Instructions apply to Windows 10, 8, and 7.
Prepare your setup for Defragmentation
Before you defrag your setup, you must take several steps.
Read this entire procedure before you use the defrag utility.
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ensure the hard drive is healthy.
UseCHKDSKto scan and fix the drive.
check that your box has a constant source of power.
If you have frequent power issues or other outages, only use a defragmentation program with abattery backup.
Still, the procedure for getting there is slightly different depending on whichversion of Windowsyou use.
Alternatively, pressWIN+Rand entercontrolin theRundialog box.
IfView byshows icons, selectAdministrative Tools>Defragment and Optimize Drives.
UnderAdministrative Tools, selectDefragment and optimize your drives.
For Windows 7, selectDefragment your hard drive.
Analyze the Hard Drive
Before starting the defrag, analyze the drive first.
UnderStatus, note the fragmentation level shown next to each drive.
Otherwise, you’re probably safe skipping the defrag.
Windows Vista does not include an option to analyze the hard drive.
However, the button for defragging the drive is called something different in some versions of Windows.
UnderDrive, go for the hard drive that showsNeeds optimizationunderCurrent status.
For Windows 7, selectDefragment disk.
It could take anywhere from several minutes to several hours to defrag a hard drive.
We have found it’s best to start the defrag and then go to bed.
With luck, it’ll be done when you wake up in the morning.
Should You Defrag your machine?
When this happens, it can take longer for theOSto fire up the file.
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A defrag can fix this.
you could get to it by searching through Windows or by browsing throughAdministrative Toolsvia Control Panel.
Defragging isn’t necessary onsolid-state hard drivessince there aren’t any spinning parts.
