Defragmenting your hard drive is required for. Truth and myths about hard drive defragmentation. How to defragment your disk - step by step
Good hour!
If you want it or not, but for the computer to work faster, you need to carry out preventive measures from time to time (clean it of temporary and junk files, defragment it).
In general, I can download that most users very rarely carry out defragmentation, and in general, do not pay due attention to it (either out of ignorance, or simply out of laziness) ...
Meanwhile, doing it regularly - you can not only speed up your computer a little, but also increase the service life of the disk! Since there are always a lot of questions regarding defragmentation, in this article I will try to collect all the main things that I myself encounter quite often. So...
FAQ. Defragmentation questions: why, how often, etc.
1) What is defragmentation, what is the process? Why do it?
All files on your disk, while writing to it, are written sequentially in chunks to its surface, they are often called clusters (this word, probably, many have already heard). So, bye HDD empty, then the clusters of the file may be close, but when the information becomes more and more, the scatter of these pieces of one file also grows.
Because of this, when accessing such a file, your disk has to spend more time reading information. By the way, this scatter of pieces is called fragmentation.
Defragmentation it is aimed precisely at bringing these pieces together compactly in one place. As a result, the speed of your disk and, accordingly, the computer as a whole increases. If you haven't defragmented for a long time, this may affect the performance of your PC, for example, when you open some files, folders, it will start to "think" for a while ...
2) How often should you defragment your disk?
Enough frequent question, but it is difficult to give an unambiguous answer. It all depends on how often your computer is used, how it is used, what disks are used on it, what file system. In Windows 7 (and higher), by the way, there is a good analyzer that will tell you what to do defragmentation, or not (there are also separate special utilities that can analyze and inform you in time that it's time ... But about such utilities - below in the article).
To do this, go to the control panel, enter "defragmentation" in the search box, and Windows will find the link you need (see the screen below).
3) Do I need to defragment solid state SSD disks?
Not necessary! And even Windows itself (at least new windows 10, in Windows 7 - it is possible to do this) disables the analysis and defragmentation button for such disks.
The fact is that an SSD drive has a limited number of write cycles. This means that with each defragmentation, you reduce the life of your disk. In addition, there are no mechanics in SSD disks, and after defragmenting, you will not notice any increase in the speed of work.
4) Do I need to defragment the disk if it has a file NTFS system?
In fact, it is believed that the NTFS file system needs little or no defragmentation. This is not entirely true, although it is partly true. It's just that this file system is designed in such a way that you need to defragment the hard disk under its control much less often.
In addition, the speed of work does not drop so much from strong fragmentation, as if it were on FAT (FAT 32).
5) Do I need to clean the disk from "junk" files before defragmentation?
It is highly advisable to do this. Moreover, not only to clean from "garbage" (temporary files, browser cache, etc.), but also from unnecessary files(films, games, programs, etc.).
If you clean up the disk before defragmenting, then:
- speed up the process itself (after all, you will have to work with fewer files, which means the process will end earlier);
- make more fast work Windows.
6) How to defragment the disk?
It is advisable (but not necessary!) To install a separate special. a utility that will handle this process (about such utilities below in the article)... First, it will do it faster than the built-in Windows utility, secondly, some utilities can perform defragmentation in automatic mode without distracting you from work (for example, you started watching a movie, the utility, without interfering with you, defragmented the disk at this time).
But, in principle, even the standard built-in Windows program, does defragmentation pretty well (although it does not have some of the "goodies" that third-party developers have).
7) Whether to defragment not on system disk(i.e. one that doesn't have Windows installed)?
Good question! It all depends again on how you use this disk. If you only store movies and music on it, then there is not much point in defragmenting it.
It's another matter if you install, say, games on this disk - and during the game, some files are loaded. In this case, the game may even start to slow down if the disk does not have time to respond to it. As it follows, with this option - defragmentation on such a disk is desirable!
How to defragment your disk - step by step
By the way, there is universal programs(I would call them "harvesters") that can perform complex actions to clean up your PC from junk, delete erroneous registry entries, configure your Windows OS and defragment (for maximum speed!).
1) Cleaning the disk from garbage
For example, I can recommend Ccleaner... Firstly, it is free, and secondly, it is very easy to use and there is nothing superfluous in it. All that is required from the user is to press the analysis button, and then clear the disk from the found garbage (screen below).
2) Removing unnecessary files and programs
At worst, you can use the standard utility built into Windows (to open it, use the control panel, see the screenshot below).
3) Run defragmentation
Consider launching the Windows built-in disk defragmenter (since it eats me by default on everyone who has Windows).
First you need to open the control panel, then the system and security section. Further, next to the "Administration" tab there will be a link "Defragmentation and optimization of your disks" - go to it (see the screen below).
An alternative way to run defragmentation in Windows
1. Open "My Computer" (or "This Computer").
3. Then in the properties of the disk, open the "Service" section.
4. In the service section, click the "Optimize disk" button (everything is illustrated in the screenshot below).
Important! The defragmentation process can take quite a long time (depending on the size of your disk and how fragmented it is). At this time, it is better not to touch the computer, not run resource-intensive tasks: games, video encoding, etc.
The best programs and utilities to defragment your disk
Note! This subsection of the article will not tell you all the features of the programs presented here. Here I will focus on the most interesting and convenient utilities (in my opinion) and describe their main differences, why I chose them and why I recommend trying ...
1) Defraggler
Simple, free, fast and easy to use disk defragmenter. The program supports all new Windows versions(32/64 bit), can work with entire disk partitions or with individual files, supports all popular file systems(including NTFS and FAT 32).
By the way, about defragmenting individual files is, in general, a unique thing! Not many programs can allow you to defragment something specific ...
2) Ashampoo Magical Defrag
To be honest, I like the products from Ashampoo- and this utility is no exception. Its main difference from similar ones of its kind is that it can defragment the disk in the background (when the computer is not busy with resource-intensive tasks, which means that the program does not hinder or hinder the user in any way).
That is called - once installed and forgot this problem! In general, I recommend paying attention to it to everyone who is tired of remembering defragmentation and doing it manually ...
3) Auslogics Disk Defrag
This program can carry system files(which need to provide the fastest performance) to the fastest part of the disk, due to which your Windows OS will run somewhat faster. In addition, this program is free (for regular home use) and can be configured to automatic start during PC downtime (i.e. by analogy with the previous utility).
I also want to note that the program allows you to defragment not only a specific disk, but also separate files and folders on it.
The program is supported by all new Windows OS: 7, 8, 10 (32/64 bits).
This is one of the fastest disk defragmenters! Moreover, this does not affect the quality of defragmentation. Apparently, the program developers managed to find some unique algorithms... In addition, the utility is completely free for home use.
It is also worth noting that the program is very careful with the data, even if during defragmentation any system error, a power outage or something else ... - then nothing should happen to your files, they will be read and opened in the same way. The only thing is, you have to start the defragmentation process again.
The utility also provides two modes of operation: automatic (very convenient - set it up once and forget it) and manual.
It is also worth noting that the program is optimized to work in Windows 7, 8, 10. I recommend to use!
Each of us has ever heard that defragmentation hard disk(HDD) allows for performance gains. What is this - grandmother's tales or a real method?
Most of our society, be it a high-class IT specialist or some Vanya seven years old, knows: observe a few simple rules and your computer will always work fine. These rules also include disk defragmentation, which we began to perform from the very moment mechanical hard drives appeared. However, does this really help keep the computer running, or is defragmentation just another myth on the list of "what to do with a computer to make it work better"?
Preparing for the test
For the purity and safety of the experiment, I used VirtualBox program... I used it to create a virtual partition under Windows control XP SP3 14.9 GB. Next I installed everything windows updates existing as of February 8, 2010. Then I installed MS Office 2007 package with all updates and uninstalled it. Then I copied a lot of photos to disk, then I put some back. I deleted what was left (about 2000 photos in total), then I installed MS Office 2007 and all the updates again. I copied the photos to disk again, deleted them again. Then I used the Fragger program to fragment the space that was left (in total, according to Fragger, the disk is fragmented by 5706 MB). Then I installed defragmenters and did in VirtualBox backup so that all programs have the same starting conditions.
Now I needed to find a performance meter to compare. After a long search, I settled on the free HDTune program. Despite the limited functions, unlike the paid counterparts, the program will give us the 4 parameters that we need: Minimum read speed, Maximum read speed, Average read speed and Average response time.
I personally did not measure the time of each defragmentation, because I started each of them before going to bed and the time did not matter. Looking ahead, I will say that, in my opinion, this is the safest thing. Since defragmentation is a process during which it is undesirable (and sometimes impossible) to use a computer, and which is best done about once a month, it is better to run it when, for example, you go somewhere or go to bed.
Before the very start, a thought occurred to me: what if VirtualBox will affect the test results? I checked to see if the read speed is different outside the shell and inside it. Based on the results, I decided that the inside-shell test winner would be checked by me on my HDD outside of VirtualBox (which I defragmented with MyDefrag recently) to see, firstly, if anything improves and, secondly, if there is a difference. inside and out (especially after such a full-scale preparation).
At the time of the test, the VirualBox version is 3.0.12r54655. HDD model - ST3250410AS with installed Windows XP. Where appropriate, I will also list options within the programs for maximum bang for their buck.
Defragmenters
- Windows XP Default Defragmenter
Results inside the shell
First, I measured the "reference" values. I received them right after Windows installations XP SP3 and all updates. They will represent meanings at the stage of the "fresh" system that everyone has gone through and that they miss like a long-lost brother. The results are as follows:
As a defragmentation reference, I took the defragmenter built into Windows XP. The results were more than impressive. The data was even better than the "fresh" Windows XP. This gave me hope that other programs will cope at least as well, because, according to the statements of the developers, they are all superior to the defragmenter built into the system.
Third party defragmenters
Now that I have an excellent set of samples, I started the rest of the tests. After each recovery, I defragmented the disk, rebooted it and took measurements. I first tested my own defragmenter, which I was using even before starting the tests. Will he remain my favorite? Let's see. Options: Monthly Defragmentation.
The results are surprising. Such a big gain in comparison with the built-in defragmenter in everything except the response time (in this parameter it turned out to be the best in the end, slightly spoiling the statistics for third-party programs).
I found the next candidate by accident while surfing slickdeals.net. Puran Defrag is one of those programs that changed its status from "paid" to "freeware". I decided to see what we were offered to pay money for. Options: Optimize the Whole System with Puran Intelligent Optimize.
The subsequent test I carried out on the program that I used before MyDefrag - Auslogics Defrag. I changed it because it seemed to me not so fast. Will the test confirm this? Options: Delete temporary files before defragmentation, Move system files to the beginning of the partition, Defragmentation and optimization.
Finally, last program I was advised by a forum member from Overclockers.com with the nickname C627627. I had never heard of Vopt before, but its freeness convinced me to add it to the list of tests and check its effectiveness. Options: Tight layout, Move backup files to the beginning of the section.
Out-of-shell results
Before running a series of tests, realizing what multiple erasing and restoring fifteen GB hard drive chunks would do to my disk, I ran the test outside the VirtualBox shell to check the impact of the tests on my HDD (remember that I defragmented my disk earlier with MyDefrag). Here are the results:
It can be seen that, although it is scanty (except for the Min. Reading speed - the gain here is as much as 47.4 Mb / sec!), But the effect is there. Defraggler has confirmed his victory!
Summary statistics
Min. Reading Speed (higher is better)
Max. Reading Speed (higher is better)
Wed Reading Speed (higher is better)
Response time (lower is better)
Outcomes
According to the test results, there is a solid grain of truth in the "grandmother's tale", because the result is amazing. Even using the built-in Windows defragmenter, you can achieve a huge increase in HDD performance.
It is worth noting, however, that the results on other machines, real or virtual, may differ. Even so, I can recommend two third party programs, which showed the best results with a difference of only plus or minus 0.1 Mb / s.
Almost all Windows users, moreover, of any version, they notice that over time the system starts to work somewhat slower than after installation. And this may be due not only to the accumulation of computer debris, but also to the slowdown in access to the hard drive. Defragmentation can help in this situation. The only question is how on Windows 7 to get the maximum performance gain. Let's figure it out together.
What is defragmentation and why is it needed?
To start short review theoretical information... With constant use of the system with the creation or deletion of files and folders, most objects are broken into fragments, and they are not stored in one place, but are scattered throughout the hard drive.
That is why, in order to "assemble" one file from fragments together, the system has to "jump" from one sector to another, which, of course, sometimes takes a lot of time, especially if there are a large number of fragments and file size.
In addition, if the building blocks of the file are located closer to the outer regions of the hard disk, the time to find and read them is much longer than that which is spent performing similar procedures with the inner regions. Thus, the defragmentation process consists in moving the most frequently used files (and their fragments) to the fastest areas of the hard drive and so that these fragments are as close to each other as possible.
But how do you defragment a disk on Windows 7 for the best results? There are several simple methods... Although some of them may differ from each other in the algorithms used.
How to defragment a disk on Windows 7 with a built-in system tool?
In any operating system Windows family, including the "seven", has its own tool (standard defragmenter). You can access it from the usual "Explorer" or any other file manager via RMB with a choice of properties. Defragmenter call through the Start menu and section utilities looks longer and more uncomfortable.
To begin with, on the general tab, it is advisable to clean up the disk, delete all computer junk. You can use some third-party utility for this (this is exactly what allows you to achieve the best effect during defragmentation).
After that, the question of how to defragment a disk on Windows 7 is solved quite simply by using the appropriate item on the service tab. Upon entering standard application first it is recommended to carry out the analysis by clicking on the corresponding button. If the result of fragmentation is at a level of 10% or less, defragmentation can be skipped. Otherwise, you just need to press the start button of the process and wait for it to complete. Depending on the degree of fragmentation and the volume of the hard drive, it may take a lot of time.
How do I defragment a disk on Windows 7 Pro using the Shell?
If you don't like this method, you can use the standard command line, which must be run with administrator rights (cmd in the "Run" console, which is quickly called through the Win + R combination).
How to defragment a disk on Windows 7 in this case? Nothing complicated either. In the console window, you need to write the line defrag C: / W / V and press Enter. The attributes shown are optional. Their full list can be viewed by entering the command defrag /?, and then select the required combination. Accordingly, for other disks or logical partitions, you will need to change the letter, since the command was given above for the system disk.
Application of specialized programs and optimizers
In principle, you do not need to refer to staff resources the system itself, but use special programs like Smart defrag or complex optimizers like CCleaner.
CCLeaner solves the question of how to defragment a disk on Windows 7 quite quickly and easily. In this application, as in any other similar program, you can apply optimization in one click by ticking the disk optimization module before starting scanning and searching for problems, or go to the analysis in the service menu.
The defragmentation algorithm is somewhat different from that used in Windows, and the process itself is much faster in time. This, by the way, can be seen from graphic display the progress of the operation by comparing both options.
Instead of an afterword
Finally, it is worth answering one more question that is asked by some irresponsible users: "How to defragment a disk on Windows 7 through BIOS?" The answer is unequivocal: NO. First, the question itself is posed incorrectly, since participation operating system in the process of defragmentation, in this case, even purely hypothetically, it is not provided. Secondly, there are no such tools in the settings of the primary system.
Finally, to automate the process, so as not to call the defragmenter all the time, you can use the "Task Scheduler" built into the system. You need to create a new task, select standard defragmentation or run the optimizer, and specify the desired execution (start) period.
Hello!
Defragmenting a disk is very simple and, of course, it does not cost 1000 rubles. But not every disk needs to be defragmented. Everything in order ...
Which disk to defragment:
It is necessary and possible to defragment only the HDD disk. Now new computers are fitted with disks made using a different technology - SSD. Defragmentation is strictly prohibited SSD drives! If you are using Windows 8 or higher, the system will detect the SSD by itself (it will say "Solid State Drive"). If you are using Windows 7 and older versions, determine what SSD disk not so easy without special software... Download and run special utility(download, no viruses). In the program window, you will immediately see which disk you have. If it says SATA - such a disk can be defragmented, if it is SSD - in no case is it!
How to defragment a disk:
Well, it is very easy to do disk defragmentation. The only problem is that it can take a long time, so start the procedure when you do not plan to use a computer.
1. Click on the "Start" button, write "Defragmentation" in the search bar, click on "Disk Defragmenter".
2. In the window that appears, select a disk from the list and click "Defragment Disk", the process may take a long time. If the disk says "Fragmented - 0%", then defragmentation is unnecessary. You can also do a disk analysis before defragmentation, this is a quick procedure and it allows you to accurately determine if defragmentation is needed. To start the analysis, click the "Analyze disk" button.
If you need clarification, I will be happy to help! Good luck to you!
The hard drive is one of the most important components of a computer, but not all users pay due attention to it. If the processor, video card fails, random access memory and other components, they can be replaced quite simply, while with a breakdown of the drive, the owner of the computer will lose all his data, which obviously no one wants. To avoid damage to your hard drive, you must carefully monitor it and regularly defragment it.
What is disk defragmentation
The defragmentation process is very simple and very important, but many people forget about the need to carry it out. It organizes the files on your hard drive so that the operating system can access them more easily and quickly when requested.
During the operation of the hard disk, new information... The user downloads files from the Internet, installs programs and games, creates new documents and performs a number of other tasks. When information is stored on a hard disk, it occupies a certain number of free clusters on it. At the moment of deleting, changing, copying files, the clusters are cleared, but there is free space between one file and another on the hard disk. Disk defragmentation is necessary in order to organize the files on the disk, and they were sequentially going one after the other, and there were no free clusters between them.
Disk defragmentation on Windows must be performed because:
Some users are aware of the need for defragmentation, but do not perform it. This is due to the fact that this process very long, and it can take up to a dozen hours to organize files on a large drive. At the same time, the procedure time can be significantly reduced, for this it is enough to perform it on a monthly basis, as recommended by the manufacturers. hard drives... The more often you defragment, the less data on the drive will have to be moved, and therefore the process will be faster.
Important: Defragmentation is only necessary on hard drives with a rotating head, whereas on SSDs it is useless. Defragmentation process solid state drive will only lead to a decrease in the number of rewriting cycles on it, but will not give a performance gain.
How to defragment a disk
To defragment a disk, you need to start the appropriate process. Operating room Windows system contains a special tool that allows you to defragment your hard drive. Unfortunately, it is not perfect, and in most cases it is more convenient to use third-party utilities. Various programs contain their own algorithms for defragmenting the drive. Below we give an example of several such applications and show you how to do the job of organizing clusters using the system tools.
Defragmenting your hard drive using Windows
If you are wondering how to defragment a disk in Windows 10 or more early versions operating system, it is quite easy to do this. To run the standard defragmentation tool, you need to:
Please note that in this menu item you can also configure the "Scheduled optimization". When choosing the appropriate item, it is necessary to set the frequency of the process and the hard disk / disks that will be subjected to it. After that, the system will automatically defragment the drive according to the selected schedule.
Hard disk defragmentation software
There are dozens of applications that allow you to defragment your hard drive. Each of them has its own pros and cons. Some are better suited for large hard drives or storage devices that are installed on servers, while others are better for home use. Below we propose to consider a pair free software for defragment hard disk.
The simplest and convenient application to defragment the hard drive on home computer Is Defraggler. The free version of the program, which can be downloaded from the official website of the developers, does not have wide functionality, but it copes with its main task.
The application is officially localized into Russian, and it allows you to defragment not only the entire disk, but also a separate program or folder. The program also provides an option with fast disk defragmentation.
Auslogics Disk Defrag Free is free version application of the same name from Auslogics. You can also download it from the official website of the developers. The application is slightly more functional than Defraggler, and it does not have a Russian language, which makes it more difficult to work with. At the same time, the program has a number of functions that are not available in the official hard disk optimization tool from Windows and in the Defraggler application.