Windows 10: Optimize and Defrag Drives in Windows 10

Hey, here's my own question -- and I apologize if I missed something along the way, but I don't see this point in any of the threads -- what about the "System Reserved" partition? My computer keeps reporting that little slice as "Needs Optimization", and "Never Run". But when I try to "Optimize" it, nothing happens... the window goes away for a minute, then comes back, saying the same thing. (And yes, I know all about not "defragmenting" an SSD, I wanted the system to run TRIM on that partition.) Seems to me, that all-important little partition ought to benefit from being kept as neat and tidy as possible, but I don't see how to do it. I even tried temporarily assigning a drive letter to it (B), thinking maybe that would allow me to optimize, but no dice. Is this something to be concerned about, or not?

 

Hello DJRoff, *Smile

There's no need to optimize the "System Reserved" partition since it doesn't get written to, and is protected by Windows.

 

In fact with the built in defragger is not possible to defrag the reserved space. Its best left alone.

 

A third-party defragmenter would do it, but I knew better than to go there, trust me.

Okay, if Windows has no problem with it being left alone, neither do I. Wish they would change the way it shows up, though, either say it's hunky-dory, or just remove it from that list altogether.

 

Wow this forum and the detailed guides like this one are really something else, so glad I found this website, I use it almost daily and have learned so much. Thanks to all who contribute!!!

 

Lol! I come here whenever I need the best advice possible. Some very, very knowledgable folks hang out here.

 

Hi Brink, I just optimized my SSD. My question is does Windows 10 know I have an SSD and not defrag it on some kind of schedule or do I need to turn defrag off somewhere?

 

I believe he will tell you that yes, Windows does recognize your SSD, and will optimize it on a regular schedule, just as it will a standard disk drive. However, with an SSD, the procedure is a little different, this kind of drive is never defragged. The actual term is "TRIM", a more involved garbage-collection process designed to keep your SSD functioning cleaner. But in all cases, you should allow Windows to do these things on its own schedule.

 

Thanks DJRoff!

 

Ty Brink!

 

I'm on build 10586.71 using it as my main OS. When I go to Optimize Drives / Change Settings / Drives : Choose and I deselect the System Reserved paritions, those keep appearing on the main menu, as shown below. Is there any way I can hide these System Reserved partitions?

 

Hello Joanne, *Smile

I'm afraid that they can't be hidden. When you can click "Change settings" and "Choose", it's only for which drives to optimize on a regular schedule.

 

Tutorial has been updated by adding OPTION THREE with PowerShell. *Smile

Optimize and Defrag Drives in Windows 10

 

When I click on optimize I have my "c" drive which is 0% fragmented but also a "system" drive that is 60%fragmented. I thought they were the same drive but was obviously mistaken. Should I optimize this drive called "system"?

 

Hello trembuzz, *Smile

It's most likely another partition on the same disk.

Please go ahead and post a screenshot showing the drive's layout in Disk Management first.