a certain percentage of the work done, “thinks about life” for a long time (if not forever), and the process often has to be filmed. After this, you can get the program working again only by manually starting the O&O Defrag service. So, in our opinion, not everything is perfect in the algorithm of this program. At the same time, in fairness, it should still be noted that if the named problem is not observed on a particular disk, then the program copes with its task perfectly. The demo version of the program (there is no Russian localization) is fully functional and operational for 30 days. The commercial version costs $49.95. In practice, using O&O Defrag is easy. The program window has four tabs - the "Defragmentation" tab combines tools for analyzing and defragmenting disks. The "Jobs and Reports" tab provides management of reports on the work done, the "View" tab provides access to information about the disk and files (disk map, disk status, etc. ), from the "Help" tab you can download updates and view help information. Analysis of selected disks is started by clicking on the "Analysis" button or selecting the "Analyze" command from the context menu. Based on the results, detailed statistics are provided in several versions: in the form of a disk map showing empty space, MFT area, defragmented files, etc. (by clicking on any block, you can see all the files it contains) and a pie chart of disk status indicating the level its fragmentation. The program provides five defragmentation methods, differing in optimization strategies: Stealth, Space, Complete/Access, Complete/Modified and Complete/Name. The first two methods allow you to achieve results in the shortest possible time, but are less effective. These methods are recommended for initial defragmentation of drives that have never been defragmented before. If you select the Stealth method, the program tries to optimize the available free disk space, but not all files are defragmented, and no optimization of their placement is provided. The developers recommend using this method to defragment disks with very a large number files (more than 500 thousand) and/or having a very small amount of free space (5%). The Space method is aimed at increasing the volume of adjacent free areas and ensures defragmentation of all files, but can only work if there is a sufficiently large free disk space and a relatively small number of files; recommended for background defragmentation. Even more free disk space is required in the Complete/Access, Complete/Modified and Complete/Name methods, which provide complete defragmentation of all existing files (including large and system files, as well as the MFT area) with optimization of their placement. The difference between these methods is in the optimization strategies. Thus, with the Complete/Modified method, files are arranged taking into account their modification, which is effective on disks where some files, in particular databases, are regularly modified. And when you select the Complete/Name method, the files are sorted in alphabetical order - this is useful for quick launch system libraries on disks where files are rarely modified. Defragmentation of one or more selected disks is started by selecting the desired defragmentation method from the context menu (or by pressing certain keyboard shortcuts) or for all disks installed on the computer at once by clicking on the "Defragment Computer" button (in the latter case, the Space method is automatically used).

To speed up the defragmentation process, the analysis and movement of individual files can be excluded - such files are specified directly in the program settings (the "Settings" button, the "General" tab).

Offline defragmentation is also provided (defragmentation before the OS starts, which allows you to defragment locked system files) - this mode is enabled in the program settings (the "Settings" button, the "Offline Defragmentation" tab).

Paragon Total Defrag 2009

Developer: Paragon Software Group
Distribution size: 17.4 MB
Spreading: shareware Paragon Total Defrag is a defragmenter offered both stand-alone (in English edition only) and as part of the Partition Manager and Home Expert solutions. The first of these solutions is positioned as a universal tool for working with partitions and data on hard drives and allows you to perform any standard operations with partitions, as well as a number of other actions, including disk defragmentation. The second solution is a software package for hard drive maintenance, which can be used to solve almost any problem that may arise during the operation of a hard drive, quickly and with only minimal computer experience. Both solutions have Russian-language localizations and are offered to Russian users at more attractive prices (490 rubles and 690 rubles, respectively), so purchasing Paragon Total Defrag as part of them is more reasonable. The Paragon Total Defrag program is distinguished by its wide functionality and effectiveness of defragmentation, and at the same time, it is relatively easy to use. It supports FAT16/32, NTFS, Linux Ext2/3 and Linux ReiserFS file systems and, unlike most similar solutions (and in this article - unlike all other utilities), it can perform not only background, but also complete low-level defragmentation systems. As a result, an almost zero level of fragmentation is ensured, and files are placed taking into account the optimization strategy. This process is carried out in exclusive access mode (with a reboot of the computer) to the partition and turns out to be quite lengthy - and there can be no talk of any possibility of access to the computer during this period. During defragmentation, all files are processed, including large (even more than 128 GB) and system files, as well as the MFT area, and the contents of temporary files can be ignored. It is possible to rewrite MFT in a more compact way (MFT compression), which also increases the speed of accessing files on NTFS partitions. Defragmentation is performed with a minimum amount of free space on the disk (1%), and not many defragmenters can work with such a minimum of free space. But it is impossible to use Paragon Total Defrag for any kind of selective defragmentation (defragmentation of folders and files or free space), since nothing of the kind is provided in this utility. There are also no automation capabilities, which, however, is quite logical, since running low-level defragmentation automatically is at least unreasonable. The demo version of the program is operational for 30 days, but has limited functionality- some operations in it work only in virtual mode. The cost of the commercial version is $29.95. By default, the program window has three panels - two basic horizontal and one additional vertical, which can be easily disabled via command menu. The horizontal panels display disks and operations with them (the top panel also has access to help), and the vertical panel contains tabs with help information. The technology for working with Paragon Total Defrag is generally simple. First, you should select the desired disk in the “Disk Map”, and then start the operation of interest - that is, analyze the disk or defragment it, and then patiently wait for the process to complete. True, there are some nuances here - the program performs a preliminary analysis of the disk immediately after selecting it in the disk map, but for a more detailed analysis you will have to use the Partition > Defragment > "Analyze Fragmentation" command. If the disk is not bootable, then the program will conduct such an analysis and display the results without rebooting the system, otherwise it cannot be avoided. In addition to analyzing the disk, you can also test its surface (Partition > "Test Surface"). As for defragmentation (the "Defragment Partition" button or the Partition > Defragment > "Defragment Partition..." command), there are two modes for its implementation - fast mode and slow (Safe mode), which are selected through the program settings (Tools > Settings). By default, “fast defragmentation” (Fast mode) is launched for the selected partition, but if in the current operating system(let's say selected system partition) the program will not be able to obtain the access it requires to the partition, then it will offer to reboot the computer into a special mode. Before rebooting, you will need to determine the settings for the operation, the list of which allows you to refuse to save the contents of the Pagefile.sys and/or Hiberfile.sys files and set the desired data sorting option (sort files according to their size or the time they were last updated).

In the "Fast mode" mode, access to the computer is not blocked, and the operation is carried out relatively quickly and can be stopped if necessary. But when defragmenting in this mode A power outage, hardware failure, or system failure can result in data loss (this is a problem with all defragmenters). If you set the "Safe mode" mode, such a sad outcome of events is completely excluded, since a copy will first be created for each file. True, this will take a lot of time, and there can be no talk of any activity on the computer during the defragmentation period, so it is wiser to run the process at night. Interrupting the process and rebooting the computer when defragmenting in this mode is completely unacceptable. But everything will be reliable, and the results of defragmentation will be better, since the program will be able to access all files. For comparison, recall that when defragmenting in the background (that is, through the API), some part of the files (that is, those files that the program could not access) always remains fragmented.

Vopt 9.12

Developer: Golden Bow Systems
Distribution size: 3.52 MB
Spreading: shareware Vopt is a convenient tool for defragmenting hard drives, which has 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 command line. The demo version of the program (there is a Russian localization) is fully functional and operational for 30 days, after which you will have to pay $40 for the program. The technology for using Vopt does not cause any difficulties. The program has a window without any panels or tabs - just a command menu and a work area. In case of launch on demand, you should select the disk of interest (the "Partition" command) and launch the desired operation by clicking on the "Analysis" or "Defragmentation" buttons. If we're talking about about defragmentation, then you can activate this process for several disks at once - however, only through the command “Defragmentation” > “Multiple partitions”. But this utility cannot defragment individual folders and files. Before starting defragmentation, you can clear the system of junk files (temporary and deleted files, cookies, etc.) using the "Cleanup" > "Cleanup" command. If necessary, the disk analysis/defragmentation process can be stopped; resuming these processes is not provided. Based on the results of disk analysis and defragmentation, brief statistics are provided, and on the disk map, not only empty space, defragmented files, etc., but also hidden metafiles, files excluded during defragmentation, prefetch files, etc. are highlighted in different colors.

There are two defragmentation methods in total: fast - Fastest and slow, but with a deeper reorganization of files - Tighter, in the Russian version they are translated as “Speed” and “Dense”, respectively. The method is changed through the advanced settings (the "Defragmentation" command). Here you can also change the defragmentation priority and enable/disable the checkbox responsible for moving system recovery files to the end of the disk. Exceptions are also allowed when defragmenting individual folders and files (including by mask), as well as large files ("Defragmentation" > "Exceptions"). In addition, in the window opened from the "Status" menu, you can drag individual files with the mouse to another part of the disk space.

Additionally, the utility allows you to check the disk for errors and possible malfunctions, evaluate its performance ("Health" menu), as well as obtain information about the system and change a number of settings in it ("Utilities" menu).

Ashampoo Magical Defrag 2.34

Developer: Ashampoo GmbH and Co KG
Distribution size: 9.9 MB
Spreading: shareware Quite advertised Ashampoo program Magical Defrag is positioned as a solution for continuous defragmentation in real time. Supported by Fragmentation Protection technology, after the initial defragmentation, it provides continuous monitoring of changing files and automatically defragments them immediately after the change, thereby preventing the need for frequent full defragmentation. The demo version of the program (there is a Russian localization) is fully functional and operational for 10 days; if desired, its testing period can be extended to 30 days. The commercial version costs $14.99. Using Ashampoo Magical Defrag couldn't be easier. It is enough to install the utility and forget about it altogether, since, in fact, there is no need to make any settings in it (the program window has only a work area and a simple command menu) - the only thing you need to specify is a list of disks of interest.

The utility will carry out a complete defragmentation without any user intervention, and then continue monitoring changing files and will automatically defragment them, accompanying its actions by displaying brief statistical information.

During its continuous operation, the program runs in the background and loads the system only during idle moments, automatically stopping as soon as the user or one of the programs starts working, and in its latest modification practically does not interfere with work. When testing one of previous versions(we can’t remember which one) work with some applications slowed down significantly, despite the developers’ assurances that this could not possibly happen. So now, in general, everything is quite convenient and practically not burdensome for the user, if not for the very controversial usefulness of continuous defragmentation, since such defragmentation increases the load on the disk, processor, etc., which can lead to their faster wear. If you share such concerns, then the monitoring service responsible for continuous defragmentation can be disabled directly from the program and run defragmentation on demand. True, this will only become possible after an initial complete defragmentation, since the launch on demand option is otherwise simply missing in the program window. Of course, with this approach, the advantage of this utility over other defragmenters (that is, the refusal to frequently carry out full defragmentation thanks to continuous defragmentation) will be completely lost, but nothing can be done... And if Ashampoo Magical Defrag attracts you with its extreme simple interface, then why not, although we would give preference to any other of the solutions considered.

MyDefrag 4.1

Developer: Jeroen Kessels
Distribution size: 1.6 MB
Spreading: The free MyDefrag program (until recently previously known as JkDefrag) is a compact disk defragmentation utility, characterized by an effective algorithm for optimizing file placement and high speed. Can be launched both through the Start menu and the command line with the connection specific scenarios, and also as a screensaver that activates the defragmentation process in case of computer downtime. Of course, you can run almost all of the utilities discussed through the command line, but this program simply has many of its capabilities implemented only in the command line launch mode, so we also focused on this. It is possible to launch MyDefrag automatically through the Windows scheduler. The graphical interface of this utility is more than spartan (a window with a work area and a modest menu), there are minimal settings, and it is impossible to limit the list of analyzed/defragmented disks through it (data on all media is automatically defragmented sequentially). If you wish, you can still run MyDefrag on one drive and even defragment individual files and folders with this utility, but this can only be done from the command line, for which, for example, you should enter the command “C:Program FilesMyDefrag v4.1ScriptsFastOptimize. MyD" C:" (only drive C will be defragmented). In addition, the utility cannot defragment files blocked by the system, but in terms of the effectiveness of defragmenting all other files, it is ahead of many commercial solutions. The program (there is a Russian localization) can be downloaded and used completely free of charge. disk analysis, defragmentation and optimization in MyDefrag are launched separately (different scripts are responsible for them) - if we talk about the graphical interface, then by different commands in the Start menu. For example, disk analysis is activated by the command "Start"\u003e "MyDefrag"\u003e. "Analyze Only". The results of the work are displayed in the form of changing messages in the utility window and are also recorded in the LOG file.

Only file defragmentation can be started without optimizing them (“Defragment Only”), but this is not best idea, since no optimization of file placement will be performed in this case. Optimization is launched separately, and two algorithms are provided - fast (“Fast Optimize”) and slow (“Slow Optimize”). When using the fast algorithm, fragmented files are ignored, the fragments of which are separated only by empty blocks, while the slow optimization ensures that all files are processed without exception. At the same time, the principles of moving files when running the utility through the command line may be different: sorting by modification activity, alphabetically, creation time, size, etc. For example, files are divided into three groups according to the activity of their modification - the most actively used files of the first group are placed at the beginning of the disk (which means that accessing them will be much faster than if they were written in the middle of the disk or at the end), files the second and third groups follow them. In addition, 1% of free space is left between the first and second groups, intended for writing temporary files, which also somewhat speeds up the system. If necessary, the analysis/defragmentation/optimization process can be temporarily or completely stopped.

When you launch the utility via the command line, you can manage a whole list of its settings - for example, it is possible to launch it with low priority, you can exclude individual files and folders when searching, etc.

Auslogics Disk Defrag 2.1.0.25

Developer: AusLogics, Inc.
Distribution size: 1.84 MB
Spreading: free Auslogics Disk Defrag is a simple, convenient and fast-working utility for defragmenting files and organizing clusters. The program supports FAT, FAT32 and NTFS file systems and easily copes with defragmenting most files, but often skips large files- this happens if there are no free sections of the appropriate length on the disk, since the program algorithm does not provide for combining scattered free blocks for this purpose. It also skips system-locked files (particularly the swap file) and MFT files. The program (available in Russian language localization) can be downloaded and used completely free of charge. Using Auslogics Disk Defrag in practice does not cause any difficulties, since its interface is very simple (there is only a work area and a modest menu in the window), and there are minimal settings. Simply turn on the checkbox for the disk of interest and start its analysis ("Action" > "Analyze selected") or the defragmentation process ("Action" > "Defragmentation selected" or the "Defragmentation" button).

Brief results of defragmentation are displayed immediately after its completion in an automatically opened window. In addition, it is easy to get more detailed information about the work done by clicking on the “View full report” link.

At the same time, some control over the program settings is provided. So, to speed up the defragmentation process, before it starts, it is possible to delete temporary files (you need to enable the corresponding checkbox in the settings - command "Settings" > "Program Settings" > "Advanced"), as well as exclude individual files and folders during the operation ("Settings " > "Program settings" > "Exceptions"). It is also possible to defragment individual folders and files ("Action" > ...).

In addition, the program can work on a schedule and supports auto-defragmentation (defragmentation of files when the computer is idle). It also allows you to change the priority of defragmentation, temporarily pause or even stop it if necessary, and can turn off the computer after defragmentation is completed.

Defraggler 1.12.152

Developer: Piriform Ltd.
Distribution size: 865 kb
Spreading: free Defraggler is a very simple and convenient tool for defragmentation, characterized by high speed. The program is extremely easy to manage, does not require any settings and is very compact - to run it you only need one file, which can be copied to a flash drive and subsequently used on any computer without installation. The program supports FAT32 and NTFS file systems and can process even very large files, but skips system-locked files and the MFT area. No optimization is carried out when placing files. The program (available in Russian language localization) can be downloaded and used completely free of charge. The Defraggler window has two horizontal panels that display disks and their operations. The principle of using the program is simple. First, upon request, it analyzes the specified disk (the "Analysis" button) and produces a complete list of files that have fragmentation, and for each file you can see the full path and number of fragments.

And then, also at the user's request, it can defragment the entire disk as a whole (the "Defragmentation" button) or only specified folders or files ("Action" > "Folder Defragmentation" or "Action" > "File Defragmentation"). But you won’t be able to run defragmentation of several disks at once in the program. If necessary, the running defragmentation process can be paused or stopped completely. You can evaluate the results of the program visually - by looking at the disk map, and also by looking at the number of fragmented files on the tab corresponding to the disk.

Moving files during defragmentation can be done taking into account optimization, when large files (all or only those with certain extensions) will be moved to the end of the disk (Settings > Options > Defragmentation). During defragmentation, it is possible to merge free disk space (you will need to enable the appropriate settings for this). And the defragmentation itself is performed in normal or background modes, and upon completion, the program can turn off the computer.

To speed up the defragmentation process, instead of standard defragmentation, you can defragment using accelerated technology ("Action" > "Quick Defrag Drive"), when individual files will be ignored by the program - say, too large or, conversely, too small files, files with more than the specified number fragments, etc. The rules for such restrictions are set in the settings (Settings > Options > Quick Defrag). In addition, you can directly specify files and folders to exclude during defragmentation (Settings > Options > Exclusions).

For experienced users, functionality is provided to automate defragmentation operations via the command line and adjust the INI file using scripts.

Conclusion

We focused on several popular defragmenters. Which one is better? In our humble opinion, PerfectDisk, which provides full-fledged defragmentation with optimization of file placement and full automation of this process, and with a limited amount of free disk space (see table). The option represented by Diskeeper is much less attractive due to its greater slowness and less effective defragmentation. For those who want to achieve a more complete defragmentation, it is wiser to opt for Paragon Total Defrag, since this is the only solution that provides an almost zero level of fragmentation, but then you should immediately be prepared for a very long waiting process and the complete inability to work on the computer during the defragmentation process. If you are interested in a faster solution to the problem, then you should look at Vopt or MyDefrag. The first utility is simply distinguished by its record defragmentation speed, but it is paid. The second also works very quickly and is also free, but, alas, not so convenient. However, it is worth keeping in mind that although both of these solutions are attractive as tools for organizing fast everyday defragmentation (and of fairly high quality), they are unlikely to fully help in complex cases when, for example, free disk space is small. Well, if you need to regularly defragment only a few large files that slow down downloading (videos, email databases, etc.), then a simple and free solution can be to use Auslogics programs Disk Defrag or Defraggler. Of course, similar functionality is also available in PerfectDisk, O&O Defrag and MyDefrag, but the first two utilities are paid, and MyDefrag will have to be launched from the command line to solve this problem, which will obviously not inspire all users. In addition, do not forget that defragmentation (despite all the usefulness of this procedure) is a dangerous thing, since under unfavorable circumstances (say, a power outage), the loss of some data cannot be ruled out, so regular backup of information will never be superfluous. Table. Functionality of third-party defragmenters compared to Windows Disk Defragmenter * Battery Mode - puts the hard drive defragmentation process into standby mode when the laptop is disconnected from the power supply and resumes defragmentation when it is connected to the network.

To improve your computer's performance, you should periodically clean up your computer. hard drives. Defragmentation utilities allow you to move files within one partition so that the components of one program are located in sequential order. All this speeds up the computer.

The best disk defragmentation programs

Today, there are several popular tools for defragmenting a computer disk. Each has its own advantages.

Defraggler

One of the best free utilities to restore order on computer hard drives. Allows you to optimize the operation of not only the entire disk, but also individual subsections and directories.

Smart Defrag

Another free application to defragment the disk. You can run the application during boot, which will allow you to move system files.

There is a free and paid version of the program. The latter has more advanced functionality. The tool allows you not only to put things in order on the storage medium, but also to check it for errors.

Puran Defrag

It has all the functions of the programs described above. At the same time, it allows you to program a disk defragmentation schedule.

Disk Speedup

A free utility that works not only with disks, but also with files and directories. It has advanced functionality that allows you to set certain settings for defragmentation.

Thus, you can move rarely used program components to the end of the disk, and frequently used ones to the beginning. This significantly speeds up the system.

Program that optimizes HDD several times faster than a regular OS application. After starting the program, just select required section and start defragmentation.

An optimization system that includes many functions, including disk defragmentation.

The program has a simple, intuitive interface, as well as the usual functions for such an application, including the ability to check the disk for errors.

The tool allows both beginners and experienced users to work, depending on the program settings. In the latter case, advanced functionality allows you to perform complex operations to optimize the system.

MyDefrag

This is an almost complete analogue of the previous program, created by a single programmer for himself.

Disk defragmentation programs can optimize system performance and improve computer performance. If you want your device to work for a long time, then you should not neglect system utilities and applications. In addition, there are many options for both experienced users and beginners.

Before you choose best defragmenter, you should understand what main function it performs. Files that go to local disk computers are placed quite chaotically. Over time this may cause slow work systems, since, having accumulated in a large volume, various data will interfere with quick reading. This process is called fragmentation. To correct the situation and organize files, defragmentation is used, which redistributes information, freeing up space and reducing the time the system processes data.

Windows 7 OS - on this moment a very popular system that has beautiful design and more convenient to use than its predecessor. However, it is also susceptible to fragmentation, which makes it very important to consider the question of how to choose the best defragmenter for Windows 7. Considering the main contenders, we can highlight the top five.

The first on the list is Diskeeper, which has proven itself well on Windows XP. It not only copes well with its main task, but also makes the fragmentation process more difficult in the future, which has a positive effect on the speed of the system and its programs. According to many experts, Diskeeper is the best defragmenter for Windows 7. It has one very characteristic feature. Even 1% of free disk space is enough for it to work. In comparison, any other application will need at least 5% of clean space to start functioning.

The disadvantages include low operating speed. In fact, it is the slowest defragmenter. And besides, it only works with entire disks, so it won’t be possible to speed up the work of individual sectors.

The O&O Defrag application from German developers is also familiar from Windows XP. One of the generally recognized leaders in the segment. He has a number of distinctive abilities that allow him to act as efficiently as possible. Compresses system files, MFT areas and Works with any file systems, copes well with very large disks. We can safely say that O&O Defrag and Diskeeper are the best defragmenters.

Among the disadvantages of this application, high system load is noted, which makes it difficult to use on weak computers. Very rarely, but still sometimes it freezes during operation and offline defragmentation fails.

The Raxco PerfectDisk defragmenter has proven itself well. It works quite quickly, has several modes and can defragment not only entire disks, but also individual files. The big disadvantage, especially for novice users, is the complex interface.

Ashampoo Magical Defrag. A pretty good defragmenter, but nothing more. It performs its main function better than the standard Windows tool, but it does not stand out in anything special and is much inferior to the applications described above. Unlike the top three, the program is absolutely free.

Auslogics Disk Defrag. This is perhaps the best defragmenter for Windows 7 that you don't have to pay for. Can be used as installed version product and portable. Demonstrates the speed of the system before and after defragmentation. The disadvantages include the relatively low functionality of the program, especially in comparison with commercial versions, but the high speed and efficiency of operation have allowed it to achieve wide distribution.

Each user must decide for himself which defragmenter is better, since each of them has its own weaknesses and