Fragmentation of disk space, accumulating, begins to interfere with the normal operation of the computer over time. Not knowing how to defragment a disk, the user as a result gets a situation in which the speed of accessing data is significantly reduced. This is due to the fact that one file is split into several parts. As a result, the head of the hard drive needs to perform additional functions, slowing down the functioning of the computer.
In order to deal with such a phenomenon, there are programs that perform defragmentation - a process opposite to fragmentation. During its execution, pieces of files are merged into one, which speeds up the system as a whole and frees up some free space, access to which was previously closed.
Despite the fact that this process is quite simple, many users do not know how to defragment a hard disk. And this despite the fact that for this it is not necessary to download additional software, since everything can be done with standard utilities built into Windows. It should be noted that with the evolution of operating systems, the capabilities of embedded programs are also growing, which allows you to perform basic actions more quickly and efficiently. For example, defragmentation in Windows 7 is many times faster than in previous versions.
But you need to consider some factors before defragmenting a disk. First of all, you need to delete all unnecessary files, empty the trash. It is advisable to have at hand programs that allow you to get rid of not only old and unnecessary files, but also various temporary files created by the system itself and various software products. Sometimes their volume reaches quite impressive sizes, and the user does not understand where the free space disappeared.
To proceed directly to defragmentation, you must open My Computer. In newer versions - “Computer”, and right-click on the disk icon, which is planned to be optimized for faster work. In the drop-down menu, select “Properties”. Next, select the “Service” tab, and then - “Defragment”. A list of disks will open, among which you need to select and mark the desired one. Only after that the diggers responsible for the preliminary analysis and, in fact, the defragmentation itself will become active.
Before defragmenting a disk, you should analyze it so that the system itself can assess whether the selected area needs to optimize disk space. You can also check here whether the option responsible for automatic defragmentation, which the system will conduct periodically, according to the set time period, is enabled. You need to understand that regular defragmentation is very useful, however, turning on the automatic mode is undesirable, since at this moment the computer will freeze, some obstacles and failures may be created if the user does not know that this utility has started.
If the analysis showed that it is worth working with a local or removable disk, then you should press the Defragment button and wait until the utility finishes the process. Before defragmenting a disk, you need to make sure that none of the programs uses the files located on this disk, since otherwise the load will increase, which can lead to increased wear of the physical information medium.
Thus, disk maintenance is quite simple, and if you regularly monitor this point, the system will work quickly, the processing speed of the stored data will not decrease.