As you continuously use your computer by adding, removing, modifying and changing files, your hard disk will become fragmented. Fragmentation occurs when the file system cannot or will not allocate enough continuous space to store a complete file as a unit, but instead puts parts of it in gaps on the hard drive. Larger files and a bigger quantity of files also play a role to fragmentation and performance loss.

So when the disk goes to read the file, it actually takes longer to load because the file is not stored in the same spot on the hard drive. It is like having to fast forward and rewind a VHS tape just to get one continuous video. Things are no longer in order.

Well luckily in computers, there is a program called “Disk Defragmenter”. To run this program click the “Start” button, type “defrag” in the “run box” and press “Enter”.

All you have to do is select the “Hard Drives” and press the “Defragment disk”. It may take a while to complete but it will do a good job at putting the storage of your files back in order and most certainly speed up your computer.