Features

When you delete a file from a disk, it leaves a space. When you save a file, Windows uses up these spaces by splitting the file into fragments that'll fit into any gaps available. When you open a file that's fragmented, Windows has to spend a little time piecing together all its parts. Over time, more and more files get more and more fragmented, and disk access slows down. It's a good idea to run Disk Defragmenter from time to time to bring as many pieces as possible back together. The more free space you have on your hard disk, the better it can be defragmented.

	1 Windows Disk Defragmenter can be run in either of two ways. The first option is to go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. Alternatively, open My Computer, right-click your drive's icon, select Properties, go into the Tools tab and click Defragment Now.

	2 To start the defragmentation process immediately, click the Defragment Now button. It's also possible to opt to defragment on a regular basis by ticking the box labelled 'Run on a schedule'. Click the Modify Schedule button to tell Windows how often the process should run, bearing in mind it can take a while.