What Is Virtual Memory and How Can You Adjust It on Windows PCs?
The typical amount of random access memory (RAM) on most PCs isn’t always enough to handle multiple programs running at once. Whenever you’re multitasking on your computer, there’s a behind-the-scenes process that makes it possible: virtual memory. This vital feature manages your computer’s memory, extending it beyond the physical limits of your RAM and enabling you to multitask without fuss. Read on for a summary of what virtual memory is, why it’s important, and how to check and increase virtual memory on Windows PCs like the recently launched Acer Swift 14 AI Copilot+ PC.
What is Virtual Memory?
Virtual memory is a feature that enables modern PCs to handle more tasks than their physical memory, or RAM, can support. Think of it as a clever trick wherein your computer uses a portion of your hard drive as if it were additional memory. When you run multiple applications simultaneously, your computer might run out of RAM. Virtual memory steps in by temporarily transferring less-used data from the RAM to the hard drive. It frees up physical RAM for more critical tasks and for the programs you actively use, allowing the system to continue functioning smoothly. This process happens seamlessly and lets you continue working without interruption.
One of the ways virtual memory works is through a technique called “paging.” When your computer needs more memory, it moves data from RAM to a specific file on your hard drive known as the “paging file” or “page file,” typically located on the system drive. This allows your system to create the illusion of having a much larger memory capacity than what is physically available.
Virtual memory can be a cost-effective solution for memory management, since it provides an alternative to investing in additional physical RAM, which can be expensive. However, its drawback is that accessing data from the hard drive is slower than accessing it from RAM. Relying too heavily on virtual memory can lead to performance slowdowns, especially if your computer must constantly swap data between the RAM and the hard drive.
Why is Virtual Memory Important?
Virtual memory is a crucial component of modern operating systems, particularly in managing the memory demands of various applications and processes. Here are some roles virtual memory plays in enhancing system performance and user experience:
- Preventing System Crashes: By providing an additional layer of memory, it helps prevent the system from running out of memory, which can lead to crashes and data loss.
- Improving Performance: It allows the system to handle more applications and processes simultaneously, enhancing overall system responsiveness and performance.
- Supporting Crash Dumps: In the event of a system crash, a sufficiently large paging file is necessary to create a complete memory dump, which is crucial for diagnosing and fixing the issue.
How to Check Virtual Memory Settings on Windows
To check and adjust the virtual memory settings on a Windows PC, follow these steps:
1. Go to your Settings to access your advanced system settings. There are multiple ways to do this in Windows 10 and 11. You can press the Windows key, type “About your PC,” and press Enter, or in the System window, click on “Advanced system settings” under the "Related settings" section.
Alternatively, you can search “Advanced system settings” in the Start menu or use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + R, then type “SystemPropertiesAdvanced” and hit Enter.
2. When the advanced system settings window pops up, click Settings in the Performance section.
3. In the Performance Options window, click the Advanced tab. Look for the Virtual memory section, then click the Change button under it.
4. You’re now viewing your current virtual memory settings. The Virtual Memory window displays the initial and maximum page file sizes stored on each disk. You can check these settings and decide whether to adjust them.
How to Increase Virtual Memory on Windows
If you want to increase the virtual memory, you can do so manually by following these steps:
1. Uncheck Automatic Management.
In the Virtual Memory window, uncheck the box at the top that says “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”
2. Select Custom Size.
Select the drive for which you want to adjust the page file size, then click the radio button next to “Custom size.”
3. Set Initial and Maximum Sizes.
Enter the desired “Initial size (MB)” and “Maximum size (MB).” A common recommendation is to set the initial size to 1.5 times the amount of physical RAM and the maximum size to three times the amount of physical RAM.
4. Apply Changes.
Click the Set button and then the OK button to save the changes. You may be prompted to restart your computer for the new virtual memory settings to take effect.
If you want to undo the changes and revert to default settings, navigate to your virtual memory settings and check “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.” Apply the change and restart your PC.
Virtual memory is a hidden resource that can make a world of difference in how your computer runs, no matter what kinds of tasks you use it for. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, it’s worth taking the time to understand virtual memory and how to adjust its settings. You can then optimize your system’s performance, especially when your physical RAM is limited.
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About Micah Sulit: Micah is a writer and editor with a focus on lifestyle topics like tech, wellness, and travel. She loves writing while sipping an iced mocha in a cafe, preferably one in a foreign city. She's based in Manila, Philippines.
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