If a laptop computer is running slowly, defragmenting the hard drive may help the computer to run more efficiently. Defrag is a function that is built into the Windows operating system no matter if you are running it on a laptop or desktop computer. Defragging organizes files on your hard drive so that they can be processed more efficiently. A hard drive becomes more fragmented over time as files are installed and then uninstalled at a later date.
Step 1
Click "Start" and select "All Programs."
Step 2
Click "Accessories" and choose "System Tools."
Step 3
Choose "Disk Defragmenter."
Step 4
Select the hard disk that you would like to defrag and click "Defragment Disk."
Step 5
The process could take several hours, depending on the size of the hard drive and the amount of defragmentation.
Tip
The more frequently you defrag a computer, the less time the defrag process will take. You can set up schedule to automatically defrag your computer at a specific time each week. It is best to set this automatic process to run at a time when you are not using the computer but at a time the computer will still be running. The defragmentation process will slow other processing being done by your computer at the same time.