Where to Find Defrag

A fragmented hard drive may have slower access speeds.

Defragmenting a computer's hard drive keeps files organized, and maximizes the available space and efficiency of the drive. Windows operating systems include a built-in defrag tool that can be found in numerous places.

Start Menu

Click on the "Start" menu and highlight "All Programs." Open the "Accessories" folder, then the "System Tools" folder, and click on "Disk Defragmenter."

My Computer

Click "Start," click "Computer" or "My Computer," right-click on the disk you wish to defragment and select "Properties." Click the "Tools" tab and click the "Defragment Now" button to start the process.

Administrative Tools

Click "Start," click "Control Panel," open the "Administrative Tools" icon and double-click the "Computer Management" shortcut. Expand the left frame's "Storage" section and click on "Disk Defragmenter" to open it in the right pane. This access point is not available for all versions of Windows.

Search Box

Windows 7 and Vista users can open the Disk Defragmenter from the Start menu search box. Click the "Start" menu and type in "Defragment" or "Disk Defragmenter" and press "Enter" to open the tool.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Defragment Your Disk Drive Volumes in Windows XP
• Microsoft At Work: 5 Ways to Speed Up your PC