Your hard disk gets slower the longer you use it. Files end up in pieces scattered across the platter, so the drive spends its time hunting for fragments every time you open something. Puran Defrag Free Edition is a Windows defragmenter that collects those pieces and also moves frequently used files to the faster areas of the disk.
Quick facts
- Vendor: Puran Software
- Platforms: Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8, 10 and 11, including native 64-bit support
- Price: Free
- Interface: graphical program plus a console command line
Key features
Smarter file placement with PIOZR
The Puran Intelligent Optimizer (PIOZR) does more than join fragments. It moves frequently used files and all directories to faster disk areas, which is where the speed gain comes from.
Defrag system files at startup
Boot Time Defragmentation handles system files such as the MFT that can't be moved while Windows is running. You can also choose to restart or shut down the PC when it finishes.
Two kinds of automatic defrag
You can set up a simple Automatic Defragmentation or an Automatic Boot Time Defragmentation, so you don't have to remember to run it.
Defrag only what you choose
You can defragment individual files or folders, and exclude files or folders by name or wildcard. Low Priority Defrag lets you keep working while it runs.
Free space optimization and directory consolidation
The program can free space on the volume where Windows is installed and consolidate directories to speed up access.
Who it's for
It suits you if you still use a mechanical hard drive and want a free defragmenter with scheduling and boot-time options. It also suits you if you want to script defragmentation from the command line.
Pros and cons
- Pro: The free edition is described as the same as the commercial version.
- Pro: It has boot-time defrag, scheduling, exclusions and a command line.
- Pro: It is a small download of a few megabytes.
- Con: It is aimed at traditional hard disks. Defragmenting an SSD gives little benefit.
- Con: Some reviewers note that it lacks online help documentation.
FAQs
Is the free edition limited?
A review at GIGAZINE says the free edition has no functional restrictions compared with the paid version.
Can it defragment system files?
Yes. Boot Time Defragmentation handles system files like the MFT.
Does it run on 64-bit Windows?
Yes. It has native support for 64-bit Windows.
Can I leave it running in the background?
Yes. Low Priority Defrag lets you keep working, and automatic defragmentation can be scheduled.
System requirements
Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8, 10 or 11, 32-bit or 64-bit.