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To change when Windows 11 optimizes drives, search for defrag, open Defragment and Optimize Drives, and choose Change Settings under Scheduled optimization. From there, select the drives and set the schedule to daily, weekly, monthly, or off.
Change the scheduled optimization settings
- Open the taskbar search box, type defrag, and select Defragment and Optimize Drives from the results.
- Under Scheduled optimization, select Change Settings.
- Choose which drive or drives the schedule should cover.
- Set the cadence to Daily, Weekly, or Monthly, or turn scheduled optimization off. Microsoft also documents an option to increase the frequency if optimization is missed three times.
- Select OK to apply the settings.
Windows schedules optimization once a week by default, according to Microsoft Support (publication year not stated). Its guidance applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10.
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What the schedule does for HDDs and SSDs
Windows uses “optimization” as an umbrella term, but the operation depends on the drive type. For a hard disk drive (HDD), optimization defragments the drive by reorganizing files. For a solid-state drive (SSD), it uses trim, which tells the drive where it can safely perform cleanup when it is not busy. Microsoft explains this distinction in its drive optimization guidance.
Run optimization manually or free up storage
Run optimization now
In Defragment and Optimize Drives, select a drive and choose Optimize to run the operation manually. Microsoft lists drive optimization as one possible performance step, but does not promise a particular speed improvement from running it or changing its schedule. See its PC performance guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Free up space separately
Scheduled drive optimization is not the same as Storage Sense. Storage Sense automatically frees space by removing unneeded items such as temporary files and Recycle Bin contents; it does not set the drive optimization cadence. Microsoft describes Storage Sense in its Storage Sense guidance.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
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