How to change virtual memory size on Windows 10

Source: Windows Central

On Windows 10, virtual memory (or paging file) is an essential component (hidden file) designed to remove and temporarily store less frequently use modified pages allocated in RAM (random-access memory) to the hard drive. Using this approach allows the system to prioritize faster physical memory for more frequent processes and applications, improving the overall performance and preventing the device from locking up in the event it runs out of system memory.

In addition, the paging file is important to support crash dumps during a system crash (Blue Screen of Death), as without a large enough page file, a dump with all the contents of the system memory won’t be created.

Although the system does a pretty good job managing the paging file size according to various factors automatically, sometimes, you may still need to increase the default virtual memory values manually. For instance, when you see the «Your system is low on virtual memory» message. You’re noticing slow performance over time, or a particular application requires specific parameters to work as intended.

If you’re experiencing issues with virtual memory, the device doesn’t have enough memory, or you’re trying to improve the system performance, Windows 10 allows you to increase the size of the virtual memory in at least two ways using the Settings app and Command Prompt.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to increase the size of the virtual memory to improve the system responsiveness.

How to increase virtual memory using Settings

To adjust the virtual memory size on Windows 10, use these steps:

Warning: Although anyone can change the paging file size, it’s only recommended to use these instructions if you have a valid reason, and you know what you’re doing.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on About.

Under the «Related settings» section, click the System info option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the «Advanced system settings» option from the left pane.

Source: Windows Central

Under the «Performance» section, click the Settings button.

Source: Windows Central

Under the «Virtual memory» section, click the Change button.

Source: Windows Central

Specify the initial and maximum size for the paging file in megabytes.

Source: Windows Central

Quick tip: The size of the virtual memory is unique to each device, and it can’t be generalized. However, usually, it’s recommended to use a number that’s one and a half times the total available memory for the «Initial size» and three times of available memory for the «Maximum size» when possible.

Click the Set button.

Click the OK button.

Click the OK button again.

Restart your device.

Once you complete the steps, you should notice an increase in performance when navigating Windows 10 as well as when running multiple apps at the same time.

If you need to revert the changes, you can use the same instructions, but on step No. 10, make sure to check the Automatically manage paging size for all drives option, and restart your device.

How to increase virtual memory using Command Prompt

To modify the paging file size with Command Prompt, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

Type the following command to understand the current status of the paging file and press Enter:

wmic pagefile list /format:list

Source: Windows Central

Type the following command to switch form manage to custom virtual memory and press Enter:

wmic computersystem where name=»%computername%» set AutomaticManagedPagefile=false

Source: Windows Central

Type the following command to set the initial and maximum size of the virtual memory and press Enter:

wmic pagefileset where name=»C:\\pagefile.sys» set InitialSize=YOUR-INIT-SIZE,MaximumSize=YOUR-MAX-SIZE

This example sets the paging file to «9216» and «12288» megabytes for the initial and maxium size:

wmic pagefileset where name=»C:\\pagefile.sys» set InitialSize=9216,MaximumSize=12288

Source: Windows Central

Type the following command to restart your computer and press Enter:

shutdown -r -t 00

After you complete the steps, the device will start using the new values for virtual memory, which, if done correctly, should help to improve system performance.

If you no longer need to use the custom size for virtual memory, you can always revert the changes and allow Windows 10 to manage this feature using this command: wmic computersystem where name=»%computername%» set AutomaticManagedPagefile=true and restarting your device.

While it’s recommended to use one and a half times the available memory for the initial and three times the memory for the maximum size, make sure to test the changes and adjust the values if you’re experiencing freezes, crashes, and other problems.

Although it’s possible to disable virtual memory on Windows 10, even when you have a large amount of system memory, it’s not recommended to disable this feature. Usually, if you disable paging file, some applications may stop working, some system features may not work efficiently, and you may end up with some weird behaviors.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

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• Virtual memory takes you where your RAM cannot. How? It basically combines your RAM with some free space on your hard disk in order to enable you to run more programs and apps than you normally could.
• Every once in a while though, even virtual memory can run low especially when you run software that demands a lot of resources. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this and we have listed them all in the article below.
• Discover more computer memory tips to help you manage your PC’s virtual memory and more.
• Check out our Windows 10 errors hub as well and leave nothing to chance when it comes to handling your OS.

1. Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).
2. Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
3. Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance

• Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

Let’s say you have a computer running on Windows 10 that seems to run out of memory while using some heavy-duty programs like a game, Visual Studio or AutoCAD.

When Windows runs out of memory to function, it taps into Virtual Memory which is used to store some of the least used pages of memory into a file called pagefile.sys.

Virtual Memory is useful in many ways and helps running programs that require high resources easily. But sometimes you might run into problems related to Virtual Memory when Windows 10 might fail to access the pagefile.sys file.

In this post, we will see how one can easily make some changes in settings and get rid of the Windows 10 Virtual Memory Too Low error.

What causes Windows 10 Virtual Memory Too Low error?

Initially, Windows sets the size of pagefile.sys file depending on the amount of RAM that your PC has.

Let’s say you have about 8GB RAM physically on your PC. Now, the size of the virtual memory set by Windows will be equal to 2GB or a 32-bit system and about 4GB on a 64-bit system.

When you face the Windows 10 Virtual Memory too low error, it means that the program you are trying to use is demanding a lot of resources that even the virtual memory is not able to handle.

How to fix Windows 10 Virtual Memory Too Low error?

1. Extend virtual memory

This error can easily be eliminated by extending the size of the virtual memory on your system. In the following steps, we will increase the size of pagefile.sys by tweaking a bit the settings and that should help you in getting rid of this problem.

• Press Windows Key + R and this will start the RUN dialogue.

• Now type in sysdm.cpland this will open up the System Properties window.

• Now in this new window, open the Advanced tab and click the Settings button in the Performance section.
• This will open the Performance Options window and now you need to switch to the Advanced tab.

• Now click on the Change button in the Virtual memory section and this will open a new window.
• Now click on the checkbox on the top that says Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.

• Now click on the Custom Size radio button. Here you can set new the new initial pagefile.sys size along with the maximum size.

• Click on OK, then click on Apply on the next window and now you need to restart your PC in order for the new changes to be in effect.

This should fix the error related to low memory on Windows 10. The same method works for Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 so go ahead and try it if you are facing such a problem.

2. Get more RAM

Well, there is only so much virtual memory can do. Also, keep in mind that pagefile.sys uses your hard disk space to create a virtual memory which is much slower than an actual RAM.

While we’re at it, check out these 4 best RAM optimizers for Windows 10 to make your computer run faster.

3. Disable memory-hogging apps and programs

Low memory issues may also be triggered by certain apps and programs that simply eat up computer memory. The quickest solution to fix this issue to turn these programs off. But first, you need to identify them.

1. Go to Start > type Task manager> double click on the first result
2. Click on the Processes tab > select Memory to filter the programs that use too much memory
3. Right-click on the respective program > select End task

4. Scan your computer for malware and other cyber threats

Malware, mining software and other such programs may also cause put a strain on PC memory.

The problem is that their sneaky programs run in the background and you only notice them when it’s too late or their effects have become all too obvious.

Use your antivirus of choice to run a full system scan. You can also install a dedicated anti-malware tool for an extra layer of protection.

We also recommend installing an anti-cryptomining tool that detects and blocks cryptocurrency miners. These tools use your computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrencies without your consent.