Deleting the pagefile.sys in Windows 10 can help free up disk space, but it’s usually unnecessary and can affect system performance. Here’s a quick rundown: open System Properties, adjust performance settings, navigate to virtual memory settings, and disable the pagefile. Restart your computer, and the file should be gone.
How to Delete Pagefile.sys in Windows 10
Disabling the pagefile.sys file can free up disk space, but it’s not recommended unless you are low on disk space and have a lot of RAM. Follow these steps carefully to safely disable and delete the pagefile.sys file.
Step 1: Open System Properties
Open the System Properties window.
To do this, right-click on "This PC" or "Computer" on your desktop or in File Explorer, then click on "Properties."
Step 2: Access Advanced System Settings
Click on the "Advanced system settings" link on the left side.
This link takes you to the System Properties dialog box, which shows advanced settings for your computer.
Step 3: Go to Performance Settings
Under the "Advanced" tab, click on "Settings" under the Performance section.
This opens the Performance Options dialog box, where you can change visual effects and advanced settings.
Step 4: Open Virtual Memory Settings
Click on the "Advanced" tab in the Performance Options window, then click on "Change" under the Virtual Memory section.
This will bring up the Virtual Memory dialog box, where you can view and modify the paging file settings.
Step 5: Disable the Paging File
Uncheck the box labeled “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”
By unchecking this box, you gain manual control over the paging file settings for each drive.
Step 6: Set No Paging File
Select the drive where pagefile.sys is located, then choose “No paging file” and click "Set."
This action disables the paging file on the selected drive.
Step 7: Apply and Restart
Click “OK” to apply the changes, then restart your computer.
Restarting is crucial to ensure that the changes take effect, and the pagefile.sys file is deleted.
After completing these steps, your computer will no longer use a pagefile, and the pagefile.sys file will be deleted upon reboot.
Tips for Deleting Pagefile.sys in Windows 10
- Make sure you have enough RAM before disabling the pagefile. At least 8GB is recommended.
- Back up important data before making changes to system settings.
- Be aware that some applications may not work properly without a pagefile.
- Monitor your system performance after disabling the pagefile, and re-enable it if you experience issues.
- You can set a custom size for the pagefile instead of disabling it completely if you want to save disk space but still need a pagefile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pagefile.sys?
Pagefile.sys is a hidden system file used by Windows to manage virtual memory.
Is it safe to delete pagefile.sys?
It’s generally safe if you have a lot of RAM, but it can cause system instability and crashes if your RAM is insufficient.
Can I move pagefile.sys to another drive?
Yes, you can move it to another drive from the Virtual Memory settings by selecting a different drive and setting the paging file size there.
How can I see the pagefile.sys file?
You need to enable the viewing of hidden and system files in File Explorer options to see it.
Why do I need a pagefile?
A pagefile helps manage memory and ensures your computer runs smoothly when RAM is exhausted.
Summary
- Open System Properties.
- Access Advanced System Settings.
- Go to Performance Settings.
- Open Virtual Memory Settings.
- Disable the Paging File.
- Set No Paging File.
- Apply and Restart.
Conclusion
Deleting the pagefile.sys file in Windows 10 can be a useful method to free up disk space, particularly if you have a computer with a lot of RAM. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making this change. The pagefile serves as a backup for RAM, so disabling it might lead to system instability in some cases. Always ensure that you have sufficient RAM—at least 8GB is recommended—and back up your data before making any changes to system settings. After completing the steps outlined in this article, monitor your computer’s performance to see if it meets your needs without the pagefile.
For those of you curious about other ways to optimize your system, there are plenty of resources available. From upgrading your hardware to tweaking your software settings, there’s a lot you can do to get the most out of your Windows 10 machine. So, what’s next on your list of tech tasks? Happy computing!
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.