How to defragment a disk on a computer. Disk defragmentation on Windows: why you need it and how to do it

Almost all windows users, moreover, of any version, they notice that over time the system begins to work somewhat slower than after installation. And this can be connected not only with the accumulation of computer junk, but also with 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 of the 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 is to move 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 some simple methods for this. 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?

Any operating system of the 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. Calling the defragmenter through the Start menu and the utility section looks longer and more inconvenient.

To begin with, on the general tab, it is advisable to clean up the disk, remove 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 perform the analysis by clicking on the corresponding button If the result of fragmentation is 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 volume of the hard drive, it can take a lot of time.

How do I defragment a disk on Windows 7 Pro using the Shell?

If you do not like this method, you can also use the standard command line, which must be run with administrator rights (cmd in the Run console, which is quickly invoked 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. Them 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 can not use the standard tools of the system itself, but use special programs like Smart defrag or complex optimizers like CCleaner.

The question of how to defragment a disk on Windows 7, CCLeaner solves quickly and easily. In this application, as in any other similar program, you can apply one-click optimization 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 the graphical display of the progress of the operation, if you compare 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 unambiguous: NO. First, the question itself is posed incorrectly, since the participation of the operating system in the defragmentation process in this case, even purely hypothetically, 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 constantly call the defragmenter, 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.

Defragmenting your hard drive is a simple operation that few people perform. And completely in vain. After all, with its help, you can optimize the operation of a computer or laptop, make it faster to open programs and files, and also extend the service life of the HDD storage... Moreover, you don't need to install any additional programs, because it can be made built-in windows tools.

This procedure is performed only for conventional HDD disks. For sSD drives it is not required. This can only accelerate their wear, and will not affect PC performance in any way.

What is disk defragmentation for?

First, let's consider the question of what defragmentation is and why is it needed.

Using a computer, users create new files every day. Windows breaks them down into small chunks (called clusters) and writes them sequentially one after the other. With this arrangement, they are read very quickly, i.e. A PC or laptop runs fast.

During the process of moving, copying and deleting files, these clusters are scattered around the hard disk in a chaotic manner. This process is called fragmentation. And it slows down your PC.

When a user launches a document, it takes a while for the computer to find all the individual pieces and put them together. Only then will it open the requested file. This can take 5 seconds, which is quite a long time.

To return everything to its place (i.e. to place the scattered pieces next to each other), defragmentation is performed. Actually, for this, it is needed - to streamline clusters and optimize PC performance, at least for a while.

Why for a while? Because in the future you will again create, copy and delete documents, and the situation will repeat again.

Don't worry, all your documents, movies, games will remain where you saved them. They will not move anywhere and will not be deleted. This is just how a computer works: it breaks files into pieces and then places them in a specific sequence. The order of the clusters only affects the speed of the PC. And this will not affect the files themselves.

By the way, sometimes users confuse the concepts of "defragmentation" and "formatting". Defragmentation simply orders the clusters. And any external changes You won't notice at all, because all files will remain in their places.

And formatting is complete removal data. For example, today a USB flash drive is often formatted in order to copy it to it later. windows image (from a licensed disk) and make it bootable.

Now that you know what defragmentation is for, let's look at how to do it.

How to run Disk Defragmenter on Windows 7?

At any windows versions there is a built-in defragmenter. And this program is enough to carry out this procedure.

The window of the program that we need will appear.

Typically, by default, a schedule is enabled here so that all local drives are defragmented every Wednesday at 1 am. For home PCs and laptops, this is too common, so you can click the "Customize Schedule" button and uncheck the box. Or select “Monthly” in the “Frequency” item.

Recommended at least once every 1-2 months. Though it depends on how intensively you create and delete files. You can do it provided that the fragmentation is 20% or more (read about this below).

Before proceeding directly with the procedure itself, select any local disk and click Analyze. The system will analyze and show how much% is fragmented. If it is 20% or more, click the "Defragment" button. If less, you can do it later.

How long does it take to defragment a disk? From a couple of minutes to 1-2 hours. It depends on the amount of free space in a particular partition and on the percentage of fragmentation. The smaller the first parameter and the higher the second, the longer it will take.

During the execution of the procedure, it is advisable not to install anything, copy, etc. (it is best to run it when idle). The maximum you can surf the Internet.

This procedure must be done for all local disks in turn (in my case there are 3 of them - C, D and E). After its completion, you can once again conduct the analysis and see the cherished line "fragmented 0%" 🙂

Congratulations, now you know how to defragment a disk on Windows 7. Just do not forget to do it at least once every 2 months.

Defragmenting a disk in Windows 8 is done in much the same way

By the way, if you have an SSD drive installed, then the built-in defragmenter simply won't let you perform this operation. There it will be written - "Optimization is impossible."

When working on a computer running a Windows operating system, it will not be superfluous to periodically defragment the disks of its hard drive. First, this feature is free and provided by the operating system itself. Secondly, its implementation does not require extraordinary knowledge from the user in the field of system optimization. Thirdly, it helps to extend the operating life of the HDD and speeds up the computer. About how the disk defragmentation procedure is performed in Windows 7, what it is for, what it ultimately gives and whether it is necessary to do it at all on your PC - further.

What is hard disk defragmentation

Before figuring out why you need to periodically defragment your disks, you need to understand what lies behind this process. All information stored on the PC is recorded on the hard magnetic disks of the hard drive. They are aluminum or glass plates covered with a layer of ferromagnetic material. In this case, as a rule, data recording is not performed sequentially, but in fragments on different clusters of these same plates. As a result, when starting any program, the read head of the hard drive has to address different sections of the drive plates, thereby reducing the computer's performance.

The undesirable effect of fragmentation gets worse as the hard drive fills up. The more fragmented information, the longer the process of reading it and the slower the computer's work. To fix such problems, a defragmentation procedure was created. It is the process of organizing the information recorded on the HDD. If we talk the right language, then when it is used, the logical structure of the disk partition is optimized. At the same time, there is not only an increase in the speed of the PC, but also the optimization of disk space, that is, the release of free space.

note: if a solid-state SSD is used instead of a hard drive, then it does not need defragmentation, due to the absence of mechanically moving parts in it, that is, a read head, like standard hard drives.

How to defragment a disk in Windows 7 using its regular means

So, we already understood why we need a hard disk defragmentation procedure, but how to run it in the Windows 7 operating system? Everything is very simple. As mentioned above, this function is originally built into the OS and does not require any additional software... Although some will think, and in some ways will be right, that third-party specialized programs are more efficient and easier to use.

To initiate disk defragmentation in Windows 7, you need to go to its properties. To do this, open "My Computer", then select the desired local HDD volume and, by right-clicking on it, call context menu, where you will need to select the appropriate item "Properties".

After that, in the "Service" tab, select the "Disk Defragmenter" section and click on "Defragment".

In the next step, you will again be asked to select the required logical volume and confirm the required action.

How long does it take to optimize disk space? There is no way to unequivocally answer this question, because this process highly individual and depends on many factors. This is the number of selected local volumes, the volume of each of them, the degree of their filling, fragmentation, etc.

How to run Windows 7 disk defragmenter via command line

The next way to start the described procedure regular means Windows is using the command line. It should be borne in mind that in this case it should be run as administrator. To do this, open the "Accessories" folder, which is located in the "Start" menu in the "All Programs" section, and run the required application as an administrator.

Then enter the command "defrag" and press "Enter".

At the end of the procedure, the system will notify you of the successfully completed work and will display brief information about the defragmented volume.

In our case, defragmentation of the system volume "C", on which Windows 7 is installed, did not have any visible effect. The reason for this is the SSD solid-state drive on which the defragmented volume is located.

Defragment Windows 7 Disk in Defraggler

The third way to defragment disks in Windows 7, and in any other version of this operating system, is the use of third-party specialized software, of which there are enough today. We will show an example in the most popular program among users, Defraggler. Unlike the above methods for optimizing disk space defraggler program displays this process more clearly with all the necessary explanations.

We launch the program and select the required logical volume to defragment it.

As you can see from the screenshot, we have selected a logical volume located on a hard drive as an example. In this case, the program immediately checked its status.

As you can see from the screenshot, the program in the process of executing the procedure gives information about how long the defragmentation of the selected disk will take. In fact, these are only approximate figures, which, as a rule, go against real time. In our case, the whole process lasted not 30 minutes, as the program assured us, but an entire hour.

In order to understand what the multi-colored flashing blocks are, you need to open the "Disk Map" tab.

Based on the data presented in it, it can be seen that the information on the disk is initially highly fragmented, while only one game application is installed on the disk. At the end of the process, the picture changes dramatically and the program makes it clear that the logical structure of the disk is optimized.

For fun, and to prove that SSD drives do not require defragmentation, we tried to run this process on the system volume "C". To our surprise, the program returned the following information:

From this it follows that our statement regarding defragmentation of SSD solid state drives has been confirmed.

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 the failure of a hard disk, 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 is the ordering of files on the hard drive so that the operating system can access them more easily and quickly when requested.

During the work of the hard disk, new information constantly appears on it. 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 went sequentially 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 is very lengthy, and it can take up to ten hours to organize files on a volume 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 hard drive manufacturers. The more often you defragment, the less data on the drive will have to move, and therefore the process will be faster.

Important: Defragment 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. The Windows operating 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 earlier versions of the operating system, then this is quite simple. To run the standard defragmentation tool, you must:

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 drives that are installed on servers, while others are better for home use. Below we suggest looking at a couple of free hard drive defragmenter programs.

The simplest and most convenient application for defragmenting your hard drive on your 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 the Auslogics company. You can also download it from the official website of the developers. The application is a little 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 tool optimizing hard disk from Windows and in the Defraggler application.

Disk defragmentation on Windows 7,8,10 is a mandatory and simple operation. Read on and how it will help speed up your computer. The following are methods using built-in OS functions and third party utilities.

What is disk fragmentation and defragmentation?

Many Windows users have probably heard that defragmenting your hard drive will speed up your computer. Let's take a closer look at what fragmentation and defragmentation means and why you should start this process on your PC now.

Fragmentation is the division of disk space into chunks. In simple wordsWhen data is written to a new HDD, all information is divided sequentially (in clusters). After a while, the user copies, deletes, moves data. This provokes the release of space by some clusters and their replacement by others.

The data recorded on the disk can be distributed in “pieces” in different sectors of the drive. This usually happens with various executable files, videos and other media files. After deleting an object or moving it, the disk sector is freed. Over time, various types of information accumulate in neighboring sectors:

As a result, different types data are chaotically scattered throughout the HDD. Reading files becomes slower, which affects overall system performance. Also, a fragmented disk can cause deterioration in the hard drive.

You can fix the problem using the reverse process - defragmentation. The task of the operation is to match all the same type of data pieces and add them to common clusters. All data of the hard disk is distributed "on shelves" and it becomes "easier" for the reading head of the HDD to find information.

What does disk defragmentation do?

• Programs and files open faster;
• Free up hard disk space;
• Overall OS performance is improved.

When and how often should you defragment?

Disk defragmentation on Windows is a process that takes a long time. It should not be performed frequently as it can negatively affect the performance of the hard disk.

The frequency of the process also depends on how often and how you use your computer. For example, if you constantly install new programs, download information, use disk space, do defragmentation windows disk recommended once every 1-2 months. This will maintain a good level of operating system performance.

If you rarely run games, applications, do not store a large amount of data on the disk, you should start the process no more than once every 3-4 months.

Note that there is a concept of fast disk defragmentation on Windows. It only works “on the surface” of the HDD, that is, with those directories and partitions that you use most often. You can run such defragmentation using third-party utilities. They will start the operation every time the computer is turned on. This does not harm the device and keeps it running fast.

Defragmentation methods

There are two ways to start defragmenting hard disk partitions:

• Using Windows services;
• Using third party applications.

The first case is the safest, but long-term. Special programs allow you to defragment faster or run it every time the system is turned on. Before installing the defragmenter utilities, we recommend scanning the executable file with an antivirus.

Instructions for Windows 7, 8, 10

Defragmentation process:

After the process completes, close the command line and restart your computer.

Using the Defragger utility (free)

Defragger is convenient program to defragment the disk. Suitable for everyone versions of Windows.

The utility will scan hard drives immediately after launch. To start defragmentation, select a disk from the list and click on the "Defrag" button at the bottom of the main window. main feature application is the ability to visualize the process of fixing disk space.

The program is distributed free of charge. Other Defragger features:

• Simultaneous scanning of multiple disks;
• Analysis of folders, files and individual applications;
• Choice of batch or regular optimization;
• Disk defragmentation in Russian. You can change the application interface language in the Settings tab.

AusLogics Disc Defrag software (free)

Auslogics Disk Defrag is another popular free program for defragmentation windows disk... With its help, you can simultaneously start defragmentation of several disks connected to the computer.

Also, you can set the priority in scanning and optimizing disks or set up automatic defragmentation. If you are using old version Windows 7, we recommend ticking the "Turn off PC after task completion" box. As a rule, defragmentation of older OS versions can take several hours and it is better not to leave such a system turned on overnight or while the user is away.

Diskeeper Utility (Paid)

Diskeeper is a paid defragmentation utility that offers more disk optimization features and options.

Features of the program:

• Accelerated data processing;
• Defragmentation without loading the operating system. This is possible due to the use of special algorithms of the program code;
• Creation of reports on HDD operation and viewing the history of generating error reports;
• Automatic removal of temporary files and other "garbage" to speed up the operating system;
• Possibility of optimizing the operation of connected USB and CD disks;
• Troubleshoot defragmentation problems.

Why on disks SSD defragmentation you can't do

If your computer does not work with HDD, but with SDD, you do not need to defragment. The speed at which an SSD can process files is independent of how data is written to it.

We recommend disabling defragmentation for such drives. This can be done in the "Optimize disks" window, which is described in detail above. If you do not perform the shutdown process, the SSD will quickly fail, as such drives have a limit on the number of write cycles. Each defragmentation constantly overwrites partitions.

Defragmentation error resolution

If you are unable to start defragmentation, or if you receive error messages while executing a task, follow these steps:

• Discover command line on behalf of the system administrator;
• Enter the command CHKDSK / С (change the letter to the desired one);
• Press Enter to execute. The scan may take several minutes. As a result, a detailed report on the parameters of the drive and the errors detected in its operation will appear on the screen. Error processing and elimination will start automatically.

Also, a defragmentation error may appear due to lack of free disk space. We recommend deleting unnecessary files and applications, and then restart the process again. The HDD must have at least 1 GB of free space for normal operation.

Scan file system antivirus or boot the OS into safe mode and try defragmenting again.

Another type of error manifests itself not in stopping the process, but in the disappearance of files from the disk. This happens when several files are located in the same cluster at once. The problem is typical for older versions of Windows 7. In this case, the system simply deletes all copies of files and frees up memory. It is impossible to return data.

Outcome

For constant monitoring state of tough disk should check the "Optimize disks" window. Remember that the fewer fragmentation percentages displayed in the window, the better the performance of your HDD. Also, before defragmenting the disk, scan it for errors using the Analyze button or using a third-party program.