When we measure the performance of our computer, there are several hardware components that we take into consideration. In addition to the processor, the GPU or the RAM memory , something that we must keep in mind is the proper functioning of our disk drives.
Here we refer to both mechanical hard drives and SSDs , although the difference in performance in favor of the second format is quite important. That is precisely why carrying out different maintenance tasks for these components will favorably influence the performance of our computer in general terms. It goes without saying that here we usually install the operating system, as well as its corresponding programs and personal data.
The capacity and speed of these hardware elements is increasing over time, although something similar happens with the software we use. The available space is finite on these drives, so we must maintain a certain order and select all the contents well. In addition, it is never advisable to limit the available space on hard drives.
How to Defragment in Windows 11
This can negatively affect the performance of our operating system and can also cause operating problems in certain applications. It is worth mentioning that one of the most common tasks to optimize the performance of these components is defragmentation.
This is a process that is carried out through certain specific tools to unite all the contents of the drives and thus speed up access to saved files and folders. For example, in Windows 11, all we have to do is type the word Defragment in the search engine to access the Optimize drives tool.
Here we will have the possibility of both analyzing and defragmenting the selected drives. Of course, we must keep in mind that this is a process that, depending on the hard drive or the capacity of our equipment, can take a long time. However, in the long run we will appreciate it and we will notice a drop in access time to our content stored here .
What do I do with the SSD drives?
This optimization function focused on content fragmentation is something that is especially evident in mechanical hard drives, HDDs . However, many may wonder if this same functionality can be used to improve the performance of solid drives or SSDs.
Well, for those of you who have asked this question, say that, if we focus on SSD drives, the same thing happens in Windows 11 as in previous versions of the Microsoft system. With this, what we really want to tell you is that defragmenting a solid state drive is possible, but useless. Keep in mind that these high-performance drives work in a radically different way than mechanical hard drives.
Without going into technicalities about the internal functioning of these units, we must know that in Windows 11 defragmenting the SSD will not give us any advantage. This means that we are not going to notice any performance difference, so it is not recommended at all. We must bear in mind that a good part of the equipment we buy today includes a drive with these characteristics.
