If the hard disk is occupied for a long time by the large multimedia files (more than 1GB), defragmentation is a solution. Such data is highly susceptible to fragmentation. Thus, it can be difficult to automatically avoid it. Think of HFC as constantly performing defragmentation on hard disk drives, ensuring that the HDD is always as optimized as possible for reading and writing data. HFC works very well for most users and as a result, most users should never need to defrag a Mac hard drive. Stephen Taggart Says: December 6th, 2017 at 1:24 pm. When I type in the search for 'defrag' in the taskbar, I get a pop up that says Windows cannot find 'defrag', please check the name, and try again.
Defrag software programs are tools that arrange the bits of data that make up the files on your computer so they're stored closer together. This allows your hard drive to access files more quickly.
Defragmentation, in other words, can help improve your computer's performance by making the reading of files more efficient, thanks to the fact that all the tiny pieces that make up a single file are right next to each other.
Still confused? See What Is Fragmentation & Defragmentation? for more help understanding what fragmentation is and why defrag software is helpful.
All versions of Windows include a built-in defrag program, which I've ranked in this list. However, in most cases, a dedicated program, like any of the other free defrag software programs I list here, will do a better job.
I've only included freeware defrag software in this list. In other words, only completely free defragmentation programs — no shareware, trialware, etc. If one of these free defrag programs has started charging, please let me know.
of 13
Defraggler
What We Like
- Defrags can be run automatically on a schedule
- It can do a defrag of the HDD during a reboot
- You can defrag specific files and folders
- Data can be excluded from the defrag
- Can be run directly from Explorer
- Lets you move lesser-used fragmented files to the very end of the drive
- A portable version is available
What We Don't Like
- Might be confusing if you don't want to deal with all the extra options
- Doesn't support idle defragging
- Installs another program unless you uncheck that option during setup
Piriform's Defraggler tool is easily the best free defrag software program out there. It can defrag the data or just the free space of an internal or external drive. You also have the option of defragmenting specific files or folders and nothing more.
Defraggler can run a boot time defrag, check a drive for errors, empty the Recycle Bin before defragging, exclude certain files from a defrag, run an idle defrag, and selectively move lesser-used files to the end of the drive to speed up disk access.
Defraggler is also available in a portable version for flash drives.
If the Piriform company sounds familiar, you may already be familiar with their very popular free CCleaner (system cleaning) or Recuva (data recovery) software.
Defraggler can be installed on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2008 and 2003.
During setup, uncheck Try Google Chrome before installing Defraggler if you don't want to install the Chrome browser along with this program.
of 13
Smart Defrag
What We Like
- Will run a defrag automatically on a schedule
- A defrag can run while the computer is booting up
- Files you access often can be moved to faster parts of the drive
- A portable version is available
- Can clean up the drive before the defrag to speed it up
- Lots of options for post-defrag, like to reboot
- Exclusions can be applied to the defrag
What We Don't Like
- Some of the features are only usable if you pay
- Can't defrag automatically when the computer is idle
- Setup might attempt to install another program
Smart Defrag is great when it comes to scheduling an automatic defrag since there are some very specific advanced settings.
It supports running a defrag on a schedule as well as using boot time defrags to remove fragments from locked files.
Smart Defrag can also exclude files and folders from a defrag/analysis, replace Windows Disk Defragmenter, defrag just Windows Metro Apps, and skip defragging files that are over a certain file size.
Also included in Smart Defrag is a feature which removes junk files in Windows and Internet Explorer. It also clears cache files in other parts of Windows that could help speed up a defrag.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP users are able to install and use Smart Defrag.
of 13
Auslogics Disk Defrag
What We Like
- Free for personal and commercial use
- Updates often
- Files and folders can be excluded from a defrag
- Important system files can be moved to the faster part of the drive
What We Don't Like
- Boot-time defrags aren't available for free.
- Unable to move custom files to the end of the hard drive
- Tries to install several unrelated programs during setup
With Auslogics Disk Defrag, system files, which are normally commonly used files, can be configured to be moved to faster areas of a disk to improve launch times and general system performance.
You can also check a drive for errors with chkdsk and exclude files/folders from a defrag.
Auslogics Disk Defrag works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
of 13
Puran Defrag
What We Like
- Can defrag when the computer is idle
- Able to move commonly used files to the faster part of the hard drive
- Supports scheduled defrags
- Includes an option to run a defrag during boot up
- Defragmenting can start from the file/folder level
- Runs on Windows 10 and other Windows versions
- Can also check the HDD for errors
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't show all the fragmented files (only the top 10)
- There isn't a portable option
- Setup might attempt to install another program
- The results after analyzing the drive are hard to read
- Free space defrags can't be run manually (only scheduled)
- An updated hasn't been released since 2016
Puran Defrag features a custom optimizer called Puran Intelligent Optimizer (PIOZR) to intelligently move common files to the outer edge of a disk to speed up access to those files.
Like some of the other programs from this list, Puran Defrag can defrag files and folders from the Windows Explorer right-click context menu, delete custom files/folders before a defrag is launched, and run boot time defrags.
There are very specific scheduling options available in Puran Defrag like running an automatic defrag every so many hours, when the system goes idle, or when the screensaver starts.
Particular schedules can also be set up for boot time defrags like running it on the first computer boot up of the day, on the first of the week, or the first time your computer boots up every month.
One thing I don't like about Puran Defrag is that it tries to install additional programs during setup.
Puran Defrag is said to be compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2003.
of 13
Disk SpeedUp
What We Like
![Hard Disk Defragmentation Tool For Mac Hard Disk Defragmentation Tool For Mac](https://www.macbookproslow.com/wp-content/uploads/cleanmymac3-menu.png)
- Lots of defrag settings that you can tweak
- Can defrag when the computer idles
- Exclusions can be set up so as to not be defragged
- Defrags can be run while the computer is starting up
- Files you don't use often can be moved to the slower parts of the disk
- Lets you set up a defragmenting schedule
What We Don't Like
- Can't defrag removable drives
- Doesn't integrate itself into Explorer to make it easier to defrag files/folders
- Might try to install another program during setup
Disk SpeedUp is another free defrag program that can defrag not only whole hard drives but also individual files and folders. You can also run an automatic defrag when the system has been idle for a particular number of minutes.
Disk SpeedUp has very specific settings. For example, you can disable defrags if files have fragments that are smaller than 10 MB, have more than three fragments, and are larger than 150 MB. All of these values can be customized.
You can also configure Disk SpeedUp to automatically move large, unused, and/or files of a certain format to the end of the drive so the commonly used, smaller ones end up toward the beginning, hopefully improving access times.
In addition to the above, Disk SpeedUp can exclude files and folders from a whole system defrag, run a boot time defrag, turn off the computer when a defrag has completed, and run defrags/optimizations on one or more drives on a daily/weekly/monthly schedule.
You can use Disk SpeedUp in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and Windows Server 2003.
Disk SpeedUp might try to install other Glarysoft programs during setup, but you can easily uncheck anything you don't want.
of 13
Toolwiz Smart Defrag
What We Like
- Very simple and easy-to-use interface
- Shows how many files are fragmented
- Moves archives to the slower parts of the drive to speed up access to other files
What We Don't Like
- Very outdated; hasn't been updated since 2012
- Doesn't support scheduled defrags
- Doesn't show the level of fragmentation on the whole drive
- Can't customize anything
- Might not work for you in Windows 10
Toolwiz Smart Defrag is a small program that installs quickly and has a really clean, minimal interface. It claims to be 10 times quicker than the default defrag tool included in Windows and can place archive files to a different part of the drive to speed up access to regular files.
You're able to see the number of fragmented files from an analysis and run a defrag really quickly, though you can't see the level of fragmentation that exists on a drive, nor can you schedule defragments to run at a later date.
Though it's nice to have a program that isn't packed full of buttons and other toolbars, it's also sometimes unfortunate. For instance, there are zero features that you can customize in Toolwiz Smart Defrag.
If you're looking for a program that's super simple to use and isn't bogged down with confusing settings or buttons, this program is absolutely perfect.
Toolwiz Smart Defrag works in Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
of 13
O&O Defrag Free Edition
What We Like
- Defrags can run each time the screensaver comes on
- Supports scheduled defragging
- Scheduled defrags can be set to not run if fragmentation is too low
- The really large system restore point files are moved to slower parts of the disk to increase performance for other files
- Produces extremely detailed hard drive reports
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't work with Windows 10 or Windows 8
- Some features are not free to use, so you'll be prompted to buy the full version
- Doesn't let you exclude files from defragmentation
- Can't defragment removable hard drivesColoring has never been this easy! Numbers tool for mac help. Color by numbers in this new addictive game. Choose from a variety of super fun images and follow the numbers to bring them to life. Let me tell you something about the Color by Number before we move towards it downloading process on PC Systems. Here I will tell you how to download and install Color by Number for PC. Color by Number is an amazing app to use which is developed by the well-known developers of the Fun Games For Free.
- Unable to defrag during boot up
O&O Defrag Free Edition has an organized and easy to use interface. It supports common features found in similar defrag software, like optimizing a drive, viewing a list of all the fragmented files, and checking a drive for errors.
In addition to scheduling defrags on a weekly basis, you can also configure O&O Defrag Free Edition to start a defrag automatically when the screensaver comes on.
You can optionally run through a Quick configuration wizard to easily set up scheduling or immediately optimize a drive.
Some features are only available in the paid version of O&O Defrag, which means you'll sometimes try to enable a setting only to be told you can't because you're using the free version, which can get irritating.
O&O Defrag Free Edition is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, and XP. I tested the most recent version of both Windows 10 and Windows 8 but wasn't able to get it up and running.
of 13
UltraDefrag
What We Like
Windows 10 Disk Defragmentation Tools
- Includes advanced options but they're hidden away for beginners
- Runs on Windows 10 and other Windows versions
- Can check a hard drive for errors
- It defrags both internal and external hard drives
- Lets you defragment individual files and folders, not just entire HDDs
What We Don't Like
- Advanced changes require you to edit a configuration file
- Scheduled defrags are hard to turn on
- Free version is no longer updated
UltraDefrag can be used for novice and advanced users alike — there are common features that everyone can use but also advanced options if you need to make specific changes to the program.
Common functions like repairing, defragging, and optimizing drives are as simple as any of these other programs. However, if you wish to make changes to the program in general or to the boot time defrag option, you have to know how to maneuver around a BAT file.
UltraDefrag is said to run in Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP only, but I was also able to use it in Windows 10.
of 13
MyDefrag
What We Like
- Includes plenty of advanced options
- Works 'out of the box' for people who don't want to customize anything
- The interface is really simple and to the point
- Able to defrag removable drives and internal ones
What We Don't Like
- Can be much harder to use than similar programs
- Doesn't work from within Explorer like some defrag tools
- The program was last updated in 2010
MyDefrag (formerly JkDefrag) can be both a simple and a rather complex defrag program depending on your needs.
It works be loading and running scripts on one or more drives. Several scripts are included when you first install it, like to defrag on a schedule, analyze a drive, and consolidate free space. The default install is just fine for regular users.
More advanced users can build their own custom scripts, which can actually be very detailed to deeply customize the way MyDefrag works. Information about creating scripts can be found in the online manual.
MyDefrag hasn't been updated since May of 2010, so it only officially supports Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Windows Server 2008 and Server 2003. However, it still works with the newer versions of Windows like Windows 10 and Windows 8.
of 13
SpeeDefrag
What We Like
- Helps the built-in Disk Defragmenter tool run more quickly
- Very simple to use with easy-to-understand options
- Lets you defrag the drive even if there's little free space remaining
What We Don't Like
- Only relevant for users running Windows Vista or XP
- Doesn't include common features found in most defrag tools
- Depending on the defrag option you choose, all of your open programs and files will promptly shut down
- Tries to install another program during setup
SpeeDefrag isn't actually a defrag program in and of itself. Instead, it shuts down everything you're using except for the built-in defragmenting program provided by Windows (listed below).
The purpose of SpeeDefrag is to speed up the regular defrag functions of Windows Disk Defragmenter. By shutting down unnecessary programs, it can utilize more system resources to make the defrag tool run quicker.
After installing SpeeDefrag, you're given a few options for how you want the task to run. For instance, you can choose to restart and run a defrag and then restart again automatically, or just to run a defrag and then shutdown the computer.
Some features are only available in operating systems prior to Windows 7, such as restarting before a defrag and shutting down open programs. This means SpeeDefrag is really only useful for Windows Vista and Windows XP.
of 13
Disk Defragmenter
What We Like
- Built-in to Windows; no installation necessary
- Easy to use
- Can run defrags on a schedule
- Defrags internal and external drives
What We Don't Like
- Can't defragment locked files (i.e., no boot time defrag option)
- Finding the program is different depending on your version of Windows
Disk Defragmenter is the defrag program that already exists in Windows, which means you don't need to download anything to use it. You can set schedules and defragment both internal and external hard drives.
Many of the other defrag programs from this list have many advantages over Disk Defragmenter, such as boot time defrags and optimization features. If using this program, I suggest you couple it with the SpeeDefrag program from above.
In Windows 10 and 8, Disk Defragmenter can be opened from Administrative Tools in the Control Panel. For older versions of Windows, it can be found through the start menu by navigating to All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.
Disk Defragmenter is also available from the command line with the defragcommand.
of 13
Baidu PC Faster's Disk Defrag
What We Like
- Very easy to use
- Defrags internal and external drives
- Can defragment multiple drives consecutively
- Includes lots of other, non-defrag tools
What We Don't Like
- Missing standard features like scheduling
- The other included mini programs are overwhelming if you need just the defrag tool
- The program no longer gets updated
Baidu Disk Defrag is a tool provided by Baidu PC Faster, which is a system optimizer program. While it's quick and super easy to use, it doesn't provide any custom or advanced features like scheduling or boot time defrags.
After analyzing one or more drives, you can select all of them at once so it will defragment the first one, then the second, and so on.
Open the defrag program from Toolbox > Disk Defrag.
Baidu's PC Faster tool works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
of 13
Wise Care 365
![Defragmentation Defragmentation](https://www.remosoftware.com/images/drive-defrag-l.png)
What We Like
- Supports optimizing and defragmenting the drive
- Lets you enable an automatic shutdown for when the defrag finishes
- There's a portable option
- Includes other programs you might like
What We Don't Like
- Can't defrag on a schedule
- There are lotsof other programs in addition to the defrag tool
- Won't defragment locked files Tool for exporting videos from mac photos.
Wise Care 365 is a collection of system utilities that scans for privacy issues and junk files. One of the tools, in the System Tuneup tab, is used for defragmenting a hard drive.
Select the drive to defragment and then choose Defragment, Full Optimization or Analyze. You can optionally shut down the computer after the defrag has finished. Scheduling defrags with Wise Care 365 is not supported.
A portable version is available from within the program (this is explained in the review).
Something I don't like is that a small advertisement about the full version of the program is always displayed in Wise Care 365. Also, some of the features and options are only available in the professional version.
Wise Care 365 can be installed to 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10 through Windows XP.
Hard Drive Defragmentation is very important for the smooth working of your PC. With use, the data is stored in random locations on the hard drive, this leads to slower processing as system must locate the data by going through non-required files/folders. Defragmentation process puts all the bits of data in a sequence, so it will be easier for the system to locate the file.
The built-in Windows Defragmentation tool works fine, but many people prefer more features and control over their tools. Thankfully, there are many third-party best free disk defragmenter tools available that offer a better interface with loads of customization options.
Checkout:7 Best Data Backup and Recovery Software to Overcome Worst PC Crash
Contents
- The Pro Review From TechReviewPro
7 Best Free Disk Defragmenter Software Programs to Defrag Your Hard Drive
To make your hard disk work smoothly, we have compiled a list of 7 best free disk defragmenter software tools. These tools are completely free to use without any kind of limitations. You can pick the one that suits your needs best.
1. Smart Defrag
Smart Defrag might be the most customizable free disk defragmenter software tool. It offers complete control over defragmentation process with multiple types of smart defrags, like Quick Defrag, Optimized Defrag and Files Prioritized Defrag. All of these defragging processes serve different needs and can also take time according to it.
You can setup Boot Time Defrag to defrag system files that cannot be defragged while the system is running. Furthermore, you can separately specify files/folders to defrag, and there is even an option to automatically defrag games on your PC. To make things even better, all of this can be scheduled so you won’t have to deal with anything in the future.
2. Defraggler
If you like to get more information about your Hard drive along with the defragmentation process, then Defraggler is a good option. Defraggler might not give as much customization options as Smart Defrag, but the information it offers is worth checking out. Before defragging your hard drive, you can benchmark individuals drives to see how much speed you will get after the defragmentation process.
You can specify size/name of the files that should be searched and defragmented, and also see the searched files in the real-time. You can setup boot time defrag and also schedule defragmentation for automatic processing.
3. UltraDefrag
UltraDefrag is an open-source defragmentation tool that is light and fast. It lacks a lot of customization options that you may find on most other tools. However, it still offers all the core features needed for perfect defragmentation. The interface isn’t really that attractive, but don’t let it fool you.
It has option of quick defrag and also a complete optimization scan. It can even defrag MFT (Master File Table) for faster processing. It comes in more than 65 languages and has a Boot Time scan as well. If you want something light ( 2 MB installer) and powerful, then UltraDefrag is perfect.
4. Ashampoo WinOptimizer
Ashampoo WinOptimizer is actually a complete program for optimizing Windows for free. It has a set of tools to optimize most of the important functions of windows, including defragmentation. We are only going to tell you about the defragmentation tool, but other tools it offers are worth a try as well. The defragmentation tool is not that customizable as others mentioned here, but it is definitely strong.
You can select multiple hard drive to defrag and you can specify parameters to allow defragmentation process. There are both basic and intelligent defrag options, and a Boot Time scan is also available. Just like other tools, you can schedule all the scans.
Also Check:7 Best Free System Information Utilities to Check Complete System Specs
5. Puran Defrag
It is another very simple and light defragmentation tool that offers all the required features you need. It adds a context menu button to select and defrag files right from the Windows explorer. It doesn’t have different types of defragging options, but it does have some unique features. You can Fill Gaps to avoid frequent fragmentation, optimize directories and use company’s PIOZR system to boost overall speed.
You can also carry out Boot Time scan to defrag MFT files, and automatically schedule all the processes for autonomous working. You can also specify file size to exclude smaller size files/folders. If you are looking for some extra features in your defragmentation tool, then go for Puran Defrag.
6. Auslogics Disk Defrag
This free defrag software program comes from the renowned software company Auslogics. Along with defragmentation, this tool also offers many other types of information about your hard drive. It can do everything other tools are capable of, including Quick and complete defragmentation, Boot Time Scan, Schedule defragmentation and file/folder defragmentation.
Apart from these it has some unique features as well. You can click on each cluster to see files inside it, and there is a SSD optimizer for optimizing SSD for a longer life. Additionally, you can get S.M.A.R.T information of hard drive, including temperature, health, read and write status, etc. It also explains each option that you are about to turn on/off.
7. Disk SpeedUp
Disk SpeedUp is similar to Smart Defrag as far as the functions are concerned. It has everything that Smart Defrag has to offer, but it has a much simpler interface. The tool itself comes with just a 5 MB installer and the interface is very simple with all the options in front of you.
You can use different defrag methods like quick defrag or defrag and optimize for best results. Moreover, it will let you defrag individual files and folders including games. Also, its boot-time defrag is as customizable as Smart Defrag. If you will open its “Options“, its is literally same as Smart Defrag, just with a different interface. If you want a light and simple alternative to Smart Defrag, then Disk SpeedUp is a perfect choice.
Also Read :Top 8 Best GPU and CPU Overclocking Software
The Pro Review From TechReviewPro
Defragmentation is one of the most basic yet important feature of your PC. You should defrag your hard drive every month or so to process data faster. Use the above mentioned third-party best free disk defragmenter software programs to automatically defrag your hard drive according to your needs. They offer individual defrag ability along with boot-time defragmentation, and many other customization options. So using them is a wise decision if you are ready to defrag your hard drive.
Smart Defrag is a great option for overall performance, but UltraDefrag can be a great light alternative as well. Do you use any other free defragmenter software program, or you just prefer the built-in defragmentation tool? Let us know in the comments.