How to Defrag Windows 7

Last Updated: February 20, 2022

Running the Disk Defragmenter in Windows 7 allows your computer to rearrange all its fragmented data, which, in turn, can improve your computer's overall speed and efficiency. In Windows 7, you can manually defrag your computer at any time, or set up a regular defrag schedule using Disk Defragmenter. Follow these instructions to defrag your Windows 7 computer.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Access Disk Defragmenter in Windows 7

1
Click on your Windows 7 computer's "Start" button. Then, type "Disk Defragmenter" on the Search bar.
- Alternatively, you can go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter
2
Click on "Disk Defragmenter" to access the program. Click on "Defragment Disk" to start the process.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Manually Run Disk Defragmenter

1
Click on the name of the disk you want defragmented. For example, if you want to defrag your computer's main hard drive, select "OS (C)."
2
Click on "Defragment Disk" or "Defragment Now" to begin the defrag process. Your computer will take between several minutes and several hours to defrag the drive depending on its size and current fragmented status.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Configure a Disk Defragmenter Schedule

1
Click on "Turn on schedule" or "Configure schedule."
2
Place a checkmark next to "Run on a schedule."
3
Select the frequency at which you want Disk Defragmenter to run. You can choose to defrag your computer daily, weekly, or monthly.
4
Select the day of week and time you want to Disk Defragmenter to run.
5
Click on "Select Disks" to choose the disks you want defragmented. You can choose to defrag all disks, or select disks.
6
Click on "OK," then "Close" to save your Disk Defragmenter preferences. Your computer will then defrag regularly on the day and time you've selected for the schedule.

Community Q&A

Question

Does the PC have to be on in order to run the scheduled defrag?

Community Answer

Yes, you have to have the PC on for the scheduled event to run.
Question

Do I need to empty the trash basket after defragmentation?

Community Answer

No. When you erase files, you create holes where the file data was previously stored. It's because of these holes that there is a need to sometimes defragment an HDD. It's best is to erase files you don't need before you defragment. With a larger percentage of free space, the defrag software has more options to find alternative solutions and the more continuous free space will be directly available after the defrag. Just note that a traditional defragmentation should normally only be done on an HDD and not on an SSD. The cost of fragmented file accesses is very much lower for an SSD, and the defragmentation process creates a lot of wear on the SSD flash media.