During disk defragmentation, what does the operating system aim to achieve?

During disk defragmentation, the operating system's primary goal is to reorganize fragmented data on the disk to enhance performance. Over time, as files are created, modified, or deleted, data can become scattered across the disk, leading to fragmentation. When a file is fragmented, parts of it are stored in various locations rather than being contiguous. This can slow down read and write operations because the read/write head of the disk has to move to multiple locations to access a single file.

By defragmenting the disk, the operating system consolidates fragmented files and ensures that data is stored in contiguous blocks. This optimization reduces the time it takes for the hard drive to access and retrieve files, leading to improved overall system performance and efficiency. Faster access means that applications can load quicker and files can be opened with less delay, enhancing the user experience.

Options focusing on backing up system files, installing new applications, or removing viruses address different maintenance and operational tasks but do not contribute directly to the rearrangement of data on the disk, which is the essence of disk defragmentation.