Defragment individual folders. How to defragment individual files. Delete unnecessary files and programs

Good day!

Despite the fact that Windows has a built-in disk defragmenter, there are hundreds (if not more) of the analogue programs (performing its work ten times better!).

The fact is that in my opinion, Microsoft added it to Windows so that it was, and its work is far from ideal (the operation algorithms are imperfect, there is no detailed schedule and settings, you cannot manually specify specific folders and files, etc.) ...

Addition!

If you do not know what defragmentation is and how to perform it, I recommend that you read this help article here:

Best utilities for defragmenting HDD

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IObit Smart Defrag

A very powerful disk defragmenter, which, thanks to its unique algorithms, is able to maximize the performance of your disk subsystem!

The program not only defragments the files themselves, but also distributes them on the disk in a special way: by how often they are used. All operations can be configured to perform them in automatic mode (which means you will not be distracted and lose time each time to optimize the system).

Smart Defrag - the main program window: there are options for cleaning the disk, optimizing games, etc.

Advantages:

1. unique defragmentation algorithms (according to the assurances of the developers - one of the best in the world);
2. you can defragment individual folders or files;
3. game optimization;
4. it is possible to work on a schedule;
5. high safety at work (if suddenly during a defragmentation the electricity will turn off - everything will be in order with your data);
6. there is an option to defragment the disk before booting the system;
7. thoughtful and user-friendly interface;
8. the utility is free, and completely in Russian (even the most "distant" menus with high-quality translation).

Defraggler

Defraggler is a simple free program for quick evaluation and defragmentation of hard drives. In the arsenal of the utility there is everything you need: an assessment of the state of the disk, analysis, defragmentation of individual files (it is convenient to optimize folders with games), etc.

By the way, the utility automatically determines the type of media (HDD, SSD), which is very convenient if you have several media connected - it will not be necessary to remember which one is "which" (note: since it is not recommended to defragment SSD disks).

Features:

1. defragmentation of individual files (many similar programs allow you to optimize only the entire disk as a whole);
2. there is a portable version that does not need to be installed (the program can be copied to a USB flash drive / external HDD and used on any PC);
3. the utility supports all the most modern versions of Windows (including Windows 10);
4. nTFS and FAT32 file systems are supported;
5. automatic disc type detection;
6. utility after analysis shows a list of fragmented files (useful when you do not want to defragment the entire disk).

Auslogics disk defrag

This defragmenter differs from others in its compactness and high speed. The program is rightfully considered one of the best in the world - more than 11 million users have recognized this product!

Features:

1. it is possible to defragment individual files / folders as well as free space;
2. allows you to defragment Windows system files (which affects overall performance);
3. it is possible to work in the background, as invisible as possible to the user (that is, your system will always be in optimal condition)
4. the program is free for home users;
5. it is supported by all popular OS Windows 7/8/10 (32, 64 bits).

Disk speedup

This utility is from the famous Glary Soft PC Optimization Suite. The utility optimizes disks for their maximum system performance. Disk SpeedUp can work in automatic mode and on schedule, without distracting the user (by the way, you can specify under what CPU loads to disable the background defragmenter. There is no such option in most other utilities of this kind).

Features:

1. automatic mode and work according to a predetermined schedule;
2. there are options to turn off the PC after defragmentation is completed;
3. setting the load level of the PC (CPU and hard disk) to disable background defragmentation;
4. support for all the most popular file systems: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5, NTFS EFS;
5. the program has pre-configured templates for work (suitable in most cases);
6. regular updates and refinement of the program;
7. support for all versions of Windows 7/8/10.

MyDefrag (old name: JkDefrag)

Despite the fact that this program was created not by any company, but by a single programmer, it is rightfully considered the leader in its segment.

Judge for yourself: it can work both in simple mode (for ordinary users) and provide complex and detailed settings for advanced users. MyDefrag supports various scripts, you can create or edit them yourself), can work according to a pre-configured schedule, analyze the HDD and defragment not only the occupied space, but also free space.

There are silence settings - they are suitable for those users who do not want to deal with all this multifunctionality of the utility. By the way, it works in all versions of Windows (XP / 7/8/10), fully supports the Russian language.

O&O Defrag

Very powerful and feature-rich utility for optimizing hard drives. It can work with many file systems (FAT, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5), Volume / Stripe Sets arrays, supports background mode, scheduled work, etc.

Features:

1. there are 5 defrag modes: STEALTH (note: imperceptible in the background), SPACE (note: free space), COMPLETE / Name, COMPLETE / Date and COMPLETE / Access;
2. there is an option to start defragmentation to achieve a certain percentage level of fragmentation;
3. the ability to defragment system files that affect the performance of your system (swap file, registry, MFT, etc.);
4. availability of a schedule;
5. nice and intuitive interface (even very novice users will understand it);
6. support for all Windows file systems: FAT, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5;
7. support for Russian and all modern OS Windows 7/8/10.

Puran defrag

Free Defragmenter of India. It is distinguished primarily by its high-speed operation (using its own unique PIOZR algorithm). As for defragmentation, Puran Defrag can defragment the entire disk as well as individual folders and files (including setting up a schedule, with the ability to limit work during CPU loading by extraneous tasks, prioritizing system files).

Puran Defrag - the main program window

It will save those users who have little time for system maintenance (or for those who constantly forget about it). So to speak, once configured Puran Defrag - and your system will always be responsive and fast. Conveniently!

Features:

1. own unique algorithm (high-speed and high-quality work);
2. separate priority for defragmenting system files;
3. command line support;
4. the ability to turn off the PC after completing the HDD optimization process;
5. it is possible to set a schedule for automatic and background defragmentation;
6. directory compression in order to increase system boot speed;
7. you can defragment individual folders / files from the Explorer context menu;
8. support for all popular versions of Windows XP / 7/8/10 (32 and 64 bits).

That's all.

For additions on the topic - a separate Merci!

Good hour

If you want - you don’t want, but to make the computer work faster - you need to carry out preventive measures from time to time (clean it from temporary and junk files, defragment it).

In general, I can download that most users rarely defragment, and in general, do not pay due attention to it (either out of ignorance, or simply because of laziness) ...

Meanwhile, conducting it regularly - you can not only speed up the computer somewhat, but also increase the life of the disk! Since there are always a lot of questions regarding defragmentation, in this article I will try to collect all the basic things that I myself encounter quite often. So...

FAQ Defragmentation questions: why do it, how often, etc.

1) What is defragmentation, what kind of process? Why do it?

All files on your disk, while writing to it, are written sequentially in pieces on its surface, often they are called clusters (many people have probably heard this word). So, while the hard drive is empty, the file clusters may be nearby, but when the information becomes more and more - the spread of these pieces of one file also grows.

Because of this, when accessing such a file, your disk has to spend more time reading information. By the way, this scatter of pieces is called fragmentation.

Defragmentation but it is aimed precisely at collecting these pieces compactly in one place. As a result, the speed of your drive 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, folders, it will begin to “think” for a while ...

2) How often do I need to defragment the disk?

A fairly common question, but it is difficult to give a definite answer. It all depends on the frequency of use of your computer, on how it is used, what drives it uses, what file system. In Windows 7 (and above), by the way, there is a good analyzer that tells you what to do defragmentationor not (there are also separate special utilities that can analyze and inform you in time that it’s time ... But about such utilities - below in the article).

To do this, go to the control panel, enter “defragmentation” in the search bar, and Windows will find the link you need (see screen below).

3) Do I need to defragment SSDs?

Not necessary! And even Windows itself (at least the new Windows 10, in Windows 7 - it is possible to do this) disables the analysis and defragmentation button for such disks.

The fact is that an SSD drive has a limited number of write cycles. So with each defragmentation - you reduce the life of your disk. In addition, there is no mechanics in SSDs, and after defragmenting, you will not notice any increase in speed.

4) Do I need to defragment a 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 partly true. It’s just that this file system is so designed that defragmenting the hard drive under its control is required much less often.

In addition, the speed does not fall so much from strong fragmentation, as if it were on FAT (FAT 32).

5) Do I need to clean the disk from junk files before defragmenting?

It is highly advisable to do this. Moreover, not only to clean from "garbage" (temporary files, browser caches, etc.), but also from unnecessary files (movies, games, programs, etc.).

If you clean the disk before defragmenting, then:

• speed \u200b\u200bup the process itself (you will have to work with fewer files, which means the process will finish earlier);
• make Windows faster.

6) How to defragment a disk?

It is advisable (but not necessary!) To install a separate special. a utility that will handle this process (about such utilities later in the article). Firstly, it will do it faster than the utility built into Windows, and secondly, some utilities can defragment automatically, 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 program built into Windows does defragmentation quite qualitatively (although it doesn’t have some of the “goodies” that third-party developers have).

7) Do defragmentation not on the system drive (i.e. on the one on which Windows is not installed)?

Good question! It all depends again on how you use this disk. If you only store movies and music on it, then there isn’t much sense in defragmenting it.

Another thing is 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 disc does not have time to respond to it in time. As follows, with this option - to defragment on such a disk - preferably!

How to do disk defragmentation - step by step

By the way, there are universal programs (I would call them "harvesters") that can carry out complex actions to clean your PC of debris, delete invalid registry entries, configure your Windows OS and defragment (for maximum speed!).

1) Disk Cleanup

I can, for example, recommend Cleaner. Firstly, it is free, and secondly, it is very easy to use and there is nothing superfluous in it. All that is required of the user is to click the analysis button, and then clean the disk from the found garbage (screen below).

2) Removing unnecessary files and programs

At worst, you can use the standard utility built into Windows (to open it, use the control panel, see the screen below).

3) Start defragmentation

Consider starting a Windows disk defragmenter built-in (since by default it eats me everyone who has Windows).

First you need to open the control panel, then the system and security section. Next, next to the "Administration" tab, there will be a link "Defragment and optimize your disks" - go to it (see screen below).

Alternative way to run defragmentation on Windows

1. Open "My Computer" (or "This Computer").

3. Then, in the properties of the disk, open the "Service" section.

4. In the service section, click the "Optimize disk" button (everything is illustrated in the screenshot below).

Important! The process of defragmentation can take quite a long time (depends on the size of your disk and the degree of fragmentation). At this time, it is better not to touch the computer, not to start resource-intensive tasks: games, video encoding, etc.

The best programs and utilities for disk defragmentation

Note! This section of the article will not reveal to you all the possibilities 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 stopped at them and why I recommend trying ...

1) Defraggler

Simple, free, fast and convenient disk defragmenter. The program supports all new versions of Windows (32/64 bit), can work with entire disk partitions, as well as with individual files, supports all popular file systems (including NTFS and FAT 32).

By the way, about defragmenting 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 the background (when the computer is not busy with resource-intensive tasks, which means that the program works - it does not cramp or hinder the user).

What is called - once installed and forgot 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 transfer system files (which need to provide the highest performance) to the fastest part of the disk, due to which your Windows operating system is somewhat accelerated. In addition, this program is free (for normal home use) and it can be configured to automatically start during PC downtime (i.e., by analogy with the previous utility).

I also want to note that the program allows you to defragment not only a specific drive, but also individual files and folders on it.

The program is supported by all new Windows OS: 7, 8, 10 (32/64 bits).

This is one of the fastest disk defragmenters! Moreover, this does not affect the quality of defragmentation. Apparently, the developers of the program managed to find some unique algorithms. In addition, the utility is completely free for home use.

It is also worth noting that the program is very careful about data, even if during a defragmentation some system error occurs, a power outage or something else ... - then nothing should happen to your files, they will also be read and opened . The only thing is that you will have to restart the defragmentation process.

The utility also has two operating modes: automatic (very convenient - once configured and forgot) and manual.

It is also worth noting that the program is optimized to work in Windows 7, 8, 10. I recommend it for use!

When writing any files to the hard drive, all information is distributed in clusters. If you decide to delete this or that file, clusters with information will be erased, but instead of them there will be an empty place. Thus, the ordering of all files on the hard disk is disrupted. As a result of this, 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 clean up the interior. This procedure organizes the location of all clusters on the media, transferring them to a close distance to each other. After that, a noticeable increase in performance in demanding applications and games. Let's see how to defragment a disk, and in what cases it is necessary.

When to defragment a drive

If you notice that the performance of a personal computer has fallen dramatically, then optimization is required. Long loading of programs, opening files, copying also hinted that it was time to carry out optimization.

What programs are used to defragment a hard disk?

Operating systems XP, 7 and newer have built-in software for defragmentation. If you want to perform the procedure once, you can use it. However, many note poor performance during the use of the standard utility. If you decide to use it, then follow these steps:

Consider how to make disk defragmentation a built-in utility:

Consider an example of how to defragment a disk on a schedule:

• Standard programs allow you to set a regular schedule for defragmentation. In the previous window, click Set up a schedule ....
• In the window that opens, select the frequency, day, time, and sections that you want to defragment.
• After completing the settings, click OK.

Now, when the computer is turned on, it will automatically start the optimization procedure at the appointed time.

During this period of time, a decrease in performance may be observed, since the system is busy with a more important process.

According to the instructions presented, the hard disk is defragmented in Windows XP, 7, 8, and 10. Now we will figure out how to defragment the hard disk using a third-party program.

Optimization with defragmenters

There are a lot of programs for defragmenting a system disk. Among them there are options for advanced users as well as for beginners. For example, consider a simple utility Defragger, the full free version of which can be downloaded from the official website of the developers. Download the distribution kit, install the software and run it. Using the program, disks are cleaned in OS 7, 8 and 10. To do this, use the instruction:

Via Defraggler not only defragment the system or external drive. You can also get information about the speed of the media, a list of files, or optimize each folder separately.

How to perform disk defragmentation through Auslogics Disk Defrag

Another utility that allows you to quickly or completely defragment your hard drive. The main window of the program is very similar to Defraggler, so there should not be any problems with use.

Consider the startup process:

Now you know how to defragment your hard drive, including SSD, using standard Windows tools or through third-party software.

Related videos

Our hard drive is filling evenly during use, one sector after another. But when we delete files, or uninstall programs, the disk starts fragmenting - filled sections alternate with empty ones. This leads to a longer circulation of programs on the hard disk, and therefore to a decrease in system performance.

There are a lot of tools for defragmenting a hard drive. Of course, we will consider a free and very high-quality application, because it is definitely not worth buying a program for these purposes.

Program from the companyPiriform ltd which gave us a well-known product for cleaning the system - .

Interface

The graphical shell of the program is very simple and not oversaturated with unnecessary elements. In order to run the usual disk defragmentation you need only two clicks of the mouse. At the top of the window is a list of all drives, and at the bottom there are three tabs with defragmentation options. The first tab contains information about the selected drive. The second tab “List of files” is designed to defragment individual files on the hard drive that you need to find in advance. Well, the “Search” tab serves to select individual files and folders for defragmentation.

Functionality

Defragment individual files in directories

The first thing that distinguishes from some other applications - this is the ability to defragment only individual directories and even files. This is done in order to save time that takes to process unnecessary parts of the hard drive. For example, if you have a permanent collection of music or video stored on your hard drive, and you do not delete or move the files in this collection, then we can say that there are no fragmented sections in these directories, so you should not waste time processing them. And vice versa, if in some of the directories operations on moving and deleting files are actively performed, then these directories need to be defragmented first. On the Search tab, there are several options for finding files for defragmentation. You can select files by size, or search for fragmented files only in a specific folder.

If you conduct several searches of files according to different criteria, then all the results will be reflected in total on the tab “List of files” and, you can defragment them to select the necessary files.

Defragmenting a single folder or file is easier. In the "Actions" menu, select "Defragment a folder" or "Defragment a file", select the desired folder and a separate file in the explorer, and defragmentation will start automatically.

Such features of the program, in my opinion, are very useful. Usually, the process of defragmenting an entire disk takes a very long time, often several hours. At this time, the machine can “brake” very much and prevent normal operation. Therefore, selecting the most areas of the hard drive, and defragmenting them for the shield minutes, we lose these problems.

Settings

Defragmentation has two modes - normal and fast. You can specify the parameters of quick defragmentation in the program settings, as well as set a schedule by which defragmentation will start automatically.

Another useful option of the program is the automatic shutdown of the PC after defragmentation. If you decide to defragment the entire disk and, for example, left it running at night, then after completion the computer will shut itself down.

Total

One of the main advantagesPiriform is the ability to defragment individual directories and files, which saves time. Otherwise, it may seem too simple, but it performs its work efficiently.

To date, finding a good program, besides free, is not a problem for defragmenting a hard disk. All of them quite effectively cope with their task. It would seem that more is needed. Quite a bit - the ability to defragment individual specific files.

To make it clear, defragmentation is the movement of pieces of information scattered throughout the drive to neighboring areas. The benefits of it are undeniable. The read / write head does not need to make big jumps, which increases speed and reduces the overall wear of the drive itself.

Now to the question of why you need to defragment individual specific files. Consider this example. The user does not indulge in the experimental installation and removal of programs. Not involved in video or photo editing. Its main working tool is Microsoft Word. Which he uses one hundred percent. Every day, creating dozens of new files, editing and copying existing ones and so on.

As a result, the bulk of the new fragments will be occupied specifically by Microsoft Word files. So why defragment your entire hard drive if you can limit yourself to office files.

How to defragment individual files.

To defragment individual files, there is also a free utility called Contig. You can from the manufacturer’s website.

Unzip the utility. Since it does not have a graphical interface, but works from the command line, put a copy of the utility in a convenient location. In my opinion, the most convenient directory would be C: \\ Users \\ username. Why exactly this one? Because when you run the command line, this parameter is registered automatically. You just have to add your parameters, already for the Contig utility.

The main syntax of the utility: contig [-v] [-a] [-q] [-s] [file_name].

Parameters:

• the [–v] parameter displays information about file defragmentation operations performed by the utility
• parameter [-a] fragmentation analysis
• parameter [-q] puts the utility in hidden mode, only the summary information is displayed
• option [-s] recursive processing of subdirectories.

Now configure the utility to defragment office files located in the "My Documents" directory. That is, all files in the folder with the extension .docx will be defragmented.

contig -s C: \\ Users \\ username \\ Docunents \\ *. docx.

Another option for the utility to work is to create a new file already defragmented during the creation process.

The syntax for creating such a file is contig [-v] [-n file_name length].

In this case, the utility for defragmenting individual files will find free space on the media and optimizes the file in adjacent areas.