Defrag software programs are tools that arrange the bits of data that make up the files on your computer so they're stored closer together. This allows your hard drive to access files more quickly.
Codec Tweak Tool Latest Version 2018 Free Download K Lite Codec Tweak Software thus registers and eliminates broken VFW DirectShow filters and codecs, re -registers DirectShow filters that are base, clears the Windows star cache, resets, copies or maintains settings and checks the speaker arrangement. In no particular order, following are some of the best free tools out there to tweak and customize Windows 10. Aero Glass for Windows 8.1+ Like in Windows 8/8.1, Aero glass transparency feature is not available in Windows 10 as well.
Defragmentation, in other words, can help improve your computer's performance by making the reading of files more efficient, thanks to the fact that all the tiny pieces that make up a single file are right next to each other.
Still confused? See What Is Fragmentation & Defragmentation? for more help understanding what fragmentation is and why defrag software is helpful.
All versions of Windows include a built-in defrag program, which I've ranked in this list. However, in most cases, a dedicated program, like any of the other free defrag software programs I list here, will do a better job.
I've only included freeware defrag software in this list. In other words, only completely free defragmentation programs — no shareware, trialware, etc. If one of these free defrag programs has started charging, please let me know.
Defraggler
What We Like
Defrags can be run automatically on a schedule
It can do a defrag of the HDD during a reboot
You can defrag specific files and folders
Data can be excluded from the defrag
Can be run directly from Explorer
Lets you move lesser-used fragmented files to the very end of the drive
A portable version is available
What We Don't Like
Might be confusing if you don't want to deal with all the extra options
Doesn't support idle defragging
Installs another program unless you uncheck that option during setup
Piriform's Defraggler tool is easily the best free defrag software program out there. It can defrag the data or just the free space of an internal or external drive. You also have the option of defragmenting specific files or folders and nothing more.
Defraggler can run a boot time defrag, check a drive for errors, empty the Recycle Bin before defragging, exclude certain files from a defrag, run an idle defrag, and selectively move lesser-used files to the end of the drive to speed up disk access.
Defraggler is also available in a portable version for flash drives.
If the Piriform company sounds familiar, you may already be familiar with their very popular free CCleaner (system cleaning) or Recuva (data recovery) software.
Defraggler can be installed on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2008 and 2003.
During setup, uncheck Try Google Chrome before installing Defraggler if you don't want to install the Chrome browser along with this program.
Smart Defrag
What We Like
Will run a defrag automatically on a schedule
A defrag can run while the computer is booting up
Files you access often can be moved to faster parts of the drive
A portable version is available
Can clean up the drive before the defrag to speed it up
Lots of options for post-defrag, like to reboot
Exclusions can be applied to the defrag
What We Don't Like
Some of the features are only usable if you pay
Can't defrag automatically when the computer is idle
Setup might attempt to install another program
Smart Defrag is great when it comes to scheduling an automatic defrag since there are some very specific advanced settings.
It supports running a defrag on a schedule as well as using boot time defrags to remove fragments from locked files.
Smart Defrag can also exclude files and folders from a defrag/analysis, replace Windows Disk Defragmenter, defrag just Windows Metro Apps, and skip defragging files that are over a certain file size.
Also included in Smart Defrag is a feature which removes junk files in Windows and Internet Explorer. It also clears cache files in other parts of Windows that could help speed up a defrag.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP users are able to install and use Smart Defrag.
Auslogics Disk Defrag
What We Like
Free for personal and commercial use
Updates often
Files and folders can be excluded from a defrag
Important system files can be moved to the faster part of the drive
What We Don't Like
Boot-time defrags aren't available for free.
Unable to move custom files to the end of the hard drive
Tries to install several unrelated programs during setup
With Auslogics Disk Defrag, system files, which are normally commonly used files, can be configured to be moved to faster areas of a disk to improve launch times and general system performance.
You can also check a drive for errors with chkdsk and exclude files/folders from a defrag.
Auslogics Disk Defrag works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
Puran Defrag
What We Like
Can defrag when the computer is idle
Able to move commonly used files to the faster part of the hard drive
Supports scheduled defrags
Includes an option to run a defrag during boot up
Defragmenting can start from the file/folder level
Runs on Windows 10 and other Windows versions
Can also check the HDD for errors
What We Don't Like
Doesn't show all the fragmented files (only the top 10)
There isn't a portable option
Setup might attempt to install another program
The results after analyzing the drive are hard to read
Free space defrags can't be run manually (only scheduled)
An updated hasn't been released since 2016
Puran Defrag features a custom optimizer called Puran Intelligent Optimizer (PIOZR) to intelligently move common files to the outer edge of a disk to speed up access to those files.
Like some of the other programs from this list, Puran Defrag can defrag files and folders from the Windows Explorer right-click context menu, delete custom files/folders before a defrag is launched, and run boot time defrags.
There are very specific scheduling options available in Puran Defrag like running an automatic defrag every so many hours, when the system goes idle, or when the screensaver starts.
Particular schedules can also be set up for boot time defrags like running it on the first computer boot up of the day, on the first of the week, or the first time your computer boots up every month.
One thing I don't like about Puran Defrag is that it tries to install additional programs during setup.
Puran Defrag is said to be compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2003.
Disk SpeedUp
What We Like
Lots of defrag settings that you can tweak
Can defrag when the computer idles
Exclusions can be set up so as to not be defragged
Defrags can be run while the computer is starting up
Files you don't use often can be moved to the slower parts of the disk
Lets you set up a defragmenting schedule
What We Don't Like
Can't defrag removable drives
Doesn't integrate itself into Explorer to make it easier to defrag files/folders
Might try to install another program during setup
Disk SpeedUp is another free defrag program that can defrag not only whole hard drives but also individual files and folders. You can also run an automatic defrag when the system has been idle for a particular number of minutes.
Disk SpeedUp has very specific settings. For example, you can disable defrags if files have fragments that are smaller than 10 MB, have more than three fragments, and are larger than 150 MB. All of these values can be customized.
You can also configure Disk SpeedUp to automatically move large, unused, and/or files of a certain format to the end of the drive so the commonly used, smaller ones end up toward the beginning, hopefully improving access times.
In addition to the above, Disk SpeedUp can exclude files and folders from a whole system defrag, run a boot time defrag, turn off the computer when a defrag has completed, and run defrags/optimizations on one or more drives on a daily/weekly/monthly schedule.
You can use Disk SpeedUp in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and Windows Server 2003.
Disk SpeedUp might try to install other Glarysoft programs during setup, but you can easily uncheck anything you don't want.
Toolwiz Smart Defrag
What We Like
Very simple and easy-to-use interface
Shows how many files are fragmented
Moves archives to the slower parts of the drive to speed up access to other files
What We Don't Like
Very outdated; hasn't been updated since 2012
Doesn't support scheduled defrags
Doesn't show the level of fragmentation on the whole drive
Can't customize anything
Might not work for you in Windows 10
Toolwiz Smart Defrag is a small program that installs quickly and has a really clean, minimal interface. It claims to be 10 times quicker than the default defrag tool included in Windows and can place archive files to a different part of the drive to speed up access to regular files.
You're able to see the number of fragmented files from an analysis and run a defrag really quickly, though you can't see the level of fragmentation that exists on a drive, nor can you schedule defragments to run at a later date.
Though it's nice to have a program that isn't packed full of buttons and other toolbars, it's also sometimes unfortunate. For instance, there are zero features that you can customize in Toolwiz Smart Defrag.
If you're looking for a program that's super simple to use and isn't bogged down with confusing settings or buttons, this program is absolutely perfect.
Toolwiz Smart Defrag works in Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
O&O Defrag Free Edition
What We Like
Defrags can run each time the screensaver comes on
Supports scheduled defragging
Scheduled defrags can be set to not run if fragmentation is too low
The really large system restore point files are moved to slower parts of the disk to increase performance for other files
Produces extremely detailed hard drive reports
What We Don't Like
Doesn't work with Windows 10 or Windows 8
Some features are not free to use, so you'll be prompted to buy the full version
Doesn't let you exclude files from defragmentation
Can't defragment removable hard drives
Unable to defrag during boot up
O&O Defrag Free Edition has an organized and easy to use interface. It supports common features found in similar defrag software, like optimizing a drive, viewing a list of all the fragmented files, and checking a drive for errors.
In addition to scheduling defrags on a weekly basis, you can also configure O&O Defrag Free Edition to start a defrag automatically when the screensaver comes on.
You can optionally run through a Quick configuration wizard to easily set up scheduling or immediately optimize a drive.
Some features are only available in the paid version of O&O Defrag, which means you'll sometimes try to enable a setting only to be told you can't because you're using the free version, which can get irritating.
O&O Defrag Free Edition is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, and XP. I tested the most recent version of both Windows 10 and Windows 8 but wasn't able to get it up and running.
UltraDefrag
What We Like
Includes advanced options but they're hidden away for beginners
Runs on Windows 10 and other Windows versions
Can check a hard drive for errors
It defrags both internal and external hard drives
Lets you defragment individual files and folders, not just entire HDDs
What We Don't Like
Advanced changes require you to edit a configuration file
Scheduled defrags are hard to turn on
Free version is no longer updated
UltraDefrag can be used for novice and advanced users alike — there are common features that everyone can use but also advanced options if you need to make specific changes to the program.
Common functions like repairing, defragging, and optimizing drives are as simple as any of these other programs. However, if you wish to make changes to the program in general or to the boot time defrag option, you have to know how to maneuver around a BAT file.
UltraDefrag is said to run in Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP only, but I was also able to use it in Windows 10.
MyDefrag
What We Like
Includes plenty of advanced options
Works 'out of the box' for people who don't want to customize anything
The interface is really simple and to the point
Able to defrag removable drives and internal ones
What We Don't Like
Can be much harder to use than similar programs
Doesn't work from within Explorer like some defrag tools
The program was last updated in 2010
MyDefrag (formerly JkDefrag) can be both a simple and a rather complex defrag program depending on your needs.
It works be loading and running scripts on one or more drives. Several scripts are included when you first install it, like to defrag on a schedule, analyze a drive, and consolidate free space. The default install is just fine for regular users.
More advanced users can build their own custom scripts, which can actually be very detailed to deeply customize the way MyDefrag works. Information about creating scripts can be found in the online manual.
MyDefrag hasn't been updated since May of 2010, so it only officially supports Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Windows Server 2008 and Server 2003. However, it still works with the newer versions of Windows like Windows 10 and Windows 8.
SpeeDefrag
What We Like
Helps the built-in Disk Defragmenter tool run more quickly
Very simple to use with easy-to-understand options
Lets you defrag the drive even if there's little free space remaining
What We Don't Like
Only relevant for users running Windows Vista or XP
Doesn't include common features found in most defrag tools
Depending on the defrag option you choose, all of your open programs and files will promptly shut down
Tries to install another program during setup
SpeeDefrag isn't actually a defrag program in and of itself. Instead, it shuts down everything you're using except for the built-in defragmenting program provided by Windows (listed below).
The purpose of SpeeDefrag is to speed up the regular defrag functions of Windows Disk Defragmenter. By shutting down unnecessary programs, it can utilize more system resources to make the defrag tool run quicker.
After installing SpeeDefrag, you're given a few options for how you want the task to run. For instance, you can choose to restart and run a defrag and then restart again automatically, or just to run a defrag and then shutdown the computer.
Some features are only available in operating systems prior to Windows 7, such as restarting before a defrag and shutting down open programs. This means SpeeDefrag is really only useful for Windows Vista and Windows XP.
Disk Defragmenter
What We Like
Built-in to Windows; no installation necessary
Easy to use
Can run defrags on a schedule
Defrags internal and external drives
What We Don't Like
Can't defragment locked files (i.e., no boot time defrag option)
Finding the program is different depending on your version of Windows
Disk Defragmenter is the defrag program that already exists in Windows, which means you don't need to download anything to use it. You can set schedules and defragment both internal and external hard drives.
Many of the other defrag programs from this list have many advantages over Disk Defragmenter, such as boot time defrags and optimization features. If using this program, I suggest you couple it with the SpeeDefrag program from above.
In Windows 10 and 8, Disk Defragmenter can be opened from Administrative Tools in the Control Panel. For older versions of Windows, it can be found through the start menu by navigating to All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.
Disk Defragmenter is also available from the command line with the defragcommand.
Baidu PC Faster's Disk Defrag
What We Like
Very easy to use
Defrags internal and external drives
Can defragment multiple drives consecutively
Includes lots of other, non-defrag tools
What We Don't Like
Missing standard features like scheduling
The other included mini programs are overwhelming if you need just the defrag tool
The program no longer gets updated
Baidu Disk Defrag is a tool provided by Baidu PC Faster, which is a system optimizer program. While it's quick and super easy to use, it doesn't provide any custom or advanced features like scheduling or boot time defrags.
After analyzing one or more drives, you can select all of them at once so it will defragment the first one, then the second, and so on.
Open the defrag program from Toolbox > Disk Defrag.
Baidu's PC Faster tool works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
Wise Care 365
What We Like
Supports optimizing and defragmenting the drive
Lets you enable an automatic shutdown for when the defrag finishes
There's a portable option
Includes other programs you might like
What We Don't Like
Can't defrag on a schedule
There are lotsof other programs in addition to the defrag tool
Won't defragment locked files
Wise Care 365 is a collection of system utilities that scans for privacy issues and junk files. One of the tools, in the System Tuneup tab, is used for defragmenting a hard drive.
Select the drive to defragment and then choose Defragment, Full Optimization or Analyze. You can optionally shut down the computer after the defrag has finished. Scheduling defrags with Wise Care 365 is not supported.
A portable version is available from within the program (this is explained in the review).
Something I don't like is that a small advertisement about the full version of the program is always displayed in Wise Care 365. Also, some of the features and options are only available in the professional version.
Wise Care 365 can be installed to 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10 through Windows XP.
All Macs are perfect, and never encounter a single problem. This is thanks to the unicorn dust applied liberally to the internals of each new machine.
Unfortunately, that’s not true. Just like Windows machines, your Apple hardware can and will go wrong from time to time. Apple provides plenty of tools to get you on your way, but a few free third-party apps don’t hurt either.
Here are eight free tools that can help when your computer don’t work properly.
1. Disk Utility
When to use it: Corrupted files, drive errors, or a Mac that won’t boot into macOS.
Disk Utility is a utility provided with macOS, which you can find under your Applications > Utilities folder. It’s used for formatting drives, mounting and unmounting volumes, and fixing problems as they arise.
You can run First Aid on any drive by launching the utility and clicking the corresponding button. For better results, and in cases where your Mac won’t boot, you can launch your Mac in Recovery Mode by restarting and holding Cmd + R while it starts up. Select Disk Utility, then First Aid to attempt a fix. Hit Repair Disk if it detects a problem.
It’s also possible to create whole images of your current disk using this utility, which is perfect if your drive is failing. Reboot in Recovery Mode and connect a large enough external drive. Then eject the drive you want to back up (probably called Macintosh HD), followed by File > Create New Image from “Macintosh HD” (or whatever the label is).
Failing Disk Utility’s repair options, you can always boot into single user mode and use fsck to fix drive optionsHow to Repair Your Mac's Disk Using Safe Mode, fsck, and MoreHow to Repair Your Mac's Disk Using Safe Mode, fsck, and MoreIf your Mac won't boot, you can use several methods to try repairing it. Here's how to fix your macOS disk with Safe Mode, fsck, and more.Read More from a command line interface.
2. Apple Diagnostics/Apple Hardware Test
When to use it: Suspected hardware issues, when trying to find out which specific component is causing an issue.
Another tool that comes bundled with your Mac is Apple Hardware Test. This simple utility can help diagnose problemsHow to Identify Mac Issues With Apple's Hardware Diagnostics TestsHow to Identify Mac Issues With Apple's Hardware Diagnostics TestsIf your Mac isn't working right, you can try Apple's built-in diagnostic tests to find out what's wrong with your battery, processor, and more. Here's how to use Apple Hardware Test and Apple Diagnostics.Read More, though it lacks the detail required to make serious repairs. It is, however, useful in cases where you’re trying to isolate a hardware issue from a software one.
The age of your machine will determine whether you use Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test, but they do the same job and launch using the same shortcut. Simply hold down D while your Mac boots, or Option + D to run the test from the internet (in cases where the test won’t run from disk).
If you’re feeling brave and you want to glean as much information as possible about your hardware problems, you can use Apple Service Diagnostics, assuming your Mac isn’t too new.
Download Pro Tools Mac Free
3. OnyX
When to use it: For making deep system tweaks, cleaning up caches, and fiddling with the OS.
OnyX is the jack of all trades maintenance tool for macOS. Most users won’t have any specific need for it until the time comes, but it’s a handy tool to have installed. Just like Disk Utility, you can use OnyX to verify the structure of the startup disk. It can also repair permissions, something that most users of El Capitan or later will never need to do.
With OnyX you can perform tasks like run the operating system’s daily, weekly, and monthly clean-up scripts with the click of a button. You can also rebuild databases like Spotlight, Mail, and LaunchServices without having to boot into Safe Mode.
This tool works to to clear just about every cache on your system, though generally speaking you should let the OS take care of this task. You can also perform three and seven-pass secure erases, though you shouldn’t do this on solid state drives. OnyX can also show and hide files, folders, and applications, plus access macOS applications like the hidden Network Utility and Directory Utility tools with a click.
Finally, you can tweak some settings that are usually only available via Terminal prompts. These include the format, location, and naming conventions for screenshots, recent folder and file listings, Safari tweaks like history cutoff and DNS prefetching; startup sounds, and even graphical effects throughout the OS.
Curious about Mac cleaning appsAre Mac Cleaning Apps Worthless? 7 Factors to ConsiderAre Mac Cleaning Apps Worthless? 7 Factors to ConsiderMac cleaning apps promise you one-click fixes for many macOS issues. But are they really worth using?Read More? Here are some factors to consider before getting one.
Download:OnyX
4. MemTest86
When to use it: Crashes, freezes, app instability—particularly if you just installed some new memory.
RAM is one of the last internal components Mac owners can still customize—on some machines at least. The iMac in particular still provides a window at the back that pops open and allows you to add physical memory. Older MacBooks, where the RAM isn’t soldered to the motherboard, are also open to tinkering.
But this can lead to issues when the memory you’ve installed is faulty. Application crashes, hard reboots, and freezing are all symptoms of dud memory. Even the old sticks of RAM installed when your machine was new can fail, leading to problems. MemTest86 is a free tool for thoroughly testing your RAM and isolating memory problems.
To use it, simply download the version for Linux and Mac, create a bootable USB drive using the imageHow to Create and Boot From a Linux USB Drive on MacHow to Create and Boot From a Linux USB Drive on MacThere are a few ways to get a create a live Linux USB drive that will boot on your Mac: you can do it with freeware, or get your hands dirty with the command line.Read More, insert your USB stick, and hold the Option key when your Mac boots. Choose the USB boot option from the menu and follow the prompts.
There are memory testing tools that run under macOS or via a graphical interface. But the problem with this approach is that your operating system is already using the RAM you want to test. By booting into a lightweight Unix environment, you can test the RAM more thoroughly.
Download:MemTest86
5. Malwarebytes
When to use it: Periodically to ensure your Mac is malware-free.
Your Mac is susceptible to malware, even though the likelihood of infection is low. Apple has put in place protections like system integrity protection and Gatekeeper to limit damage from errant third-party software. But exploits still happen, and Malwarebytes is a free solution to keep you protected.
If you’ve already been infected, this is one anti-malware tool that can help. The free version lacks real-time protection, but that’s fine since resources are precious. A quick scan from time to time, as well as running the updates when they arrive, should be enough to keep you safe.
You’ll get a free trial of the premium version of Malwarebytes when you download, but the free version offers ample protection for most users.
Download:Malwarebytes
6. KnockKnock
Gnome Tweak Tool For Linux Mint
When to use it: When you suspect malware is persistently trying to install itself on your machine.
Objective See produces a whole range of security tools for macOS, but we’re going to focus on KnockKnock here. It’s a tool that looks a little deeper than your average malware scanner for applications that attempt to persistently install software on your machine.
This is the hallmark of many vehicles used to deliver malware, though the app will also detect benign applications that do this as part of their regular operation. The app is integrated with VirusTotal protection, indicating if anything unusual is attempting to install something more sinister.
Download:KnockKnock
7. EtreCheck
When to use it: When you’re experiencing problems with the normal operation of macOS.
EtreCheck is a tool that can detect over 30 minor and major problems with your Mac. It generates reports based on what it finds, so you can ask others to help remedy the problem. EtreCheck works in tandem with Apple Support Communities to help users with limited technical knowledge solve their computer problems.
EtreCheck will generate five reports for free, which should be enough to help diagnose an immediate problem with your hardware. After this it will cost around $10, depending on where in the world you are. This is so anyone can use it as a fast diagnosis tool, but also to cover the continued development costs.
When you first run the app, you’ll see a prompt asking for description of your problem. EtreCheck will then scan your computer for hardware, configuration, software, and performance issues.
Download:EtreCheck
8. PhotoRec
When to use it: In cases where you need to recover media from external drives.
Test Disk and PhotoRec are two closely related projects. The former is aimed at whole drive recovery, while the latter is designed to recovery media from removable storage. Unfortunately, TestDisk doesn’t yet support Apple’s new file system APFS, but it does work with HFS+ file systems created prior to macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
Best Free Tweak Tool For Mac
PhotoRec supports the most common file systems used to store media, so if you’ve lost an SD card full of photos it might be your best bet for getting them back. Unfortunately you’ll lose your original filenames, but that’s better than losing the data entirely.
If your card becomes unreadable, remember that you should not write to it at all until you have tried everything to get your data back. The more you write to the volume, the less likely a full recovery is possible.
Don’t Forget Your Boot Modes
You Mac uses various boot modes for all kinds of troubleshooting functions. Safe mode will automatically verify your disk on startup, while resetting your PRAM and SMC can solve numerous minor issues.
Check out the full list of Mac boot modesA Quick Guide to macOS Boot Modes and Startup Key CombinationsA Quick Guide to macOS Boot Modes and Startup Key CombinationsYour Mac has several startup key combinations that unlock a variety of boot modes for troubleshooting. Here's a guide to what they all do.Read More for fixing a whole range of problems with your computer. If you’re having network issues, macOS’s built-in Network Utility can help you out too.
Network Tools For Mac
If all your troubleshooting efforts have failed and you would like to start over, you can erase and restore your Mac to factory settingsHow to Erase and Restore a Mac to Return to Factory SettingsHow to Erase and Restore a Mac to Return to Factory SettingsWant to reset your Mac to factory settings the easy way? Here's a new method that automates a lot of the heavy lifting.Read More.
Mac Tools For Sale
Explore more about: Computer Diagnostics, Hardware Tips, Mac Tips, Troubleshooting.