To clean up memory on Windows 10, open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, sort the Processes tab by the Memory column and close the apps you aren’t using. Then stop unneeded apps from starting with Windows and restart the PC. If your problem is a full drive rather than a slow PC, you need to free up storage instead, which is covered further down.
Which memory do you mean?
“Memory” gets used for two different things, and the fixes are different:
| RAM | Storage | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Short-term memory for apps that are running | The drive that holds your files and programs |
| Sign it is low | Apps lag, tabs reload, the PC slows when you switch windows | “Low disk space” warnings, updates fail to install |
| Where to check | Task Manager > Performance > Memory | Settings > System > Storage |
| How to clean it up | Close apps, trim startup items, restart | Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, uninstall apps |
Deleting files doesn’t add RAM, and closing apps doesn’t free disk space. Check which one is low before you start.
Part 1: Free up RAM
Check what is using it
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click More details if you see the small view.
- Open the Performance tab and click Memory. The graph and the “In use” number show how much RAM is taken.
- Go back to Processes and click the Memory column heading to sort the biggest users to the top.
Web browsers are often at the top, because every open tab uses memory. Windows also keeps recently used data in RAM as cache and hands it back when an app needs it, so a high number on its own isn’t a problem. It matters when the PC feels slow.
Close apps and tabs you aren’t using
Save your work and close programs from their own window first. Use End task in Task Manager only for an app that has stopped responding, because it discards anything unsaved. Don’t end Windows processes you don’t recognize. Some keep the system running.
Stop apps from starting with Windows
Many programs add themselves to startup and sit in memory all day. Open Task Manager > Startup, or Settings > Apps > Startup. Disable anything you don’t need the moment you sign in, such as game launchers, chat apps and updaters. Leave security software and drivers for your touchpad, audio or graphics alone.
Restart the PC
A restart clears RAM completely and is the quickest fix when memory use creeps up over several days. Use Start > Power > Restart. Shut down doesn’t fully reset Windows 10 when Fast Startup is on, so Restart is the better choice here.
Check for malware
If memory use stays high with nothing open, run a scan. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and click Quick scan.
Part 2: Free up storage
If the drive is full, these built-in tools clear space without touching your personal files:
- Storage Sense: go to Settings > System > Storage, turn on Storage Sense and click Configure Storage Sense or run it now to clear temporary files and empty the Recycle Bin on a schedule.
- Disk Cleanup: type “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, pick the drive, then click Clean up system files to include old Windows Update files. See how to run Disk Cleanup in Windows 10.
- Uninstall apps: open Settings > Apps > Apps & features, sort by size and remove what you don’t use.
There are more ideas, including moving files to OneDrive or an external drive, in how to free up space on Windows 10.
What about virtual memory?
Windows uses a page file on the drive as overflow when RAM runs out. It is set to “Automatically manage paging file size” by default, and that is the right choice for most people. Changing it won’t make a slow PC faster unless you get “low on memory” warnings. If you do, see how to change virtual memory in Windows 10.
Advanced startup and service settings live in System Configuration (msconfig). Microsoft explains what each tab does in its guide to system configuration tools. Avoid disabling Microsoft services there unless you’re troubleshooting a specific problem.
When the problem is too little RAM
If memory is close to full even with only a browser and one or two apps open, the PC may simply not have enough. 8 GB is a comfortable minimum for Windows 10 with a modern browser. Find out how much you have, and how many slots are free, in how to check RAM in Windows 10. If the PC crashes or shows blue screens as well, test your RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Things to skip
- “RAM cleaner” or “memory booster” apps. They force data out of RAM, which Windows then has to load again, so they usually make things slower.
- Registry cleaners. They don’t free memory and can break programs.
- Disabling services at random. The memory saved is small and the side effects are hard to trace.
Frequently asked questions
Is 70% memory usage bad?
No. Windows is designed to use spare RAM. Only worry if the PC slows down or Task Manager stays above about 90% during normal use.
Does clearing temporary files speed up my PC?
Only if the drive was nearly full. Windows needs some free space for updates and the page file, so a drive with less than about 10% free can feel slow.
Is Windows 10 still supported?
Free security updates ended on October 14, 2025. You can keep getting them for a while through Extended Security Updates, and for more speed tips see how to speed up a Windows 10 computer.
Summary
- Decide whether RAM or storage is low.
- For RAM: close unused apps, trim startup apps, restart.
- For storage: run Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup and uninstall unused apps.
- Leave virtual memory on automatic.
- If RAM is always full, check how much you have and consider adding more.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.