Running Disk Defragmenter in Windows 7 allows your computer to reorganize all the fragmented data, which in turn, can increase the overall speed and efficiency of your computer. In Windows 7, you can defrag your computer manually at any time, or set a regular defrag schedule using Disk Defragmenter. Follow the instructions below to defrag your Windows 7 computer.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Accessing Disk Defragmenter in Windows 7
Step 1. Click the Start button on your Windows 7 computer
Then, type "Disk Defragmenter" in the Search field.
Alternatively, you can click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter
Step 2. Click Disk Defragmenter to access the program
Click on Defragment Disk to start the process.
Part 2 of 3: Running the Disk Defragmenter Manually
Step 1. Click the name of the disk you want to defrag
For example, if you want to defrag your computer's primary hard disk, select "OS (C)."
Step 2. Click Defragment Disk or Defragment Now to start the defrag process
Your computer may take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to defrag the drive depending on the size and current fragmentation status of your hard drive.
Part 3 of 3: Set Disk Defragmenter Schedule
Step 1. Click Turn on schedule or Configure schedule.
Step 2. Put a check mark next to Run on schedule.
Step 3. Select the frequency with which you want Disk Defragmenter to run
You can choose to defrag your computer daily, weekly, or monthly.
Step 4. Select the day and time you want Disk Defragmenter to run
Step 5. Click Select Disks to select the disk you want to defrag
You can choose to defrag all disks, or select a specific disk.
Step 6. Click OK, then Close to save your Disk Defragmenter preferences
Your computer will be defragmented regularly on the day and time you select in the schedule.
Tips
- Before running a manual defrag, check the schedule in the main Disk Defragmenter window to see if your computer has been defragmented recently. The schedule will display the time and date when the latest defrag process was executed.
- If you use a computer at work or on a public network, you may need an administrator password to run Disk Defragmenter in Windows 7.
- Click Analyze Disk in the main Disk Defragmenter window before running a manual defrag. The Analyze Disk process will tell you whether your computer needs to be defragmented at a certain time or not.
- Schedule an automatic defrag process when your computer is on, but not in use, such as during your lunch break or at the end of your work day. This will prevent Disk Defragmenter from slowing down your computer or consuming CPU while you are still using it.
