O&O Defrag 32 detects when optimization is worthwhile

Fast SSDs and NVMe drives also benefit from reduced fragmentation

The speed of an SSD or NVMe drive alone does not determine how quickly an application receives its data. If a file consists of many scattered fragments, the operating system may have to split a single contiguous read request into numerous smaller requests. These must be managed and processed individually, consuming computing time even if the drive itself is very fast.

O&O Defrag 32 consolidates heavily fragmented files, thereby reducing the number of required read requests. This lowers the operating system’s management overhead and can reduce CPU usage relative to the amount of data read. Applications that frequently read such files – or read them in large chunks – can access their data faster as a result. The extent of the benefit depends on factors such as the level of fragmentation and the nature of the file access patterns.

Automatically select the right method

SSD, NVMe, or hard drive: not every drive requires the same treatment. The new optimization wizard therefore takes into account factors such as drive type, fragmentation levels, and available storage space. It suggests a suitable method and explains why it is appropriate for the specific drive.

Users can specify their priorities – such as achieving the most thorough result possible, minimizing system load while working, or consolidating free space (for instance, prior to shrinking a partition). The suggested actions can be launched immediately. Users who prefer to leave the selection process to the program permanently can activate the automatic method selection feature.

Not All Fragmentation Is Created Equal

A 100 GB file consisting of three fragments is technically fragmented. However, completely rewriting it just to eliminate two fragment boundaries may require more effort than the resulting benefit justifies. The calculation changes, however, for a small file containing several thousand fragments.

This is precisely the trade-off the SOLID methods in O&O Defrag 32 evaluate before processing a file. They factor in the required write effort and skip files where optimization is deemed not worthwhile based on this assessment. This feature is enabled by default but can be disabled if desired.

“Even a fast NVMe SSD doesn’t spare Windows from the work of handling thousands of file fragments,” says Olaf Kehrer, Managing Director of O&O Software GmbH. “If reading these files results in numerous small, individual requests, it consumes valuable CPU time. Merging such files can reduce the load on the processor and accelerate access speeds. At the same time, we don’t want to trigger a massive write operation for a file that is barely fragmented. O&O Defrag 32 takes both factors into account and recommends the appropriate optimization to the user.”

Drives and Optimization Needs at a Glance

The new start page summarizes the status of the drives and indicates the next steps. In addition to fragmentation, it considers low disk space and – for SSDs – TRIM status and regular maintenance requirements. Recommended optimizations can be launched directly from this page. The classic interface remains available as an “Expert Mode” and can still be set as the default view.

Optimize Before Windows Even Starts

Version 32 allows users to configure the optimization of files locked by Windows during normal operation – such as system files – on a single, dedicated page. This process can be carried out automatically or manually within a separate optimization environment. Users can choose whether to restart the computer immediately or perform the optimization during the next system startup. A scheduled run can be cancelled before it starts.

BitLocker-encrypted drives are supported. Protection is temporarily suspended for the specific run – subject to user consent – and subsequently re-enabled. A new notification also alerts the user if Windows Fast Startup prevents the drive from being processed safely.

More information on drive health

O&O Defrag 32 analyzes additional S.M.A.R.T. data from SATA SSDs and hard drives, as well as health data from SSD/NVMe drives. The display explains the assessment and helps contextualize errors. For instance, transmission errors may indicate a SATA cable issue. If no usable data is available, the status is reported as unknown.

The graphical representation of file distribution has also been revised. Reports track changes over time using saved views. Thresholds for processor and drive load can now be set even for manually initiated optimizations. For script-based control, the OODCMD command-line tool is available in the full version.

Use additional tools directly from within O&O Defrag

The feature set also includes tools for other PC-related tasks:

• O&O AppBuster – Remove desktop and Windows applications
• O&O CheckAndRepair – Check and repair the Windows system
• O&O DriveLED – Monitor drive activity
• O&O SpeedCheck – Assess and recommend optimization opportunities
• O&O StartupManager – Disable and remove applications that slow down startup
• O&O SystemCleaner – Clean up unnecessary files to free up disk space
• O&O VisualDisk – Visualize read and write access—now for all drive types

These tools are listed in the “Tools” section and can be downloaded and installed as needed. O&O SystemCleaner replaces the previously integrated DiskCleaner and offers additional options for reclaiming disk space.

Pricing and availability

O&O Defrag 32 is available now for 49.95 USD (single-user license) and 99 USD (5-PC license). All prices include 19% VAT.

A free 30-day trial version is available at: https://www.oo-software.com/en/products/oodefrag