defrag.exfat(8)

NAME
defrag.exfat - Defragment or assess fragmentation on an exFAT filesystem

SYNOPSIS
defrag.exfat [-f | -a] device

defrag.exfat -h | --help

defrag.exfat -v | --version

DESCRIPTION
defrag.exfat is a utility to defragment files on an exFAT-formatted device or assess its current fragmentation status. Defragmentation reorganizes scattered file clusters into contiguous blocks, which may improve I/O performance — especially on mechanical storage devices. By default, when no option is specified, the tool will prompt the user with a warning recommending to run fsck.exfat first to ensure filesystem consistency. This safety prompt can be bypassed using the -f option. The -a option enables assessment mode, which analyzes fragmentation without modifying the filesystem. The target device must be unmounted before running this command.

OPTIONS

-f, --force
    Perform defragmentation without prompting the fsck warning. Use with caution.

-a, --assessment
    Assess the fragmentation status of the exFAT volume without making any changes.

-v, --version
    Display version information and exit.

-h, --help
    Show usage information and exit.

EXAMPLES

Defragment an unmounted exFAT device (with safety warning):
    $ defrag.exfat /dev/sda1

Defragment without prompting (force mode):
    $ defrag.exfat -f /dev/sda1

Assess fragmentation status (read-only):
    $ defrag.exfat -a /dev/sda1

Show version:
    $ defrag.exfat -v

Show help:
    $ defrag.exfat -h

NOTES
It is strongly recommended to run fsck.exfat on the device before defragmenting to ensure filesystem integrity. Always backup critical data before defragmenting.