How to Increase Virtual RAM in Windows 10
Increasing virtual RAM (Random Access Memory) in Windows 10 can help improve your computer’s performance, especially if you’re running resource-intensive applications. Virtual RAM, also known as a paging file, uses a portion of your hard drive as if it were RAM. Follow these steps to boost your system’s virtual memory.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Increase Virtual RAM in Windows 10
By following the steps below, you’ll increase your computer’s virtual RAM, making it run smoother when handling multiple or heavy applications.
Step 1: Open System Properties
Open the Start Menu, type "System," and select "System" from the results.
This will bring you to the System window where you can view information about your computer and access advanced settings.
Step 2: Go to Advanced System Settings
Click on "Advanced system settings" on the left side of the System window.
You’ll be directed to the System Properties window. This is where you can make changes to improve system performance.
Step 3: Access Performance Settings
In the System Properties window, click on the "Settings" button under the Performance section.
This opens the Performance Options window, allowing you to tweak various settings related to your computer’s speed and memory usage.
Step 4: Open Virtual Memory Settings
Go to the "Advanced" tab and click on the "Change" button under the Virtual memory section.
You’ll now be in the Virtual Memory window where you can modify the paging file size.
Step 5: Adjust the Paging File Size
Uncheck the box that says "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives." Select the drive you want to modify and choose "Custom size." Enter the initial and maximum size in megabytes and click "Set."
For best performance, set the initial size to 1.5 times your physical RAM and the maximum size to 3 times your physical RAM. This helps prevent your system from slowing down.
Step 6: Apply and Restart
Click "OK," then apply the changes, and restart your computer.
Restarting ensures that the new settings take effect, improving your system’s performance.
After completing these steps, your computer will use the newly allocated virtual RAM, resulting in better performance during resource-heavy tasks.
Tips for Increasing Virtual RAM in Windows 10
- Always ensure you have enough free disk space before increasing virtual RAM. A lack of space can hinder your system from performing optimally.
- Regularly check your virtual memory settings to make sure they’re still appropriate for your current usage.
- Consider upgrading your physical RAM if you find yourself frequently needing more virtual RAM.
- Monitor your system’s performance through Task Manager to see if the new settings are effective.
- Avoid setting the maximum size too high, as this can reduce your hard drive’s lifespan and overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is virtual RAM?
Virtual RAM or virtual memory is a portion of your hard drive used to simulate additional RAM when your physical RAM is full.
Why increase virtual RAM?
Increasing virtual RAM can improve your computer’s performance, especially when running multiple heavy applications.
How much virtual RAM should I allocate?
A good rule of thumb is to set the initial size to 1.5 times your physical RAM and the maximum size to 3 times your physical RAM.
Will increasing virtual RAM improve gaming performance?
It can help, but upgrading your physical RAM and GPU will have a more significant impact on gaming performance.
Can I undo the changes?
Yes, you can always revert to the original settings by re-checking the "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives" box.
Summary
- Open System Properties.
- Go to Advanced System Settings.
- Access Performance Settings.
- Open Virtual Memory Settings.
- Adjust the Paging File Size.
- Apply and Restart.
Conclusion
Increasing virtual RAM in Windows 10 is a straightforward yet effective way to boost your computer’s performance. Whether you’re a gamer, a video editor, or simply someone who likes to multi-task, more virtual RAM can help keep your system running smoothly.
Remember that while virtual RAM can improve performance, it’s not a substitute for physical RAM. If you find yourself consistently needing more memory, consider upgrading your physical RAM. For now, these steps should help tide you over and give your system the boost it needs to handle your tasks more effectively. So, go ahead and give it a try—you might be surprised at how much better your computer runs with a little extra virtual memory!
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.