Dfrgui.exe Don’t Start After 1703 Update: 5 Fixes

Processes like dfrgui.exe may not be inherent to the Windows OS but stem from software installations on your computer. As many applications store data on your hard disk and in the system’s registry, the likelihood of fragmentation and invalid entries accumulation increases.

These factors can significantly impact your PC’s performance. This system tool is vital for managing disk defragmentation, and its inaccessibility can be concerning. This article will explore five potential fixes to address the issue. These fixes will ensure you can resume efficient disk maintenance without any hindrance.

What is dfrgui.exe?

Dfrgui.exe is a process belonging to Microsoft Windows Operating System from Microsoft Corporation. The name of the file is Disk Defragmenter. Its design increases data access speed by rearranging files stored on a disk to occupy contiguous storage locations, a technique called defragmentation.

Other executables that help the disk to function correctly include chkntfs.exe and chkdsk.exe. Here are some essential points about dfrgui.exe:

• The location of the dfrgui.exe file is the C:\Windows\System32 folder or sometimes in a subfolder of C:\Windows.
•  The file size of dfrgui.exe on Windows 10/11/7 is typically 586,752 bytes.
•  It is a Microsoft Drive Optimizer, and it is responsible for defragmenting drives on your computer.
•  dfrgui.exe is an executable file used on Windows computers to install or run software.
•  It is a legitimate file and not a virus or malware. However, have a trusted antivirus software handy in case of a virus.

We have written about other critical Windows processes necessary for the smooth running of Windows, such as axinstui.exe, choice.exe, checkNetIsolation.exe, etc. Read them up to acquaint yourself with other critical processes.

Why won’t dfrgui.exe run?

There are several reasons why dfrgui.exe might not run. Here are some of them:

• The file might be corrupt or missing.
•  The program might be unable to locate the file on startup.
•  The program might abnormally terminate while running, resulting in runtime errors.
•  The program might not launch or function properly after a Windows update.
•  The program might not launch even when executed from an administrator console.
•  The event data might not match the template provided in the manifest.
•  There might be a problem with the kernel trace performed.

What do I do if Defragment Drives (dfrgui.exe) won’t start after 1703 Update?

1. Confirm that the service is not disabled

1. Press the ctrl + shift + esc keys simultaneously to start Task Manager.
   
2. When it open, go to Services, right-click on defragsvc and select Open Services from the context menu.
   
3. Once the Services window opens, look for the Optimize drives option.
   
4. Then, right-click on Optimize drives and click Properties.
   
5. Afterward, under General tab, open the drop-down options next to Start and confirm that the selected option is not disabled. If it is, then set it to Manual.
   
6. Finally, click the Apply button and OK to apply settings.
   

2. Perform an SFC scan

1. Press the Windows and S keys together and type cmd in the text field.
2. Then, choose the Run as administrator option on the right side to start the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
   
3. Once the User Account Control prompts you, select Yes to continue.
   
4. When Command Prompt displays, enter the following command into the prompt and tap the Enter key to start an SFC scan:
   sfc /scannow
   
5. Once the scan is complete, copy and paste the command below and press the Enter key to run the command:
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
   
6. Finally, it would be best to restart your computer to implement repairs.

3. Update the OS

1. Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
   
2. Then click the Windows Update option and the Check for updates button to find new updates.
   
3. If Windows has a latest update, it will automatically detect it. Follow the instructions to update Windows.
4. Finally, restart your computer.

4. Perform system drivers update

1. Hold the Windows and I keys simultaneously to launch the Settings window.
   
2. Then, click the Windows Update option next.
   
3. Afterward, select Advanced Options.
   
4. Then, tap the Optional updates option next.
   
5. Once the options are revealed, expand the Driver Updates section, select the appropriate drive, Download, and Install all the available updates.
   
6. Lastly, restart your computer. Running through this process will prevent backgroundtaskhost exe from crashing.

5. Perform system restore

1. Press the Windows + R key simultaneously to begin the Run dialog on your PC and enter rstrui. Press Enter after to open it.
   
2. Select the Choose a different restore point option when the System Restore wizard comes up.
   
3. Then, tap the Next button to proceed. 
   
4. Once the next window opens, select your restore point and click Next. 
   
5. Allow the process to run and complete.
6. Finally, click Finish when the restore is complete.

In conclusion, the dfrgui.exe utility is essential for effective disk defragmentation and system optimization. If it fails to start after the 1703 update, it can lead to suboptimal system performance. Applying the five suggested fixes discussed in this article can troubleshoot the issue.

Ensuring the smooth operation of this utility guarantees efficient disk management and contributes to a seamless Windows experience. As with any troubleshooting process, it is vital to approach each fix cautiously and back up critical data to prevent potential data loss during the resolution process.