Download a good program to defragment your hard drive. Review of defragmenters and their comparison
Accessing files on the hard drive takes some time, due to which the computer loses speed while processing the data. In the past, hard drives were a computer's weak point, and file fragmentation slowed down the computer even more.
With the advent of the New Technology File System (NTFS), terabyte hard drives And solid state drives, fragmentation has practically ceased to be a problem, and utilities for disk fragmentation have almost ceased to appear. Almost!
If you are using a traditional one that is almost full and/or highly fragmented, then most likely defragmentation will significantly speed up the system. Continue reading our article and find out when you need to defragment and what tools to use for this.
Why does fragmentation still appear?
No matter what file system you use and how big yours is HDD, fragmentation will still appear. The more files you edit, delete, or write to your hard drive, the more likely it is that:
- The file will become larger than the free space next to it or
- The file will be too large to be stored in one part hard drive.
Auslogics Disk Defrag Free
Auslogics Disk Defrag has an interface very similar to Defraggler. This free utility Not only does it defragment the entire disk and individual files, but it can also optimize the file system by moving system files to speed up your hard drive.
This tool saw 8% of fragmented files, compared to 4% for the Windows tool and 21% for the Defraggler utility. However, it identified slightly more fragmented files than Defraggler (1,867 vs. 1,820). It turns out that the difference in percentage does not necessarily depend on the number of scanned files.
Important: When you install Auslogics Disk Defrag, do not forget to uncheck the Ask toolbar and new home page installation. When you run the program for the first time, it will automatically analyze your system, detect registry errors and show all unnecessary files.
Note that the additional features are designed to require you to download additional software; the tool itself cannot fix registry errors or remove unnecessary files.
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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 the 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 Windows operating system comes with its own program for defragmenting hard drives, using third-party free software is completely justified, as 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 programs for defragmentation. 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 of the program Smart 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 assigned ones during normal operation Windows files.
In addition, Smart Defrag allows you to exclude individual files or folders on the disk from the defragmentation process, replace standard application operating system Windows, optimize only Windows Metro interface applications, 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 browser Internet Explorer to free 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 Windows files 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. Additionally, the hard drive can be checked with using chkdsk for errors, you can optimize it, add or exclude folders and directories from the process, run background checks, and you can delete temporary files 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, according to the manufacturer, intelligently moves files so that they are located as much as possible on the outer areas of the 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 you invoke the right-click context menu in an 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 Disk programs Speedup company © Glarysoft.com
Disk Speedup is another free hard drive defragmenter program that can work not only on the entire volume, but also on 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 a completely 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 the estimated time for 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 disk optimization module in the program can be found by selecting the menu item “Modules > Optimize & Improve > Disk Defrag”.
The program works perfectly in Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems.
Free version software O&O Software has a 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 versions of Windows 10.
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, and allocate free space on it. 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 all Windows operating systems.
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 will automatically launch the optimization procedure at the appointed time.
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
There are quite a few programs for defragmenting the system disk. 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 is carried out. 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
If your computer thinks for a long time when accessing any files on your computer, you need to defragment hard drive.
Defragmentation- update and optimization process logical structure disk partition 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, a hard disk does not require head movement). 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 turn off your computer after defragmentation is complete if you want to defragment hard drives while you sleep but 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 comes with additional features that usually require you to pay for. In addition to basic defragmentation functions, Diskeeper can quickly defragment system files at boot without burdening the 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 drive, such as optimizing the operating system in ways other than storage.
Order in the computer and in life, friends!
Although users prefer to use third-party ones, we recommend the built-in one Windows system 7 and 10 (for Windows XP it is still better to choose an external tool). And there are a number of very significant reasons for this.
1. Saving resources. The built-in defragmenter in Windows does not have additional modules that constantly hang in memory and show us how beautiful they are and what great benefits they bring by showing us hourly lists of files that they defragmented, as third-party products like to do.
2. Unified sorting algorithm, which was chosen by Microsoft (Windows authors). In the absence of comparative tests, it is impossible to understand which file sorting algorithm is better. Therefore, we give preference to the algorithm from Microsoft, since in this case they know better which sorting option is more suitable for their operating system.
3. SSD support. All modern Windows, from 7 to 10, support working with SSDs. The Windows defragmentation program is no exception in this regard - it detects the presence of an SSD drive and automatically skips this drive without defragmenting it. Third-party utilities often claim that SSD defragmentation is necessary and perform some of their own dubious sorting algorithms for this.
4. Scheduled work. The built-in Windows tool can be configured to run automatically. In Windows 7, to do this, you just need to set the day and time to start (you can also configure the computer to automatically turn on for this, and turn off when completed, if you plan such procedures for the night). In Windows 10, everything is even simpler - defragmentation is carried out automatically during system downtime. This happens as part of an optimization process that's built into Windows 10 and starts automatically the moment you step away from your computer.
