Almost every Windows operating system user has heard about disk defragmentation. If you switch from Windows to a Macintosh computer, you may wonder whether the macOS requires defragging for disk optimization. Usually, the defragging of the hard drive needs to be done from time to time to speed up the operating system. But is it worth defragging a Mac? In this article, we will dive into the Mac defrag question and tell you how to defrag your Apple computer. What Does Defragmentation Mean? Fragmentation is the process of splitting a large file into “fragments,” which are written to different sectors of the hard disk.

This happens when the free space on the disk is presented in the form of small scattered fragments and it is impossible to save a large file on it. The fragmentation has some flaws, for example, your computer needs more time to find and read the information on the disk. Also, the disk wears out quickly due to the need for accessing the disparate sectors. Defragmentation is the reverse process. The files on the hard disk are reorganized in such a way that the parts of one large file are stored side by side. In short, defragmentation removes the gaps between the recorded parts of the files, collecting them into a single whole part.

Disk defragmenter programs are largely available for free, and your computer may have one already. However, there are also paid options, ranging from $20 to $50, which can offer additional functionality as well as customer support for the product. Skype.

As a result, defragmentation allows you to speed up your computer. Does a Mac need disk defragmentation? The Microsoft file systems use the classic FAT and the more modern NTFS, which do not provide built-in mechanisms to combat fragmentation. That’s why the Windows OS requires defragmentation every few months. The procedure can take quite a long time; however, it helps to optimize the computer’s performance. Unlike Microsoft, Apple uses the HFS+ (Hierarchical File System), which provides a special function Hot File Adaptive Clustering, or HFC.

The main purpose of this component is to of disk storage. Moreover, Apple computers use SSD hard drives that have a different algorithm to eliminate fragmentation. These drives have their own automatic process – TRIM, which performs all the debug process functions on the SSD. Thus, there is no need for Mac disk defrag. The MacOS is designed in such a way that it “takes care” of all the files on your computer, so you do not need to worry about it.

The only exception where you may need to defragment Mac is the following circumstance: • You have an old Mac with an old hard drive, which you use for professional work with video or audio. This means that the hard disk can be clogged with video and audio files or various large projects of programs such as Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop. Such files are very susceptible to fragmentation and can be difficult to eliminate automatically. However, even in such cases, Mac’s slow performance happens so rarely that the defragmenters have never been included in the standard set of Apple utilities.

How to Defrag a Mac computer The macOS does not provide a tool for defragmenting the hard drive. The only thing Apple recommends is to make a full backup of your data, format the hard drive, reinstall the operating system, and then recover the files. If you still think that your Mac requires optimization, you can use third-party utilities, designed to defragment Mac’s hard disk.

There are several apps for this task: • iDefrag is the most popular app. It costs $32 but provides a trial period.

• Drive Genius is a more powerful program, which allows you to perform a full range of preventive actions, work with HD partitions and restore the data. The price is $99. • TechTool Pro 5 is a universal tool for Mac performance optimization, which has a defragmentation option as well. TechTool Pro 5 costs $ 98. Infallible foundation match for mac nw300.