How to Defrag Your Computer - 3 Simple Tips

When your computer becomes slow, there is one thing that can speed up computer performance in a quick and effective way – hard disk defragmentation. But even though running defragmentation is easy, you need to know how to defrag to ensure peak computer performance. Here are three simple tips that will help you defragment your computer properly.

1. Delete temporary files before defragmentation
The first thing you should do before running disk defragmentation is delete all temporary files. Temporary files are created by various applications, including your Web browser, to assist with some computer tasks. These files are often kept for a lot longer than necessary and needlessly consume disk space. If you don’t delete them before running defragmentation, they will be needlessly defragmented and will consume system resources.

To delete temporary files, simply run disk cleanup and include Windows Temp files, Temporary Internet Files, browser history, and the Recycle Bin.

2. Run Chkdsk
When all unnecessary files are gone, run the Check Disk utility (Chkdsk). This will ensure that all hard disk errors and bad sectors are repaired. Running Chkdsk will improve defragmentation and ensure is runs faster and smoother.

3. Disable the swap file
Another thing you should do to ensure flawless defragmentation is disable the Windows swap file. This will make sure that the swap file gets defragmented as well and speed up system performance. To disable the swap file, do the following:

1. Go to the Control Panel, click on System and click Advanced
2. Navigate to the Performance tab and click on Settings
3. Now go to the Advanced tab and click on Change under Virtual Memory
4. Select No paging file and click Set

Now you can run disk defragmentation. To do that, click on Start – Programs – Accessories – System Tools and launch the Disk Defragmenter. Let the tool analyze your disk for fragmentation and run disk defragmentation if you are prompted to do so.

Don’t forget to re-enable the swap file when you finish defragmenting your computer. To do that, simply repeat the steps described above and select System Managed File under Virtual Memory settings.

Now you know how to defrag your computer in the most effective way to keep your PC running fast. Defragment your computer at least once a month and enjoy a faster and more responsive PC.