A less known disk maintenance task - but maybe as equally important as disk formatting - is partition alignment, especially when you're using Advanced Format drives in legacy environments.
HGST Align Tool is very easy to use, and it has a self-explanatory wizard-like interface that guides you step by step through the whole process of partition alignment checking and fixing. This tool will retain all preexisting data while performing the alignment operations, even if this means that it will move the partition boundaries and file locations. Still, making sure that you have backups at hand is more than recommended. The duration of the alignment task depends on the health of the drive and several other factors.
In conclusion, for any partition alignment needs, this handy tool is of great help. It is also free and it doesn't require any special experience or knowledge about disk maintenance operations.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Very lightweight and resource-friendly
- Free
Cons
- None