Disk defragmentation: all typical questions from A to Z. Optimizing access to files and folders. How to defragment Removing unnecessary files and programs

Disk defragmentation allows you to optimize the file system, which has a positive effect on computer performance. Most Windows OS users prefer to defragment using standard utility, built into the operating system. However, the standard Windows defragmenter does not always cope with its task 100%, and then they come to the rescue third party programs, such as Auslogics Disk Defrag.

Benefits of Auslogics Disk Defrag

Auslogics Disk Defrag utility is an excellent defragmentation tool and has several significant advantages.

  • The program carries out a deep and thorough defragmentation of the logical structure of the file system and optimizes the operation of the hard drive.
  • Auslogics Disk Defrag has a built-in scheduler, which allows the program to start and run in automatic mode.
  • The program can work with disks of any size without any restrictions.
  • Auslogics Disk Defrag has the ability to selectively defragment individual folders or even files on your hard drive.
  • In addition to defragmentation itself, Auslogics Disk Defrag can also optimize and consolidate free disk space.

Download and Install

Auslogics Disk Defrag is a completely free program, you can download it from the official website of the developer, which is located at: Auslogics.com

At the end of the program installation process, the installer will offer to install Hamster Free ZIP Archiver, so if you do not need an archiver, do not forget to uncheck the corresponding box.

Working with Disk Defrag

Auslogics Disk Defrag has an English-language interface, but since there are not so many functions in this utility, it will not be difficult to understand it. At the top of the program window there is a list of logical partitions on the computer indicating the size, free space and file system type. Having checked the required disks, you should select from the menu located just below, required action: analysis, defragmentation, defragmentation and optimization or fast defragmentation. You can also, if desired, check the box to turn off the computer after the defragmentation process is complete (this can be especially useful if you decide to defragment late at night).

After this, the specified task will be completed. By the way, before defragmenting disks, it is always advisable to first carry out an analysis - the program will analyze the disk and create a map of the file system indicating the level of file fragmentation. Then you can decide whether it’s time to defragment or not yet. The defragmentation process itself looks like this:

Auslogics Disk Defrag Settings

To go to settings Auslogics programs Disk Defrag, you need to open the menu Settings and go to point Program settings.

General settings of the Auslogics Disk Defrag utility are located in the section General. Here you can specify whether the program is minimized to the system tray, whether to launch along with the operating system, and you can also add the Disk Defrag item to the Windows context menu.

Several Yet useful options can be found in the section Algorithms. Here you can configure automatic removal temporary files (delete temporary files before defragmenting), skip fragments larger than, move system files to the beginning of the disk, and defragment in VSS compatible mode.

Scheduled defragmentation

The Auslogics Disk Defrag program allows you to defragment not only manually, but also automatically, according to a schedule. To configure the automatic defragmenter schedule, go to the menu Settings and go to Sheduler.

Check the box Defragment automatically and select the time when defragmentation will run:

  • When the computer is idle.
  • Daily.
  • Weekly.
  • Monthly.

You should also specify which disk partitions should be defragmented on a schedule, whether to defragment when the laptop is running on battery power, and whether to create a report on the defragmentation performed.

Defragmentation of individual files and folders

If you want to defragment only some folders and files on the disk of your computer, then you need to go to the menu Action, go to section Advanced and select the desired action: Defrag file (defragment a file) or Defrag folder (defragment a folder). Then in the window that opens, specify the location of the folder or file and click OK.

Defragmentation programs allow you to rearrange parts of files on your hard drive so that fragments of the same file are located sequentially. This allows the hard drive to read and write information faster.

In other words, defragmentation makes reading a file faster because the hard drive doesn't have to move the read head to do so. Disk controller software will allow you to read the entire file in one go, which will significantly increase the speed of work disk subsystem.
It should be noted that defragmentation and defragmentation software are only useful for systems with hard drives. When using SSD drives, no head movements occur and the controller of such a drive itself takes care of the placement of data blocks, without requiring external intervention.

Although each of the operating rooms Windows systems equipped with its own defragmentation program hard drives, use of third party free software is completely justified, since it allows you to complete this process better and faster.

Note: only free programs are presented here, which are usually enough to perform defragmentation efficiently. Links to programs can be found at the bottom of the article.

Screenshot of Defraggler version v2.20.989 on Windows 8

One of the best free defragmentation programs. It can be either in a version for installation on a hard drive or in a portable version. To reduce operating time, you can specify optimization not only of the entire disk, but also of individual folders.

Defraggler can start working when the computer boots, check the disk for errors, empty the Recycle Bin before starting its work, exclude pre-defined files from the defragmentation process, select rarely used files and move them to the end of the disk to leave its beginning for those files that are used often.

The company that released the program, Piriform, is also known to users for its other popular products - CCleaner (system cleaning) and Recuva (data recovery).

Defraggler can be installed on Windows 10, Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP operating systems, as well as on server families of Windows operating systems.

Screenshot Smart programs Defrag version 5 on Windows

The free program is great for automatically optimizing files on a schedule. The automatic defragmentation settings, even in the free version, are in many ways superior to many of its competitors.

The program allows you to start moving hard disk blocks while the computer boots, thus gaining access to system or pinned ones during normal operation. Windows operation files.

In addition, Smart Defrag allows you to exclude individual files or folders on the disk from the defragmentation process, replace standard application Windows operating system, optimize applications only Windows interface Metro, skip files of a certain size.

In addition, in the settings you can specify the preliminary deletion of unused and temporary files of the operating system and Internet browser Explorer to free up the disk. Cached data is removed to speed up the process and eliminate unnecessary and temporary data.

The program can be installed on computers running Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP operating systems.

Screenshot of Auslogics Disk Defrag version 6 on Windows 7

Auslogic's disk defragmenter software is available in two versions: an installation version and a portable version for distribution on removable media.

Settings allow you to transfer system files Windows and program libraries, as the most frequently used data, are in the areas of the disk that are read the fastest. This setting allows you to increase the overall performance of your computer by reducing system response time.

Like many other software, Auslogics Disk Defrag allows you to start the process while your computer is booting. In addition, the hard drive can be checked for errors using chkdsk, it can be optimized, folders and directories can be added or excluded from the process, background scans can be run, and temporary files can be deleted before starting defragmentation.

Auslogics Disk Defrag, even in its free version, works on almost all user versions of the operating system - Windows 10, Windows 8 and earlier.

Puran Defrag has its own data optimization engine - Puran Intelligent Optimizer (PIOZR). This engine, as the manufacturer claims, intelligently moves files so that they are located as much as possible on external areas hard drives. At the same time, at the same speed of rotation of the disk spindle, the head manages to travel a greater distance per unit time and, by reading more data, ensures high performance of the computer.

Like many other programs on this list, Puran Defrag can defragment files and directories when called context menu right-click in the Explorer window. It can delete various temporary data before optimization to speed up its process; it can work while the computer is booting to access those files that are not accessible in normal mode.

In addition, the software has some specific settings and capabilities. So its work can be started according to a schedule by setting the number of hours of system inactivity after which it needs to be turned on, you can program disk defragmentation during the startup of the Screen Saver (screensaver).

In addition, you can start the process, for example, when you turn on your computer for the first time in a current day, or when you turn on your machine for the first time in a week or month.

Along with undeniable advantages, the program has disadvantages. So many researchers note that Puran Defrag tries to install a number of third-party programs during its installation.

Puran Defrag is compatible with many operating systems. And can be run under Windows control 10, 8, 7 and earlier.


Screenshot of the company's Disk Speedup program © Glarysoft.com

Disk Speedup is another one free program for defragmenting a hard drive, which can work not only with the entire volume, but also with individual files and directories on it. You can start the file optimization process after a specified number of minutes of system inactivity have passed.

The software has some specific settings. This way, you can exclude from processing files with fragments less than 10 megabytes, files consisting of more than 3 fragments, and larger than 150 megabytes. All these values ​​are adjustable.

In addition, large, rarely used files, files of certain formats (for example, video, graphics, archives, etc.) can be sent to the end of the disk, thus leaving small and frequently used data at the beginning of the disk. In this way, you can expect that the HDD head will not have to jump from one area of ​​the disk to another too often in its normal operation, which will lead to an increase in the performance of the system as a whole.

Among other things, Disk Speedup can be launched during system boot, can exclude individual folders and files from processing, automatically turn off the computer when the process is completed on one or more disks, and work according to a set schedule.

Note: Disk Speedup tries to install some other programs from the manufacturer, but this behavior can be stopped during installation by simply unchecking the appropriate boxes in the installer dialog.

The program is declared to work on computers running Windows 8, 7, Vista and other operating systems, including server ones. Independent testers checked the operation of the software on a computer running Windows 10 - everything functioned without any complaints.

Free program from ToolWiz Software. It is characterized by a very fast installation process on a computer and a minimal interface. It is stated that this software can optimize the hard drive 10 times faster than the standard Windows tool. It can move archives to a special slow part of the hard drive, giving small system files quick access.

The program shows the number of defragmented files on the disk, it really does its job very quickly, it can show the overall level of fragmentation, and it can schedule its launch at a later time.

While sometimes it's nice to have a tool that's lightweight and simple to perform a function without being cluttered with unnecessary buttons or settings, sometimes they're very necessary. So Toolwiz Smart Defrag is designed in such a way that almost nothing can be configured in it. If the priority is to find the easiest to use, but effective and quick program- this is one of the best options.

Works under Windows 8 and below.


WinUtilities DiskDefrag is not fully functional specialized program. This is an optimization system that includes, among other things, a disk defragmentation module. However, it is a fairly simple and highly customizable tool.

All the usual features for this class of free programs are present here: work on a schedule, the ability to start while the system is idle, and the ability to control computer power.

In the settings you can set more than 10 behavior options: analysis only, analysis and moving rarely used files to the end of the disk, etc. In addition, you can control approximate time perform optimization, exclude folders and files.

Another feature of the software is the ability to select files and folders to move to a special area on the disk (the SpaceHogs area), where the program tries to place large and rarely used objects. Therefore in manual mode You can flexibly configure your computer so that it works as quickly as possible.

In the settings you can set the need automatic shutdown computer after the defragmentation process is complete.

The hard drive optimization module in the program can be found by selecting the menu item “Modules > Optimize & Improve > Disk Defrag”.

The program works perfectly in operating systems Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.


Free version software O&O Software is distinguished by its simple and well-designed user interface. Even in the free version, it contains most of the features available from competitors - disk optimization, viewing all fragmented disks, checking the disk for errors.

In addition to the ability to run scheduled scans and fixes on a specific day of the week, O&O Defrag Free Edition can be programmed to start running when the screen saver starts.

For those who do not want to deal with the settings, it is possible to launch the settings assistant.

Some of the necessary features are missing in the free version and are present only in the paid version. Therefore, it may happen that when turning on some option, the user will receive a message that in order to obtain this option it is necessary to upgrade to a paid option.

Works under almost all common Windows operating systems. From Windows 10 to 8, 7, Vista. However, in reviews of this software, sometimes there are messages that it was not possible to fully launch it on a particular machine.


Screenshot of UltraDefrag version 7.0.0

The program is intended for both beginners and advanced users. Along with simple settings, there is an option for more complex actions, so regardless of the user’s experience, the program can be used equally effectively.

Most of the functions are similar to other software, but at the same time, if you need to defragment while the computer is booting, you must have basic skills in working with batch .bat files.

There is both a version of the program for installation on a computer and a portable, portable version. In addition, there is a version of the program for 32-bit systems and a version of the Windows defragmentation program for 64-bit Windows systems.

The developer states that the program is intended for Windows 8 and lower operating systems, but testing has shown that it functions perfectly in various options Windows 10 OS.


A program created by a single programmer. Previously called JkDefrag. Like the previous option, it can work both in a simple mode for beginners or undemanding users, and provide complex configuration options to follow the user’s exact instructions.

The program can execute pre-created scripts containing defragmentation tasks. Scripts can be changed (created and edited) by the user himself. Moreover, during installation the program already contains a number of standard scripts. So she can work according to a schedule, analyze the hard drive, isolate free place On him. The default settings are great for those who do not want to understand all this and want to use the program for its intended purpose.

Works under everyone operating systems Windows.

When writing any files to the hard drive, all information is distributed across clusters. If you decide to delete a particular file, the clusters with information will be erased, but instead there will be empty space. This disrupts the order of all files on the hard drive. As a result, when reading information, the hard drive spends much more time searching for the necessary clusters, since they are scattered throughout the media. This leads to a noticeable slowdown of the computer as a whole. This process is called fragmentation.

Defragmentation allows you to restore order in the internal space. This procedure organizes the location of all clusters on the media, moving them close to each other. After this, there is a noticeable increase in performance in resource-intensive applications and games. Let's figure out how to defragment a disk and in what cases it is necessary.

When should you defragment your drive?

If you notice that performance personal computer has fallen significantly, then in this case optimization is required. Long loading of programs, opening files, copying also hint that it’s time to optimize.

What programs are used to defragment a hard drive?

Operating systems XP, 7 and later have built-in software for defragmentation. If you want to perform the procedure one-time, you can use it. However, many note poor performance when using the standard utility. If you decide to use it, then follow these steps:

Let's look at how to defragment a disk using a built-in utility:


Let's look at an example of how to defragment a disk according to a schedule:

  • The standard program allows you to set a regular schedule for defragmentation. In the previous window, click the button Set up a schedule....
  • In the window that opens, select the frequency, day, time and partitions that need to be defragmented.
  • Once the setup is complete, click OK.

Now the turned on computer at the appointed time will carry out automatic start optimization procedures.

During this period of time, there may be a drop in performance as the system is busy with a more important process.

According to the instructions presented, you can defragment your hard drive in Windows XP, 7, 8 and 10. Now let's figure out how to defragment your hard drive using a third-party program.

Optimization using defragmenters

Defragmentation programs system disk quite a bit of. Among them there are both options for advanced users and for beginners. For example, consider a simple utility Defragger, full free version which can be downloaded from the official website of the developers. Download the distribution, install the software and run it. The program cleans disks in OS 7, 8 and 10. To do this, follow the instructions:


By using Defraggler not only defragmentation of the system or external drive. You can also get information about the performance of the media, a list of files, or optimize each folder separately.

How to defragment a disk using Auslogics Disk Defrag

Another utility that allows you to quickly or completely defragment your hard drive. The main program window is very similar to Defraggler, so there should be no problems using it.

Let's look at the startup process:


Now you know how to defragment a hard drive, including an SSD, using standard means Windows or through third party software.

Video on the topic

Good day!

Despite the fact that Windows has a built-in disk defragmenter, there are hundreds (if not more) of similar programs (that do it ten times better!).

The fact is that, in my opinion, Microsoft added it to Windows to have it, and its work is far from ideal (the algorithms are imperfect, there is no detailed schedule and settings, you cannot manually specify specific folders and files, etc.) ...

Addition!

If you don't know what defragmentation is and how to do it, I recommend reading this help article:

The best utilities for HDD defragmentation

❶

IObit Smart Defrag

A very powerful disk defragmenter, which, thanks to its unique algorithms, is capable of maximizing the performance of your disk subsystem!

The program not only defragments the files themselves, but also distributes them on the disk in a special way: according to how often they are used. All operations can be configured to be performed automatically (which means you won’t be distracted and waste time optimizing the system every time).

Smart Defrag is the main window of the program: there are options for disk cleaning, game optimization, etc.

Advantages:

  1. unique defragmentation algorithms (according to the developers, they are among the best in the World);
  2. you can defragment individual folders or files;
  3. game optimization;
  4. it is possible to work according to a schedule;
  5. high safety during operation (if suddenly the electricity goes out during defragmentation, everything will be fine with your data);
  6. there is an option to defragment the disk before booting the system;
  7. thoughtful and user-friendly interface;
  8. The utility is free, and entirely in Russian (even the most “distant” menus with high-quality translation).

Defraggler

Defraggler is a simple, free program to quickly evaluate and defragment hard drives. The utility has everything you need: assessing the state of the disk, analysis, defragmentation separate files(it’s convenient to optimize folders with games), etc.

By the way, the utility automatically determines the type of media (HDD, SSD), which is very convenient if you have several media connected - there will be no need to remember which one is “which” (note: because SSD drives It is not recommended to defragment).

Peculiarities:

  1. defragmentation of individual files (many similar programs allow you to optimize only the entire disk);
  2. there is a portable version that does not require installation (the program can be copied to a flash drive/external HDD and used on any PC);
  3. the utility supports all the latest versions of Windows (including Windows 10);
  4. file files are supported NTFS systems and FAT32;
  5. automatic disk type detection;
  6. After analysis, the utility shows a list of fragmented files (convenient when you do not want to defragment the entire disk).

Auslogics Disk Defrag

This defragmenter differs from others in its compactness and high speed work. The program is rightfully considered one of the best in the World - more than 11,000,000 users have recognized this product!

Peculiarities:

  1. it is possible to defragment both individual files/folders and free space;
  2. allows you to defragment system Windows files(which affects overall performance);
  3. there is an opportunity to work in background, as invisible as possible to the user (i.e. your system will always be in optimal condition);
  4. the program is free for home users;
  5. Supported by all popular OS Windows 7/8/10 (32, 64 bits).

Disk SpeedUp

This utility is from the famous Glary Soft PC optimization set. The utility optimizes disks for their maximum performance systems. Disk SpeedUp can work automatically and according to a schedule, without distracting the user (by the way, you can set at what CPU load the defragmenter will turn off background operation. This option is not found in most other utilities of this kind).

Peculiarities:

  1. automatic mode and work according to a predetermined schedule;
  2. there are options to turn off the PC after defragmentation is complete;
  3. setting the PC load level (CPU and hard drive) to disable background defragmentation;
  4. support for all the most popular file systems: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5, NTFS EFS;
  5. the program has pre-configured templates for work (suitable in most cases);
  6. regular updates and improvements to the program;
  7. support for everyone Windows versions 7/8/10.

MyDefrag (old name: JkDefrag)

Despite the fact that this program was created not by any company, but by a single programmer, it is rightfully considered a leader in its segment.

Judge for yourself: it can work in both simple mode (for ordinary users), and provide complex and detailed settings for advanced. MyDefrag supports various scripts you can create or edit them yourself), can work according to a pre-configured schedule, analyze HDDs and defragment not only busy place, but also free.

There are silent settings - they are suitable for those users who do not want to deal with all this multi-functionality of the utility. By the way, it works in all versions of Windows (XP/7/8/10), fully supports the Russian language.

O&O Defrag

A very powerful and multifunctional utility for optimizing hard drives. Can work with many file systems (FAT, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5), Volume/Stripe Sets arrays, supports background mode, scheduled work, etc.

Peculiarities:

  1. There are 5 defragmentation modes: STEALTH (note: invisible in the background), SPACE (note: free space), COMPLETE/Name, COMPLETE/Date and COMPLETE/Access;
  2. there is an option to start defragmentation when a certain percentage level of fragmentation is reached;
  3. the ability to defragment system files that affect the performance of your system (swap file, registry, MFT, etc.);
  4. availability of a schedule;
  5. pleasant and intuitive interface (even completely novice users can figure it out);
  6. support for all Windows file systems: FAT, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5;
  7. support for Russian and all modern OS Windows 7/8/10.

Puran Defrag

Free defragmenter India. It is distinguished primarily by its high-speed operation (it uses its own unique PIOZR algorithm). As for defragmentation, Puran Defrag can defragment the entire disk, as well as individual folders and files (including setting a schedule, with the ability to limit work during CPU load with extraneous tasks, prioritizing system files).

Puran Defrag - main program window

It will save those users who have little time to maintain the system (or for those who constantly forget about it). So to speak, once you configured Puran Defrag, your system will always be responsive and fast. Comfortable!

Peculiarities:

  1. your own unique algorithm (high-speed and high-quality work);
  2. separate priority for defragmenting system files;
  3. support command line;
  4. the ability to turn off the PC after completing the HDD optimization process;
  5. it is possible to set a schedule for automatic and background defragmentation;
  6. compressing directories to increase system boot speed;
  7. you can defragment individual folders/files from the Explorer context menu;
  8. support for all popular versions of Windows XP/7/8/10 (32 and 64 bits).

That's all.

For additions on the topic - a special merci!

To date find good program, also free, for defragmentation hard drive no problem. All of them cope with their task quite effectively. It would seem that more is needed. Just a little - the ability to defragment individual specific files.

To make it clear, defragmentation is the movement of fragments of information scattered throughout the drive to neighboring areas. The benefits from it are undoubted. The read-write head does not need to make large jumps, which increases performance and reduces overall wear and tear on the drive itself.

Now to the question of why defragmentation of individual specific files is needed. Let's consider this example. The user does not indulge in experimental installation and removal of programs. Does not do video or photo editing. His main working tool Microsoft Word. Which he uses one hundred percent. Every day creating dozens of new files, editing and copying existing ones, and so on.

As a result, the bulk of new fragments will be occupied by Microsoft files Word. So why defragment the whole HDD, if you can limit yourself to office files.

How to defragment individual files.

There is also a way to defragment individual files. free utility Contig. can be found on the manufacturer's website.

Unzip the utility. Since she doesn't have GUI, but works from the command line, put a copy of the utility in a convenient location. In my opinion, the most convenient directory would be C:\Users\username. Why this one? Because when you start the command line, this parameter is specified automatically. All you have to do is add your parameters, this time for the Contig utility.

The basic syntax of the utility is: contig [-v] [-a] [-q] [-s] [filename].

Options:

  • parameter [–v] displays information about file defragmentation operations performed by the utility
  • parameter [-a] fragmentation analysis
  • parameter [-q] translation of the utility into hidden mode, only summary information is displayed
  • parameter [-s] recursive processing of subdirectories.

Now let's set up a utility to defragment office files located in the "My Documents" directory. That is, all files with the .docx extension located in the folder will be defragmented.

contig -s C:\Users\username\Docunents\*.docx.

Another option for the utility is to create a new file that has already been defragmented during the creation process.

The syntax for creating such a file is: contig [-v] [-n filename length].

In this case, the utility for defragmenting individual files will itself find free space on the media and optimize the file in adjacent areas.