According to Apple, for the various versions of Mac, OS X later than 10.2 does not need to be defragmented. Besides, Mac Mojave or more modern Mac Catalina have their own built-in mechanisms to prevent files from fragmentation. Thus, there is no need for users to defrag a mac. Only in such circumstances your Mac need to defrag: The old Mac with. Product Version 9.0.0.0. Auslogics Disk Defrag Pro is the advanced version of Disk Defrag Free with extended functionality, including file placement and scheduling options. Get a license for this software.
Sep 28, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
At some point, it is common that your system becomes slow. Whether you have the latest Mac system or an old one, experiencing performance issues are common. Most people know how to defrag the Windows system but the Mac File system isn't designed like Windows. Thus, if you feel like you need to defrag Mac, then you still have some other options.
Here, we will discuss in detail how you defrag a Mac and why do you need it. Along with the process, we will also look for some alternatives to defragging.
Part 1. Overview of Defragmenting Mac
Defragment is the process where scattered files from the storage are organized. It erases the gaps from the files and stores them as a single whole part in the same location. In simple words, defragging Mac hard drive moves everything in order and fills the holes which exist while using the files. Ultimately, defragmentation saves time to search and read the files thereby improving the performance of your system.
Do You Need to Defrag Mac?
In general, Mac doesn't need defragmentation. It is due to the fact that the Mac OS X version after 10.2 has a different file system than Windows. Apple uses the HFS+ format which has a special function of Hot File Adaptive Clustering. This function works merely to automatically prevent fragmentation in the drive in the first place. As a result, there is not much need to defrag MacBook manually.
It is rare but maybe at some point, you might need it. Once in a few years, you might have to defrag Mac during the update, upgrade, installation, or reinstallation of some software.
When to Defrag MacBook Pro?
The one and only exception when you surely need to defrag MacBook Pro is when the storage space is left only 10%. Once that much storage space is occupied, the Mac OS won't be able to perform automatic defragmentation. Thus, you will have to consider either removing extra and useless files or expanding the storage so that your Mac system performance won't decline.
So, either you have to go through defragmentation or remove some of the big files from your Mac.
Part 2. How to Defragment Mac?
This is a matter of concern as there is not a particular tool on the Mac system that can tell you how to defrag a MacBook. But you can rely on third-party tools for that if you want to. Here, we are providing you top-listed tools for defragmenting in case you need them.
Solution 1. MacKeeper:
This tool is specially designed so that the performance of your Mac system can be improved significantly. Even though it is popular for its cleaning features of removing unused and redundant files, it can also help to defrag Mac computer.
The performance improvement features make sure that the disk is fragmented to maximize the space. As a result, Mac works better. These tools also have other useful features like restore, undelete, backup, and remote tracking too in case your Mac gets stolen.
Solution 2. iDefrag:
For Mac OS defragment disk, you can rely on iDefrag to work efficiently. It is a useful tool to defrag and optimize your computer. You just have to reboot your computer and the software will provide you options to defrag the system. With this software, you will be able to defrag the whole drive easily. It can even perform selective defragmentation. Along with this, the software is simple, organized, and improved so you don't have to struggle to learn how to operate it.
Solution 3. DiskTools Pro:
One of the best tools that can tell you how to defrag MacBook Pro is DiskTools Pro. The software has three main features, i.e. defrag, backup, and repair. This software makes the repair and maintenance of the Mac system easy and fast. There is a bundle of tools for other tasks too which include creating a bootable disk, fixing bad sectors, test disk integrity, analyze drive capacity, and so much more.
Free Mac Defrag Utility
There are lots of other tools too which can help you to defrag Mac as quickly as possible so you don't have to compromise with your work.
Part 3. Some Facts About Defragging Mac
If you are experiencing performance issues with your Mac and you are considering defragging Mac, then you should know a few facts about it. Alfa network awus036h. Here, we are giving you proper knowledge and facts to begin:
- Keep in mind that only hard drives require defragging. If your Mac has a Solid State Drive, then there is no need for defragging Mac.
- There is no need to defrag Mac regularly. The OS X already writes the small files in one batch so that you don't have to put in efforts for defragmentation.
- Hard drives work fast at the beginning of the drive and slow down as the data is written to the bottom. Data don't take up the available space and it creates several hols which causes a delay in booting or loading of programs.
- Over the years of using Mac, the system slows down with addition and reduction in data. And the OS X upgrades and normal operation makes the data less optimized. Therefore, the defragging Mac becomes important.
- The Mac OS gathers a group of small files dynamically and then combines them in a large space. The automatic process of writing files defragments the files in a proper manner.
- Mac's HFS+ File system makes sure that the recently freed file space is not used on the disk. Therefore, the system looks for the larger free area which is present on the drive. Thus, there is no room left to defrag apple Mac just so your files fit into the available space.
- Even when you open a file, the Mac system checks the storage to verify if the files are fragmented or not. In case it is, the OS automatically defrag Mac files.
Part 4. Alternative Way to Defrag Mac
If yourMac has performance issues, then instead of using defrag tools for Mac you can try out the alternative ways. Here are some methods that would optimize Mac and make sure that is works efficiently.
Method 1. Install Latest Updates of Your MacOS:
The latest update will provide stability, better performance, and security to your Mac. It will not only update the installed software but optimize the system to work in an improved way without a Mac defragging software.
- Open System Preferences from the Apple menu and tap on the Software Update option to check for updates.
- If the update is available, click on the Update Now option to install it. You can take a look at the specifics of the updates.
Once the software is fully updated, make sure that the applications are updated too.
Method 2. Clean Unnecessary and Big Files:
By deleting the files which are big and useless, you can improve the performance of your system. This way you don't have to worry about defragging Mac drive. Follow the steps below to delete extra files.
- Open the drive that you want to search and open the search window.
- Click on the '+' icon at the bottom of the Save button and customize the file size that you want to search. You can tell Mac to look for files using the 'Greater Than' column to find the files which occupy the maximum space.
- Once the results are listed on the screen, you can select the files which you don't need. Right-click on the file to move it to trash or click on the Trash icon in the Dock. And make sure that you empty the trash too
Method 3. Boot Mac in Safe Mode:
Another way to eliminate the performance issue and avoiding defragmentation on Mac is by booting the system in Safe Mode. This way, no additional application will run automatically and it will erase the cache files too.
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- You can release the Shift key when you see the login window. You might have to log in two times, once to unlock the startup disk and second to log in to the Finder.
Safe mode will erase the cache or directory issue as you start up and you'll have enough space left on your Mac. To exit the safe mode, you only have to restart Mac without pressing any additional key.
Part 5. More Tips to Speed Up Mac:
As you clean up the Mac, the need for Mac OS defrag will decrease and the system will start running smoothly. It is likely that your system will work fine now. But here are some additional tips that will speed up Mac:
- Update Software regularly as most of the issues happen due to the use of outdated software. The system update will also fix bugs and other reasons that are declining Mac performance.
- Prevent Programs from Launching Automatically when you turn on Mac. There are lots of apps that run in the background. So, you need to filter the list to free up resources to make sure that no extra space is occupied by them.
- Offload old data that is stored on online servers or external drives to make up space for new files.
- Clear Regularly: Apart from the system, you have to clean the Trash too. Even though the files are deleted from Mac, space is occupied by the trash. So, you'll have to empty the trash more frequently.
- Upgrade RAM: This solution won't help you to prevent fragmentation but it will improve the system performance.
Conclusion
So, now when anyone asks you can you defrag a Mac, you know that you can say yes. With every detail you have now, you can easily resolve performance issues with your Mac. And if somehow during cleanup or defragging Mac with third-party tools, the data gets deleted, then Recoverit Data Recovery can help you to retrieve the deleted files. Share the guide with your friends and family to let them know that there are easy ways of keeping up the Mac system.
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by Sophie GreenUpdated on 2020-03-13 / Update for Mac OS
You may ask “Why is my mac running so slow with the spinning ball, the low speed?” Your Mac doesn’t work as well as before. But if you have ever used PC, you definitely heard about how to defragment a windows, because Windows supports its users’ to run more fast. When Apple users confront with the performance optimization, they prompt the question — Is there any chance to defrag Mac? Does this practice perform effectively on Mac?
As with technologies emerging at present, the next article will show the answers for you.
Part 1: What Is Disk Defragmenter Mac
Disk Defragmentation is the process of collecting “fragments”, which are written to different sectors of the hard disk. The large files on hard disk have been rearranged side by side. Seeing hard disk as a round circle. Every file on your hard disk only takes up half, and then the circle leaves another half to release more space. Defrag mac hard drive is like a cleaner.
As for Disk Defragmenter Mac, Mac runs with APFS (Apple File System) like HFS+ (Hierarchical File System). That means macOS writes small files in one batch to prevent fragmentation of disk storage. This is more difficult to defrag MacBook Pro.
Free Defrag Software For Mac
Part 2: Do You Need to Defrag Mac Hard Drive
According to Apple, for the various versions of Mac, OS X later than 10.2 does not need to be defragmented. Besides, Mac Mojave or more modern Mac Catalina have their own built-in mechanisms to prevent files from fragmentation. Thus, there is no need for users to defrag a mac.
Only in such circumstances your Mac need to defrag:
- The old Mac with old HD.
- Requiring working efficiently.
- Running a large volume of software like Photoshop, DW.
Facts you should know before defragging Mac:
Hard Disk requires defragging, but SSD does not need.
- If your Mac runs with the version of High Sierra or later, none of third-party works them.
- Hard Disks are the fastest at the beginning and the lowest at the end.
Part 3: Will Defrag Mac Harm Hard Drive
Although defrag mac hard drive is such extreme dangerous process, it will not harm your Hard Disk or your mac. It is advisable to search for more information to see how to defragment a mac. Only if you understand how the process is going on and perform properly, the process will become a safe process.
Part 4: How to Defragment a Mac - 3 Ways
In an effort to run your mac at peak performance. Here are two tips that you should remember:
- The data on Mac are kept on the first 50% of the hard drive to make sure your defragmentation process running on the track takes more less time to reach them.
- Using an external mobile hard disk to back up all important data first in case of data loss.
Right now, there is some third-party software that supports to defrag MacBook pro:
iDefrag
The latest versions of iDefrag is 5.3.1. Free file conversion software for mac. This tool is compatible with Mac OS X10.10 or later, that means it supports the newest HFS+. The iDefrag is the most popular advanced app. Download free with a period of trial. After that, it is no free.
How to Use iDefrag:
- Download the App, then drag it into Applications.
Launch the App, draw the license file into window.
- Click the lock icon, require password of macOS, then tap “OK”.
- iDefrag will check up hard disk automatically. After a while, hit the first drop-down menu.
Select features depending on your needs, and go to click “Play” button. The procedure will take a couple of minutes.
Drive Genius 5
The Mac protection software Drive Genius 5 with powerful 18 features totally guarantee your mac. It has “Defragment” feature to speed up your Hard Disk. But only support macOS 10.11-10.14.6(10.15 is not supported) with large limitation. The Standard version is $79 while the Professional version is $299.
How to Use Drive Genius 5:
- Download and launch Drive Genius 5.
- Select Defragment Process.
- Defragment will examine mac first to check if there any issues are picked.
- Then click “Start”. The whole process will depend on kinds of fragmented.
TechTool Pro 12
TechTool Pro is also a widely using software to keep your mac running more efficient. The latest version is released Dec. 10th 2019, so it requires Mac OS X10.10 or later. The price is $134.93.
How to Use Drive Genius 5:
- Download and launch Drive Genius 5.
- Select Defragment Process.
- Defragment will examine mac first to check if there any issues are picked.
- Then click “Start”. The whole process will depend on kinds of fragmented.
Of course, when you finished the steps above, you need to select “File Optimization” in Tool Selection. The next steps are same as the former.
Note
Remember no matter what kinds of third-part tools you choose, if you are facing defrag MacBook failure, don’t hesitate to find the support from official website.
Additional Information: How to Recover Lost Data After Defragging a Mac
Defrag Software For Mac
As we mentioned, Defragmentation won’t harm your mac or hard disk. But unfortunately, if you run program inappropriately, the whole procedure will damage the hard disk. All data on hard disk will be lost. Don’t worry, the handful software Tenorshare Ultdata for Mac will recover all data easily. Read the detailed guide on how to recover lost or deleted files on Mac.
Mac Disk Defrag Software
Download and launch the Tenorshare Mac data recovery, and select a location to start scanning the data you kept. Tap “Scan” button.
It will take a while to scan all data. Following the all data results displaying, you can choose one file types to preview.
Once you choose files, click “Recover” button to save the files. It’s not advisable to save the files at the same partition where the files lost. This move will lead to permanent data loss.
Summary
There is no doubt that occasionally defrag mac hard drive will make your mac run smoothly and efficiently. If you want to defrag a mac, please make a backup first. Once in data loss situation, using Tenorshare Ultdata for Mac is the most professional tool to recover data. With the invaluable tool, you can easily recover data like photos, videos, documents and others on hard disk or external disk.