If your computer thinks for a long time when accessing any files on your computer, you need to defragment hard drive.
Defragmentation- the process of updating and optimizing the logical structure of a disk partition in order to ensure that files are stored in a continuous sequence of clusters. After defragmentation, reading and writing files speeds up, and, consequently, the work of programs, due to the fact that sequential read and write operations are performed faster than random accesses (for example, for hard drive no head movement required). Another definition of defragmentation is: redistributing files on a disk so that they are located in contiguous areas.
Okay, it has become clear that defragmentation is needed to speed up reading and writing files, but what program should I use? Which one is more effective? These are the questions this article will answer. 5 best programs for defragmenting your hard drive.
Auslogics Disk Defrag (free)
Auslogics Disk Defrag This simple program disk defragmentation. You can defragment multiple drives or select individual files or folders to defragment. Auslogics allows you to set application priority and can shut down your computer after defragmentation is complete if you want to defragment hard disks While you're sleeping, but you don't want to leave your computer on all night. Auslogics Disk Defrag is a free and portable application.
MyDefrag (Formerly JKDefrag) (free)
is an effective tool for defragmenting disks. You can run it in default mode and get not only a defragmented disk, but also an optimized file placement; or you can configure it via scripts and further enhance your disk optimization for your specific tasks. Even without setting up a script, MyDefrag does an excellent job of defragmenting files and moving them to get the optimal location on your hard drive. Files that are frequently used are grouped to improve performance. MyDefrag scans the space allocated for the system and moves files from that space back to more suitable locations.
PerfectDisk Enterprise Suite (paid)
PerfectDisk One of PerfectDisk's biggest claims is its "Space Restoration Technology" feature. In addition to optimizing disks during defragmentation, PerfectDisk controls disk writes to ensure that files are subsequently written in the most efficient manner to reduce subsequent disk defragmentations. PerfectDisk also analyzes your data usage and creates templates that are optimized for your file usage and work style. Can be scheduled or configured to run the program when the computer is in standby mode for continuous defragmentation.
(for free)
From the same company that produces the popular CCleaner and Recuva applications, is a portable defragmentation tool. It can scan multiple drives, as well as individual drives, folders, or individual files for some quick, specific defragments. When Defraggler scans a drive, it shows you all the fragmented files and allows you to either choose normal defragmentation or batch defragmentation.
Diskeeper (paid)
Like PerfectDisk, Diskeeper is equipped additional functions, as a rule, for which you will need to pay. In addition to basic defragmentation functions, Diskeeper can quickly defragment system files at boot, without loading operating system. Diskeeper, like PerfectDisk, has a system for continuously defragmenting files and optimizing new files for disk storage as it runs. When defragmenting multiple hard drives,Diskeeper chooses different algorithms based on the disk, for example, optimizing the operating system in ways other than for storing information.
Order in the computer and in life, friends!
Good afternoon! Whether you want it or not, to make your computer 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 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, enter “defragmentation” in the search bar, and Windows will find the desired link (see screenshot below).
3) Should I defragment? solid state SSD disks?
No need! And even Windows itself (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) Do I need to defragment the disk if it has an NTFS file 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 operation does not drop as much due to strong 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 this faster than the utility built into Windows, and secondly, some utilities can defragment in automatic mode without distracting you from 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 does not have some of the “goodies” that third-party developers have).
7) Should defragmentation be done not on system disk(i.e. on one that does not 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 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 are 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 perform defragmentation (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 the standard utility built into Windows (to open it, use the control panel, see the screenshot below).
3) Start defragmentation
Let's consider running the disk defragmenter built into Windows (since 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 long time (depending on the size of your disk and the degree of fragmentation). 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, a unique thing! 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 background(when the computer is not busy with resource-intensive tasks, which means that the program is running will not constrain 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 carry system files(which need to provide the greatest 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 ordinary home use) and it can be configured to run automatically during PC downtime (i.e., similar to the previous utility).
I also want to note that the program allows you to defragment not only a specific disk, but also individual 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, USB external 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 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 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!
What is hard drive defragmentation? You've probably heard the expression - disk defragmentation? What is it and what is it for? As you know, all information on a hard drive is recorded in so-called clusters. A cluster is a cell of a certain size in which some piece of a file is stored. Just a piece, because... the cluster is very small. The cluster size varies depending on the size of the hard drive and the type of application used. file system.
At hard formatting disk is divided into clusters. Without this procedure, you will not be able to install an operating system on it, which means you will also not be able to work with such a disk.
Each cluster also has sectors. If the file is large, then it is written to clusters in parts. If the hard drive is new or just formatted, then writing to it occurs in a chain (in order).
And if you have been working with this disk for a long time, installing programs or creating new files, and then deleting them, then the chain of clusters is broken. Where particles of a file have been deleted, holes (empty clusters) are formed.
Therefore, the recording of the next file will be scattered across all these “holes”. One part of the file may be at the beginning of the disk, the second in the middle, and the third somewhere at the end of it. This state of the disk is called fragmentation .
Not only does fragmentation begin to slow down the computer, but the hard drive is also not used rationally.
In this case, when you open such a file, the hard disk head begins to intensively search for all parts of this file throughout the disk. Naturally, his work slows down, and Full time job in this mode leads to rapid wear of the read heads.
All this work resembles a turntable with vinyl discs. Only there the head goes in a spiral and the disc (they used to be called records) is played gradually from the outer edge to the inner.
And then the hard drive head jumps from one sector or turn to another, collecting the entire “song” in parts. And thus the head can move first to the beginning, then to the end, then to the middle of the disk until it collects the entire file in order.
And if all the pieces of the file were in order, then the work would be much faster, and wear on the head would also be minimal. It turns out that as we delete, write and rewrite, our hard drive wears out, which has a very bad effect on its “health”.
Is it possible to help the disk work faster and not get sick? Can! To do this, it is necessary to carry out preventive work with it at least once a month, i.e. defragmentation disk . When defragmenting, all parts of files are collected in order and moved to the beginning of the disk. Therefore, the heads will not have to search for them for a long time and strain.
How to defragment a disk
If you are a novice computer user, you can initially carry out this procedure using the built-in Windows utilities Defragmentation .
INWindowsXP it is located at: Start – Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Disk Defragmentation .
On Windows 7 this program is located at: Start – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Disk Defragmenter . The seven has the ability to set a time for automatic disk defragmentation.
Open this program, select your hard drive and click the big button at the bottom Disk Defragmenter . And wait for the result. If you have done a lot of bloat on your hard drive, the first procedure may last several hours. Still depends on the disk space and speed of your computer. It is better to start this procedure at night or when you do not need a computer for work. But this is at your discretion.
In the future it is better to use it for defragmentation third party programs, because They “treat” your disc much better, which means it will “live” longer. There are a lot of such programs on the Internet. I can recommend Defraggler And O&O Defrag Free.
If you use third-party programs, you will be asked to indicate the cluster size. For the NTFS file system, it is better to specify a size of 4 KB.
It is forbidden!
Defragment flash media (flash drives), memory cards and SSD drives. This procedure is disastrous for them.
Video on the topic What is hard drive defragmentation:
I hope that I was able to convey to you the necessary information.
To improve the performance of your computer, you should periodically clean up your hard drives. Defragmentation utilities allow you to move files within one partition so that the components of one program are located in sequential order. All this speeds up the computer.
The best disk defragmentation programs
Today there are several popular instruments to defragment a computer disk. Each has its own advantages.
Defraggler
One of the best free utilities to restore order on computer hard drives. Allows you to optimize the operation of not only the entire disk, but also individual subsections and directories.
Smart Defrag
Another free application to defragment the disk. You can run the application during boot, which will allow you to move system files.
There is a free and paid version of the program. The latter has more advanced functionality. The tool allows you not only to put things in order on the storage medium, but also to check it for errors.
Puran Defrag
It has all the functions of the programs described above. At the same time, it allows you to program a disk defragmentation schedule.
Disk Speedup
A free utility that works not only with disks, but also with files and directories. It has advanced functionality that allows you to set certain settings for defragmentation.
Thus, you can move rarely used program components to the end of the disk, and frequently used ones to the beginning. This significantly speeds up the system.
Program that optimizes HDD several times faster than normal application OS. After starting the program, just select the desired partition and start defragmentation.
An optimization system that includes many functions, including disk defragmentation.
The program has a simple, intuitive interface, as well as the usual functions for such an application, including the ability to check the disk for errors.
The tool allows both beginners and experienced users to work, depending on the program settings. In the latter case, advanced functionality allows you to perform complex operations to optimize the system.
MyDefrag
It's almost complete analogue previous program, created by a single programmer for himself.
Disk defragmentation programs can optimize system performance and improve computer performance. If you want your device to work for a long time, then you should not neglect system utilities and applications. In addition, there are many options for both experienced users and beginners.
