Hard drive defragmentation: what it is and how to do it. What is hard drive defragmentation and is it necessary?

To speed up your work personal computer, you don’t have to go to the store to purchase new expensive components - you need to defragment the disk using a special utility that will help bring each fragmented file to an orderly state, move important system components to a faster partition, and much more. Inexperienced PC users neglect necessary maintenance, believing HDD a minor component, but the speed of access to various files, including Windows components.

What is disk defragmentation

When you delete programs, games, movies and other large files, they remain on your hard drive. individual elements, occupying a certain space, i.e. fragmentation occurs. The next time a new file starts recording, part of it will be written in one place, then the occupied space will be skipped, another part will be recorded, skipped, and so on in a circle. This will lead to the fact that to gain access, the HDD head will have to move from the beginning to the middle, then to the end, and back, and this significantly slows down the work.

What is it for?

Performing the procedure is necessary to assemble the file together - the parts will follow strictly one after another, being in sequential clusters. So the read head only needs to read a small part, making a small movement to read the entire file. Usage similar utilities especially important for those users who often overwrite files, install games and programs, work with big amount small documents, etc. Thanks to the sequential arrangement, the opening and starting speed will increase by up to 50%.

Why is it useful?

The closer to the initial part of the hard drive the elements of one file are, the faster the opening will occur, and, in some cases, this becomes very noticeable. The same applies to system files - when they are located on the initial clusters, system loading is accelerated, as is the startup of programs, and overall performance. An SSD drive does not need defragmentation, but rather the opposite - its service life will be greatly reduced, because There is a limit on the number of write-rewrite cycles.

How to defragment a disk

Windows OS has a built-in disk defragmenter, which does its job well. It is recommended to run weekly to maintain condition hard drive personal computer in proper condition and avoid unnecessary clutter with small parts of files. You can configure the automatic start mode, when the computer itself turns on the program in right time. The speed of the program is directly affected by many factors, of which the following are worth highlighting:

• technical specifications hardware components of a computer;
• total hard drive capacity;
• amount of occupied space;
• number of write-rewrite cycles performed;
• period since the last defragmentation.

For Windows 7

The built-in defragmenter utility utility for Windows 7 performs defragmentation hard sections disk, but only files, and free clusters remain untouched, although computer performance will still be increased. Automatic mode is present and configured by date, time and frequency. It is recommended to clean before starting local disks from residual debris, for which you can use the system or one of free utilities and check system registry.

The function can be activated by going to – Start – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools. The second method is Computer – right-click on the logical drive – Properties – Tools tab – Defragment. After clicking the start button, a program window will open where you can select one of the following:

• set up a schedule;
• analysis;
• defragmentation.

During the analysis they will be checked sectors of hard disk for the presence of fragmented files, and the report will be provided as a percentage. It is recommended to have at least 15% free space on your hard drive, because... in its absence, defragmentation can take a very long time for a long time, and the efficiency will decrease significantly. Have some not busy place on system disk and used for storing information is always necessary - if you fill it completely, you may encounter slower operation of the entire computer.

For Windows 8

The program in Windows 8 is practically no different in its functionality and capabilities from previous version. There is also the ability to set up a schedule, and the process takes a lot of time, much more than when using third-party quick utilities. To access it you need to press Win+E, click on logical drive left mouse button, top tab Management, item Optimize.

For Windows 10

This operating system installed on most modern laptops. The storage medium used here is either an SSD drive, which does not need to be defragmented, or a small HDD, where the situation is completely opposite. A small hard drive undergoes fragmentation much more quickly, which reduces the speed of performing any tasks. It is difficult to set up automatic defragmentation here, because the laptop turns off when it is not being used to save battery power, and the best option will launch it every time manually.

To open Disk Optimization, you must do the following - Explorer - This Computer - right-click on the disk - Properties - Tools - Optimize. Here, again, you can analyze the disk for the presence of fragmented files and their percentage, start the optimization process itself, or set up a schedule. The more often defragmentation-optimization is performed, the less time subsequent runs will take.

Disk defragmentation programs

There are also alternative programs with a more understandable and user-friendly interface and some additional features. The utilities are free, and to use them you only need to download the file and install. Some in automatic mode will replace the standard disk defragmenter, which is convenient because no need to turn it off yourself Windows Services, which not every beginner can do.

Defraggler

The utility can defragment the disk not only completely, but also separate folders and even files. This will help in cases where the speed of a specific application is important, and not the entire computer. The program works with any file systems. It is possible to automatically transfer large files closer to the end of the disk. The operating speed is very good, and all information about the hard drive is presented clearly.

Ashampoo Magical Defrag

The utility has a minimalist design - the elements are presented in a single window, with virtually no settings and with a small amount of information. There are no additional functions, and the work takes place in background, turning on during those periods when the computer is idle, in sleep mode, etc. In some cases this is very convenient, because... computer resources are not always used 100%, for example, when watching a movie or working in office programs, you can use the HDD and processor to service the disk.

Auslogics Disk Defrag

The program has several key features, which distinguishes it favorably from other proposals. It not only defragments files, but also organizes existing free space, which takes a lot of time. Able to optimize itself system files, speeding up access to them. It is possible to configure a schedule or work in the background without loading all computer resources.

MyDefrag

Distinctive feature program - it replaces the screensaver, i.e., when the computer goes into standby mode, if the hard drive needs to be defragmented, the process begins. The work will be optimized as much as possible, and the files will be in an orderly state. The program only requires initial setup, after which it will function automatically.

Smart Defrag

IObit's product is able to always maintain order in the files on your hard drive. The utility uses a special algorithm that performs partial defragmentation at system startup, and the boot time increases slightly and only if Windows is installed on it. There is a smart distribution function, where frequently used files are distributed closer to the beginning and are accessed faster. The work speed is good, even with large quantities files and their fragmentation.

Video

Hello, dear friends! Many people have probably heard more than once about such a thing as defragmentation computer disk

But on own experience I know that almost no one or very few users do it. The reason is simple - they don’t know why this long and tedious process is needed, that is, what determines the need to use it in general.

Today I will tell you why this defragmentation is needed and how (and with what programs) it can be performed, where and why.

So, let's get started.

Why is defragmentation of computer disks necessary?

How often should you defragment hard drives?

It all depends on how intensively you use the hard drive: copying, installing, deleting, transferring, etc., etc., information, but personally I recommend defragmenting it at least once a month.

Sometimes this process should be set to use on a schedule, that is, a script (or program) does defragmentation on the fly, say, once a day. This may be necessary on systems where frequent work with files, for example, file servers large companies.

How to defragment a hard drive?

In the most Windows There is a built-in defragmenter, which, in general, can also be used. However, I do not recommend doing this for the simple reason that it copes with defragmentation rather poorly, which is why the final performance suffers. Therefore, I recommend using third-party programs, and there are quite a few of them.

What is the difference between defragmentation programs?

IN different programs, different analysis algorithms and, accordingly, the quality of subsequent defragmentation. Due to sometimes weak algorithms, not all defragmenters (as well as the built-in one) are able to well identify the fragmentation of files, the location of fragments of these files, and also adequately put them in order, collecting them together.

In general, it's not a matter of third party capabilities programs (such as scheduled defragmentation, etc.), namely in quality itself.

Personally, I use a powerful defragmenter O&O Defrag Free, or, when you’re too lazy to install, something simpler, like Defraggler. I wrote about both in detail in the articles “Program for defragmentation” and “”.

Afterword

Now you know why defragmentation is needed and how to do it. I will touch on this topic more than once, telling you about good (especially Russian and free) defragmentation programs.

As always, if you have questions, additions, or anything else like that, please write in the comments to this article.

Stay with me ;)

Good afternoon! Whether you want it or not, in order for the computer to work faster, you need to carry out preventive measures from time to time (clean it of temporary and junk files, carry out defragmentation).

In general, I can say that most users very rarely carry out defragmentation, and in general, do not pay due attention to it (either out of ignorance, or simply because of laziness)…

Meanwhile, by 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. Questions about defragmentation: why do it, how often, etc.

1) What is defragmentation, what is the process? Why do it?

All files on your disk, while being written to it, are written sequentially in pieces onto its surface, often called clusters (many have probably already heard this word). So, while the hard drive is empty, file clusters can be nearby, but when there is more and more information, the scattering of these pieces of one file also increases.

Because of this, when accessing such a file, your disk has to spend more time reading the information. By the way, this scattering of pieces is called fragmentation.

Defragmentation is aimed precisely at collecting these pieces compactly in one place. As a result, the speed of your disk and, accordingly, the computer as a whole increases. If you have not defragmented for a long time, this may affect the performance of your PC, for example, when opening some files or folders, it will begin to “think” for a while...

2) How often should you defragment the disk?

Enough frequently asked question, but it’s difficult to give a definite answer. It all depends on how often you use your computer, how it is used, what drives it uses, what file system it has. 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 notify you in time that it’s time... But about such utilities - below in the article).

To do this you need to go to control Panel, V search bar enter “defragmentation”, and Windows will find the desired link (see screenshot below).

3) Should I defragment? solid state SSD disks?

No need! And even Windows itself (by at least, new Windows 10, in Windows 7 - this can be done) disables the analysis and defragmentation button for such disks.

The fact is that an SSD disk has a limited number of write cycles. This means that with each defragmentation, you reduce the life of your disk. In addition, in SSD drives there are no mechanics, and after defragmenting, you will not notice any increase in work speed.

4) Is it necessary to defragment the disk if it contains files? NTFS system?

In fact, there is an opinion that the NTFS file system practically does not need 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 defragmenting a hard drive under its control is required much less frequently.

In addition, the speed of work does not drop so much from severe fragmentation as if it were on FAT (FAT 32).

5) Is it necessary to clean the disk of junk files before defragmentation?

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 complete earlier);
• you will do more fast work Windows.

6) How to defragment a disk?

It is advisable (but not necessary!) to install a separate special. a utility that will deal with this process (about such utilities below in the article). Firstly, it will do it faster than the built-in Windows utility, secondly, some utilities can perform defragmentation automatically, without distracting you from your work (for example, you started watching a movie, the utility, without disturbing you, defragmented the disk at this time).

But, in principle, even the standard one, built into Windows program, does defragmentation quite well (although it doesn’t have some of the “goodies” that third party developers).

7) Should I defragment a disk other than the system disk (i.e., the one on which Windows is not 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 begin to slow down if the disk does not respond to it in time. As it should be, with this option, it is advisable to defragment such a disk!

How to defragment a disk - step by step steps

By the way, there is universal programs(I would call them “harvesters”) that can carry out complex actions to clean your PC of junk, remove erroneous registry entries, configure your Windows OS and defragment it (for maximum speed!). You can talk about one of them .

1) Cleaning the disk from debris

Programs for Windows cleaning -

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 click the analyze button, and then clean the disk from the found garbage (screen below).

2) Removing unnecessary files and programs

By the way, it is advisable to remove programs via special utilities: (by the way, you can use the same CCleaner utility- it also has a tab for uninstalling programs).

At worst, you can use standard utility, built into Windows (to open it, use the control panel, see screenshot below).

3) Start defragmentation

Consider running the built-in Windows defragmenter disk (because by default it eats me of everyone who has Windows :)).

First you need to open control Panel, then section system and safety. Next, next to the tab “ Administration" there will be a link " Defragmentation and optimization of your disks"- go over it (see screenshot below).

An alternative way to run defragmentation in Windows

1. Open “My computer” (or “This computer”).

3. Then in the disk properties, open the “Service” section.

4. In the service section, click the button “ Optimize disk"(everything is illustrated in the screenshot below).

Important! The defragmentation process can take quite a while 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 to run resource-intensive tasks: games, video encoding, etc.

The best programs and utilities for disk defragmentation

Note! This subsection of the article will not reveal to you all the capabilities 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 them...

1) Defraggler

A simple, free, fast and convenient disk defragmenter. The program supports all new Windows versions(32/64 bit), can work both with entire disk partitions and with individual files, supports all popular file systems(including NTFS and FAT 32).

By the way, regarding defragmentation of individual files - this is, in general, unique item! Not many programs can allow you to defragment something specific...

2) Ashampoo Magical Defrag

To be honest, I like products from Ashampoo- and this utility is no exception. Its main difference from similar ones of its kind is that it can defragment a disk in the background (when the computer is not busy with resource-intensive tasks, which means that the program is running and will not hamper or interfere with the user in any way).

What is called - once installed and forgotten 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 move system files (which need to be the fastest) to the fastest part of the disk, thereby speeding up your Windows operating system somewhat. In addition, this program is free (for ordinary 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 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).

4) MyDefrag

Developer's website: http://www.mydefrag.com/

MyDefrag is a small but convenient utility for defragmenting disks, floppy disks, and USB external devices. hard drives, memory cards and other media. Perhaps that’s the only reason I added this program to the list.

The program also has a scheduler for detailed settings launch. There are also versions that do not require installation (it is convenient to carry with you on a flash drive).

5) Smart Defrag

This is one of the most fast defragmenters disks! 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 treats data very carefully, even if something happens during defragmentation. system error, a power outage or something else... - then nothing should happen to your files, they will still be read and opened. The only thing is that you will have to start the defragmentation process again.

The utility also provides two operating modes: automatic (very convenient - set it up once and forget it) and manual.

It is also worth noting that the program is optimized to work on Windows 7, 8, 10. I recommend it for use!

The defragmentation process certain cases helps speed up your computer because it merges and groups files, which increases their reading speed. However, defragmentation does not always help improve PC performance.

How fragmentation works

When writing a file to hard drive it is divided into several segments to make it easier and faster to record. But such a breakdown has Negative influence on the speed of reading information from the disk, since there may be empty space between fragments, which is also read. If the disk is too big process fragmentation, that is, many “broken” files, there is a risk unstable work operating system and/or the drive itself.

Why doesn't Windows write the entire file right away, rather than in parts? This is all explained by the fact that the hard drive is also divided into sectors that have a limited capacity, and we should not exclude the fact that the recording speed is also limited. As a result, the easiest way is to write a file into several sectors and combine them into a cluster. However, at this stage there is a difficulty, since neighboring sectors may contain data about files that are not in use (for example, they were deleted).

Defragmentation collects all files into one array or cluster, which speeds up reading speed and increases system stability. Also, during this procedure, data about unused files to free neighboring sectors for their subsequent merging into an array with the main sector.

The need for defragmentation and tools to perform it

If you have an HDD installed, then defragmentation is mandatory at least once every few months. Otherwise, you may experience deterioration in your computer's performance. various errors, long recording/reading of information on a specific hard drive. However, frequent defragmentation also does not bring anything good for the disk.

Users who have an SSD drive installed should know that there is no need to defragment it, since this will not increase performance, but will speed up the process of wear and tear on the drive. This feature SSD drives are due to the fact that data is written to and read from it differently than from an HDD.

To carry out the defragmentation procedure, the built-in Windows functionality, although there are also programs from third-party developers that offer wider functionality. Third-party software can be paid or free (shareware). But we should not forget that third party programs, which claim to "optimize your PC" may harm your computer or be just unnecessary junk.

Carrying out defragmentation

Defragmentation should only be done if the disk really needs it. Fortunately, modern HDD drives (especially those with a capacity of 1 TB) and versions of the operating system try to record as efficiently as possible large files, thereby reducing the need for this procedure to 2-3 times a year.

But if you begin to notice that the computer has begun to work slower, especially if the time for opening programs, transferring files from one folder to another, etc. has increased, then it is worth carrying out a special analysis and optimizing the hard drive (the latter only if it will be needed). Step-by-step instruction to perform this procedure by staff using Windows as follows:

Despite the fact that defragmentation can be done in the background, it is best to do it manually and not use the computer until it is finished, or do some simple work on it (working in text files, listening to music, etc.).

Instructions for SSD drives

If you have an SSD installed, then defragmenting it is strictly not recommended. Firstly, it is not needed, since the process of writing, reading and storing information is different from the HDD. Secondly, SSD is faster wear out if they are regularly defragmented than HDDs.

Based on this, it is better to completely disable automatic defragmentation for this type of media so that Windows does not run this process in the background. The instructions in this case look like this:

To summarize the article

• Solid drives (SSDs) do not need to be defragmented;
• It is advisable to disable scheduled defragmentation or set the frequency of defragmentation to no more than once a month;
• Always analyze the disks, and then, based on its data, carry out optimization;
• If the percentage of disk fragmentation is below 5%, then it is better not to perform optimization.

Defragmentation – necessary process to speed up the computer, but it will only be effective if you use it based on all the data received.

06.04.2015

Greetings friends! The topic of this article will be hard drive defragmentation. Mostly beginners do not know about this process, which is what causes the hard drive to fill with fragments.

On each hard drive of each computer user, thousands of files are saved and the same number are deleted. In their place, thousands of files are again installed, and then deleted with the same number.

Let me now try to explain this process in understandable human language.

Let's say you have bookshelves in your room. On each shelf all the books are sorted by name i.e. from A to Z.

The hard drive is in the same condition without fragments. But one day, all the books were mixed up, the sorting order was disrupted and, ultimately, a complete house. The hard drive containing fragments is in approximately this state.

The newly purchased computer works with high speed and productivity. Over time, the computer begins to slow down over time. In such situations, if you observe that the hard drive begins to crackle and operate noisily, this signals one thing, it is time to perform defragmentation (reverse fragmentation)

Defragmenting a hard drive on Windows 7 is done in two ways:

Let's look at the first way to use the built-in program. This method has significant disadvantages. The process does not defragment some system files and the process itself takes a very long time.

Let's go start open all programs, then move on standard choose official Select the one that opens from the list Disk Defragmenter

Basically, in all cases, this partition is the system partition (the partition where the operating system is installed windows system).

After selecting, click Analyze disk. When the analysis is complete, click disk defragmentation.

Defragmentation of hard disk with Auslogics Disk Defrag Free program

It's convenient free program, which will help defragment your hard drive, while at the same time increasing the performance of your computer, which improves your performance.

This program has a number of advantages over analogues:

• Optimizes system windows files located on the hard drive to increase system speed.
• The developers have provided one feature that allows defragmentation of one folder or one file
• The program has very useful mode idle time that works automatically
• This program optimizes free space on your computer
• Flexibility in setting parameters hard drive defragmentation Convenient and intuitive interface

This program is being improved every month. In this article we will look at the version of the program

Auslogics Disk Defrag Free 5.4.0.0. The counter for this program has reached 11,000,000 users.

While writing an article this version programs only for English language.

Auslogics Disk Defrag Free 5.4.0.0 can be downloaded from the official website.

When installing, no special knowledge or effort is required, we produce normal installation. Launch the program

and preferably makes adjustments in the settings to improve the defragmentation result.

Let's go to settings(settings) open program settings(program settings) go algorithm ( algorithms ) . Next, insert a check mark in all items.

• Delete temporary files before defragmentation - this function allows you to clean your hard drive of debris stored on it,
• due to which it frees free place on disk. These files (garbage) are a sufficient number,
• to slow down the hard drive defragmentation process.
• Skip fragments larger than 10MB - fragments with such memory increases the reading time.
• Defragmenting such fragments does not provide any benefit except that it will only waste time.
• Move system files to the beginning of the disk - this function allows you to move those files forward
• on which the speed of the process and time depend. The structure of a hard drive is as follows highest speed
• readout is located at the beginning of the hard drive.
• Defragment in VVS - compatible mode - this feature prevents the growth of the VVS saving area,
• which occurs when moving files and reduces the risk of copying previous VVS data.

When setting these settings, the speed of the defragmentation process improves.

Hard drive defragmentation process

Open the program, select the section, this is basically system partition(C), click right button mouse select Analyze(c).

After analysis, the program will reveal a map of results and tell you whether defragmentation is necessary.

The red cubes on the map are fragments. If the message Advice defragment disks appears at the bottom of the results, this means that the program recommends defragmentation. And if there is no message, we leave everything as is; there is no limit on the number of fragments on the disk.

Basically if the result shows fragments less than 10% then state of hard disk is good.

The process takes from 5-15 minutes, it mainly depends on how many files are on your hard drive.

1. If you defragment your hard drive frequently, you will increase the wear and tear on the drive.
2. So I advise you to do defragmentation if necessary.
3. During the defragmentation process, leave the computer alone. Due to this, defragmentation time is reduced.
4. If for some reason you need a computer, you can use the program with the priority set to low.
5. To do this, go to settings, hover your mouse over defragment priority and select Low priority.
6. For the process to proceed normally, I advise that the disk has free space of 10% of the total memory.

Scheduler defragmentation function.

There are times when your computer is always on. In this case, it is better to use a scheduler.

To enable the scheduler, go to settings(settings) click scheduler(Cluster Map).

Mark the section defragment automatic(Defragment automatically) ticked. Next we configure this function according to your conditions.

Example settings:

• When selecting the When PC is idle mode, select the time.
• Every day mode (daily) - set the time for daily checking.
• Weekly mode - set the day for defragmentation.
• Monthly mode - select the day and time to start the process.

If you install the scheduler on a laptop it will not work when using battery.

Attention: for the scheduler to work, Auslogics program Disk Defrag Free must be in active mode those. should be running.

In order for the program to start along with windows, go to settings(settings) select program settings(programm settings) and go to the tab are common(general) check the box as in the picture.

That's all the question is: how to do it hard drive defragmentation to uncover. If you have any questions, write comments. I hope the information was useful!