Optimize Disks in Windows 1.3

Why does a mostly empty hard disk drive perform better?

Because NTFS fragments files more as the drive fills up, slowing down read/write performance.

What happens as a hard disk gets fuller?

Files become more fragmented, making the drive slower.

Where do most user files get stored on a Windows system?

On the C: drive, in the User profile folder.

What's the first thing to try when a drive is too full?

Delete unnecessary files or migrate to a larger drive.

What tool does Windows provide to delete unneeded files?

Disk Cleanup.

How do you access Disk Cleanup?

Right-click the drive > Properties > General tab > Disk Cleanup.

What kinds of files does Disk Cleanup target?

Temporary Internet Files, Recycle Bin, Temporary Files, Thumbnails, and more.

What’s the benefit of checking all the file categories in Disk Cleanup?

It maximizes the amount of space you can free up.

What additional option in Disk Cleanup allows for more file removal?

Clean up system files.

What type of files are removed with "Clean up system files"?

Temporary OS and user-created files not needed long-term.

What should you do if Disk Cleanup doesn’t free enough space?

Manually delete files or upgrade to a larger drive.

What is Disk Error Checking used for?

To scan for and fix physical platter damage and file system errors.

Where is Disk Error Checking located?

In the Tools tab of the drive’s Properties.

Why might a disk develop errors over time?

Because hard drives have moving parts that wear out.

What does Disk Error Checking do?

Scans for physical and file system errors and attempts to fix them.

Is Disk Error Checking automatic in modern Windows versions?

Yes, it runs regularly in the background.

Where can you view the details of a disk scan?

In Event Viewer under the Show Details link.

Why do NTFS file systems fragment files?

Because there may not be enough continuous space to save a whole file together.

What is the effect of fragmentation?

Slower performance due to read/write heads searching across the disk for file parts.

What does defragmentation do?

Rearranges file fragments so they’re stored closer together for faster access.

How do you defragment a drive?

Open Optimize Drives > Select the drive > Click Analyze and then Optimize if needed.

Is defragmentation needed often in modern systems?

Not usually, as it runs automatically on a schedule.

What does the Optimize process do?

Moves file fragments closer together to improve performance.

What’s a requirement for defragmentation to work effectively?

You need to have enough free space on the drive.

What are the three main ways to optimize a Windows hard drive?

Use Disk Cleanup, Error Checking, and Defragmentation.