Windows 7 handles disk defragmentation automatically.
To prevent future issues with your PC and keep system performance as speedy as possible, it’s important that you take good care of the hard drive installed inside your Windows 7 computer. While some of this maintenance is handled for you automatically, there are a number of manual checks you can make to keep everything running smoothly.
Defragmentation and error checking: Right-click on your primary hard drive in My Computer to access the defragmentation and disk checking tools. The defrag utility should already be set to run on a regular schedule – be sure to set one up if it isn’t. The error checking feature is more suitable for trying to tackle serious problems with your hard drive (such as corrupt data or issues with Windows booting up).
Remove unwanted programs: This should be done on a regular basis to keep the registry and the hard drive clutter-free. Windows 7 has its own uninstall routine built into Control Panel, but for more comprehensive results you might want to try out one of the many third-party applications available, such as Revo Uninstaller.
Clean up junk files: In the Accessories/ System Tools folder on the Start menu you’ll find a Disk Cleanup utility. Run this to uncover redundant installation files and temporary data that can be safely removed from your system. Not only will you benefit from extra hard disk drive space, Windows will have an easier time getting to the files and documents that are actually important.
(For a full guide to Windows 7, order the Essential Windows 7 Handbook 2nd Edition, on sale now from newsagents and online.)
