Microsoft Plans Windows 11 Optimize Drives Update

Microsoft confirmed its Optimize Drives tool is on the list for modernization as part of a broader move of Windows 11 areas to WinUI 3.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Home Organization

Close view of a bare hard-drive platter with a read-write arm resting across its edge on a dark matte surface under soft directional light. — Microsoft confirmed on October 16 that its Optimize Drives tool, which defragments hard drives and trims SSDs, is on the list for modernization in Windows 11. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Microsoft confirmed on October 16 that Optimize Drives, the Windows tool that defragments hard drives and trims SSDs, is on its modernization list. The confirmation came in response to a user's request on X to rebuild the tool in WinUI 3 or move it into the Settings app.

Why it matters

Optimize Drives has barely changed since Windows 8, so an update would bring the tool in line with the newer interface used across parts of Windows 11. The move reflects Microsoft's gradual migration of older control panel tools into modern Settings apps.

Optimize Drives originated as Disk Defragmenter in Windows 95 and was renamed in Windows 8. By default, Windows automatically optimizes drives once a week, but Microsoft has not disclosed when the rebuilt tool will arrive.

The players

Microsoft

Microsoft is the technology company that develops the Windows operating system, including Windows 11 and its built-in Optimize Drives tool.

Pavan Davuluri

Pavan Davuluri is a Microsoft Windows executive who said in July that WinUI 3 was strengthened and extended into the Windows shell.

The details

Diego Baca shared a list of Windows 11 improvements on social media, and a user asked Microsoft to rebuild Optimize Drives in WinUI 3 or move it into Settings. Microsoft's Windows team replied the next day that the tool is on the list, and the Properties dialog is already being rebuilt with dark mode. Settings already has a 'Drive optimization' link under System > Storage > Advanced storage settings.

October 15: Diego Baca shares Windows 11 improvements on social media.
October 16: Microsoft replies that Optimize Drives is on the modernization list.
July: Pavan Davuluri says WinUI 3 was strengthened and extended into the Windows shell.

Legacy Tools

Microsoft has been moving parts of Windows 11 to WinUI 3 one at a time, and Optimize Drives joins other older tools being rebuilt in the modern Settings apps. Microsoft says the migration must be done carefully because many network and printer devices and drivers must not break.

Optimize Drives is the built-in Windows tool that defragments hard drives and trims SSDs, and it can be opened by searching for 'defrag.' Windows already optimizes drives automatically once a week by default, so most users do not need to run it manually.

The takeaway

Windows users with older drives may want to confirm their automatic optimization schedule is working, since the tool runs once a week by default. Modern Settings-based controls will likely replace older screens over time.