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."
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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.