Smart defragmentation
Defragmentation will run automatically on a schedule
Defragmentation can run when the computer starts
Files you access frequently can be moved to a faster part of the drive
Portable version available
Drives can be cleaned before defragmentation to speed things up
There are many options after defragmentation, such as restarting
Exclusions can be applied to defragmentation
Some features are only available for a fee
Automatic defragmentation fails when computer is idle
The installer may try to install another program
The main reason I ranked Smart Defrag as the #1 best free defragmenter is that it does an excellent job of scheduling automatic defragmentation, and I personally prefer manual defragmentation. I also appreciate the startup defragmentation feature that removes fragments from locked files.
Smart Defragmentation can also exclude files and folders from defragmentation/analysis and skip defragmentation of files larger than a certain file size.
Also included is the ability to delete junk files in Windows. It also clears cache files in other parts of Windows, which helps speed up defragmentation.
I've used this program countless times over the years, and it's one of the first few programs I recommend to anyone who wants a powerful defragmentation utility that doesn't cost anything. Its advanced switching capabilities are perfect for anyone who prefers this type of option.
Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP users can install and use Smart Defragmentation.
02 of 12Defragmenter
Defragmentation can run automatically on a schedule
Defragmentation can be run during reboot
You can defragment specific files and folders
Data can be excluded from defragmentation
Can be run directly from File Explorer
Allows you to move less used fragmented files to the very end of the drive
It can be confusing if you don't want to deal with all the extra options
Free defragmentation is not supported
No updates since 2018
Piriform’s defragmentation tool is undoubtedly one of the best free defragmentation software programs. It can defragment data or free space of internal or external drives. You can also choose to defragment specific files or folders, and that's it.
The program can also run boot-time defragmentation, check the drive for errors, empty the Recycle Bin before defragmentation, exclude certain files from defragmentation, run idle defragmentation, and selectively move less-used files to end of the drive to speed up disk access.
While I'd like to see the developers update this app more frequently to add new features, it still works great for me in Windows 11. You can also use it on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.
If the company Piriform sounds familiar, you're probably already familiar with their popular free CCleaner (system cleanup) or Recuva (data recovery) software.
03/12WinContig
No installation required
Defragment only specific files and folders
Free for personal and commercial use
Optional command line switches
Too many choices can feel overwhelming
WinContig describes itself as "the perfect tool for defragmenting specific files that are frequently used and constantly become fragmented." This means that it is unique among most other defragmentation utilities in that it is built specifically to defragment specific files rather than entire drives.
Because the program specializes in improving the loading speed of things like program files, it also includes the ability to designate areas of disk to place designated files and folders. For example, you can move frequently used files to the Quick Access area to speed up access to those files.
After fragmentation analysis, you will see a list of all files that contain fragmentation, along with the fragmentation percentage of each file. You can also use exclusion lists if you want to prevent certain data from being relocated. You can also use WinContig to check for disk errors.
I like this program for its ability to quickly defragment some stuff, but I find it's not as user-friendly as some of the higher-ranked options. Another thing: I can't verify how much the disk regions feature helps.
My testing was conducted in Windows 11, but the program is also compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.
04 of 12Auslogics disk defragmentation
Free for personal and commercial use
Update often
Files and folders can be excluded from defragmentation
Important system files can be moved to faster parts of the drive
Lets you disable ads
Boot-time defragmentation is not available for free
Unable to move custom files to the end of the hard drive
Attempts to install multiple unrelated programs during installation
Scheduling is not free
With Auslogics Disk Defragmentation, system files (usually frequently used files) can be configured to be moved to faster areas of the disk to improve boot time and improve overall system performance.
This is a useful feature, but not all other programs support it, so it's a good option if you need it.
However, please know that there are some disadvantages. The biggest issue for me is that it doesn't support scheduled defragmentation. Additionally, although their website makes no mention of this, defragmentation during reboot is also locked to free users and can only be accessed after paying for the Pro version.
This program can also be used to check the drive for errors using chkdsk and exclude files/folders from defragmentation.
It is officially supported on Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7.
05 of 12disk acceleration
There are many defragmentation settings you can adjust
Can be defragmented while the computer is idle
Exclusions can be set so that defragmentation does not occur
Defragmentation can be run on computer startup
Files you use infrequently can be moved to a slower part of the disk
Allows you to set a defragmentation schedule
Doesn't integrate itself into Explorer for easier file/folder defragmentation
May try to install another program during installation
Disk SpeedUp can defragment not only your entire hard drive, but also individual files and folders. Right off the bat, one thing I love about using this program is that I can run automatic defragmentation when my computer is idle for a specific period of time.
The program has very specific settings. For example, you can disable defragmentation if the file is less than 10 MB fragmented, has more than 3 fragments, and is larger than 150 MB. All these values can be customized.
You can also configure this tool to automatically move large, unused, and/or files of a certain format to the end of the drive so that frequently used smaller files end up at the beginning , hopefully shortening access times. This is super smart, but I didn't necessarily notice a performance improvement after doing this, although your experience may vary.
In addition to the above, Disk SpeedUp can exclude files and folders from full system defragmentation, run boot-time defragmentation, shut down the computer after defragmentation is complete, and run daily/weekly defragmentation on one or more drives/ Optimize/monthly schedule.
This program is designed for Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP
Disk SpeedUp may try to install other Glarysoft programs during the installation process, but you can easily uncheck any programs you don't need.
06 total 12
Built into Windows; no installation required
Easy to use
Defragmentation can be run on a schedule
Defragment internal and external drives
Unable to defragment locked files (i.e. no boot-time defragmentation option)
The finder will be different depending on your version of Windows
Disk Defragmenter already exists in Windows, which means you can just turn it on to use it. You can set up a schedule and defragment your internal and external hard drives.
Many other defragmenters on this list have many advantages over this program, such as boot-time defragmentation and optimization features. However, Microsoft's program is still definitely useful and has the added benefit of being available out of the box without having to download and install something.
To find it, search your computer for defrag , or execute the dfrgui command from the Run dialog box.
PageDefrag is a program developed by Microsoft Sysinternals that can defragment page files and registry hives.
07 of 12Smart Care 365
Supports drive optimization and defragmentation
Allows you to enable automatic shutdown when defragmentation is complete
There is a portable option
Includes other programs you may like
Unable to defragment as planned
There are many other programs besides defragmentation tools
Locked files will not be defragmented
Wise Care 365 is a collection of system utilities that scan for privacy issues and junk files. One of the tools in the System Tuning tab is used to defragment the hard drive.
Select the drive you want to defragment, and then choose Defragment , Full Optimize , or Analyze . You can choose to shut down your computer after defragmentation is complete.
This program does not support scheduling defragmentation. Another thing I don't like is the ads that are always shown in the program for the full version. Additionally, some features and options are only available in the Professional version.
If you don't like using these types of programs, cramming dozens of mini-tools into one download, then you'll want to pass on this one. If you read my review linked above, you will see a complete list of all the other tools included in the suite. I've used Wise Care 365 several times over the years, and it might be fun to try everything it has to offer, but it's definitely overkill if all you want is a good defragmenter.
Wise Care 365 can be installed on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP. A portable version is also available, but you have to "make" it in the installable version (more in the comments).
08 of 12Plan defragmentation
Can be defragmented while the computer is idle
Ability to move frequently used files to a faster part of the hard drive
Supports scheduled defragmentation
Includes option to run defragmentation during startup
Defragmentation can start at the file/folder level
You can also check your hard drive for errors
Do not show all fragmented files (only the first 10 are shown)
No portable option
The installer may try to install another program
Results after analyzing a drive are difficult to read
Free space defragmentation cannot be run manually (only runs on schedule)
Puran Defrag features a custom optimizer called Puran Intelligent Optimizer (PIOZR) that intelligently moves common files to the outer edges of the disk to speed up access to those files.
Like some other programs on this list, this program can defragment files and folders from File Explorer's right-click context menu, remove custom files/folders before initiating defragmentation, and run on startup Defragmentation.
What I love about this program is the freedom it provides. For example, there are very specific scheduling options available, such as running automatic defragmentation every few hours, when the system is idle, or when the screensaver starts.
Likewise, you can set a specific schedule for boot time defragmentation, such as running it when the computer starts for the first time every day, the first day of the week, or the first time the computer starts every month.
One thing I didn't like during testing was that during the installation process it tried to install additional programs that I didn't need or want. Unfortunately, this is a common practice I see all the time when installing software. Luckily , it's easy to skip these offers.
It is said to be compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2008 and 2003. I use it in Windows 10 without any problems.
09/12Toolwiz Smart Defragmentation
Very simple and easy to use interface
Show how many file fragments there are
Move archives to a slower part of the drive to speed up access to other files
Scheduled defragmentation is not supported
Does not display the fragmentation level of the entire drive
Can't customize anything
May not work on Windows 11/10
This is perfect if you're looking for a program that's super easy to use and isn't bogged down with confusing settings or buttons.
Toolwiz Smart Defrag is a small program with fast installation speed and simple and concise interface. It claims to be 10 times faster than the default defragmentation tool in Windows, and can place archive files into different parts of the drive to speed up access to regular files.
You can see the number of fragmented files from the analysis and run defragmentation quickly, but you cannot see the level of fragmentation present on the drive, nor can you schedule defragmentation to run at a later time.
I think it's nice to have a program that isn't filled with buttons and other toolbars, but sometimes it's unfortunate. For example, there are zero customizable features.
The program is officially available for Windows 7, Vista and XP. I'm using it in Windows 8 just fine.
10 out of 12O&O Defragmentation Free Edition
Defragmentation can be run every time the screensaver starts
If fragmentation is too low, scheduled defragmentation can be set to not run
Very large system restore point files are moved to a slower part of the disk to improve performance for other files
Generate extremely detailed hard drive reports
Not available for Windows 11, 10 or 8
Some features are not free to use, so you will be prompted to purchase the full version
Does not allow you to exclude files from defragmentation
Unable to defragment mobile hard drive
Unable to defragment on startup
O&O Defrag Free Edition has a well-organized and easy-to-use interface. It supports common features found in defragmentation software, such as optimizing the drive, viewing a list of all fragmented files, and checking the drive for errors.
In addition to scheduling defragmentation every week, you can configure the program to automatically start defragmentation when the screensaver starts.
You can choose to run the Quick Configuration Wizard to easily set up a schedule or optimize your drive immediately.
Some features are only available in the paid version, which means it can sometimes be annoying to try to enable a setting only to be told that you can't because you're using the free version.
O&O Defrag Free Edition is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP. I tested the latest version in a newer version of Windows, but couldn't get it up and running.
11 out of 12Super defragmentation
Advanced options hidden for beginners
Can check hard drive for errors
Defragment internal and external hard drives
Allows you to defragment individual files and folders, not just the entire HDD
Advanced changes require you to edit the configuration file
Scheduled defragmentation is difficult to open
Infrequent updates
UltraDefrag is available to both novice and advanced users - there are common features that everyone can use, but there are also advanced options if you need to make specific changes to the program.
Common functions like repairing, defragmenting, and optimizing drives are as easy to trigger as any other program. However, if you wish to make general changes to your program or to your boot-time defragmentation options, you must know how to manipulate BAT files.
If you like tinkering with stuff, this is a neat program, but if that doesn't describe you, I highly recommend the first few apps I detailed at the top of the list.
It should work fine on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.
12 of 12My defragmentation
Includes tons of advanced options
For those who don't want to customize anything, "out of the box"
The interface is very simple and clear
Ability to defragment removable and internal drives
More difficult to use than similar programs
Not available in File Explorer
Last updated in 2010
MyDefrag (formerly JkDefrag) can be a simple defragmenter or a fairly complex defragmenter, depending on your needs.
It works by loading and running a script on one or more drives. Several scripts are included with the first installation, such as scheduled defragmentation, analysis of drives, and consolidation of free space. The default installation is sufficient for ordinary users.
More advanced users can build their own custom scripts that can actually deeply customize the way MyDefrag works in great detail. Information about creating scripts can be found in the online manual.
MyDefrag has not been updated since 2010, so it only officially supports Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Server 2008, and Server 2003. However, it still works on newer versions of Windows, such as Windows 11, 10, and 8.
If you didn't know already, a defragmentation software program arranges the bits of data that make up files on your computer so that they are stored more tightly. This allows your hard drive to access files faster. Running a defragmentation tool may be a solution for a slow computer.
