Most of you might have heard about the term defragmentation. It is mostly used by technical support people. The questions may arise in one’s mind like “What does Defragmentation mean?” and “Do we really require it in Windows 10 OS?” Well, here is an effort to answer your queries. Read along to know your system in a better way.
What is Defragmentation?
In an HDD or the hard disk drive, the data is stored on both sides of platters. A head in the HDD writes data in form of blocks on these platters. While storing the data files, OS may scatter the blocks belonging to one file on different blocks that may not reside on same platter. This concept of file storage in an OS is called fragmentation. Reading the data files that are located on different locations within a hard disk or on the platter will be time consuming. It can affect the overall processing speed of the computer.
To tackle the problem of enhanced time while accessing file, defragmentation is done. It is a process which moves the data blocks of files in sequential order so that the file accessing time reduces. In the process, the storage space and data processing speed are also optimized. Defragmentation of computer also resolves other issues like increased booting time, application freezing and random crashes.
Both Windows and Mac Operating systems have inbuilt tools to defragment the computers or laptops. Microsoft windows has updated its OS since this defrag utility was introduced many years ago. In windows XP you need to manually schedule the it to speed up the computer processing. Let’s see whether this facility is available with the latest OS updates.
Do we need Defragmentation of SSD?
Unlike HDD, Solid State Device (SSD) does not have rotating platters. I have explained the difference between HDD and SSD in an earlier article. SSD which is an electronics memory does NOT require defragmentation irrespective of any OS used. Microsoft also warns against damaging of SSD in case of defragmentation.
Defragmentation of HDD (Hard disk drive)
Windows XP. If you are still using Windows XP, you need to defrag the hard disk drive manually. Navigate to start and open RUN command.
Type dfrg.msc and press OK. In the next defragmentation window, select the hard disk partition you intend to defrag and click defragment at the bottom of the window.
Windows 7,8 & 10. If the operating system of your PC is either windows 7, windows 8 or windows 10, defragmentation is automatically set on a weekly schedule. You can occasionally check whether it is happening on schedule or needs any manual action.
Defragment Steps in Windows 10 OS
Although Windows 10 defrags the HDD automatically, you may need to optimize the hard disk drive if the scheduled defragmentation is missed due to non-availability of Idle time of system and the fragmentation has crossed 15%.
The steps mentioned are similar in windows7 or windows 8.
- Type defragment in Cortana Search bar. Click on ‘Defragment and Optimize drives’ from the options shown.
- Now check all the partitions and see if under the ‘Current’ status, the drive is more than 15% fragmented.
- Select the fragmented drive and click on Optimize. The drive will be defragmented.
Enjoy improved performance after you defrag hard disk in windows 10
Now you have learned the importance of defragmentation and how to perform it by following the described easy steps, you will feel the difference in speed of your PC. Upgrade you PC with an SSD and just forget about fragmentation forever. You can also check the list of best laptops with SSD and many improved features. Do share this article with your friends if you find it useful.