How to Defrag Your Windows Computer

Files stored on a hard drive become fragmented over time, meaning that parts of the files are stored in separate areas of the drive instead of right next to each other. When this happens, it can take longer for the OS to open the file. A defrag can fix this.

While there are lots of free, third-party defragmenters, the Windows disk defragmenter can be used right now without having to download anything since it's built into the operating system.

Read full content : How To Defragment Your Computer Hard Drive

The Windows defrag tool runs automatically once a week, in Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. If you want to defrag on your own time, you can open the program anytime you want and run a manual defrag. You can get to it by searching through Windows or by browsing through Administrative Tools via Control Panel.

Before you defrag your computer, you must take a number of steps first. Read this entire procedure before you use the defrag utility.

1. Make sure your work is backed up, like to an online backup service, a second local hard drive, an external hard drive, a flash drive, or a CD or DVD.
2. Make sure the hard drive is healthy. Use CHKDSK to scan and fix the drive.
3. Close any programs that are currently open, including virus scanners and other programs that have icons in the system tray (right-hand side of the taskbar).
4. Assure your computer has a constant source of power. The important thing is to be able to stop the defragmentation process if there is a power outage.
5. If you have frequent power issues or other outages, you should not use a defragmentation program without a battery backup.