If your computer is running out of memory, then there are different ways that your tasks will get affected. The functions will slow down, but you will also experience frequent computer crashes. If your computer has been doing this ever since you installed Windows 11, then the chances are that you have run out of memory. There is a solution to this problem, and it won’t cost you anything. This tutorial will show you how to increase virtual memory on Windows 11 computers.
What is Virtual Memory?
You must be wondering what exactly a virtual memory is? To understand this, you must first understand what your RAM and hard drive d. Your hard drive hosts your files, photos, games, music, etc. RAM, on the other hand, stores program-specific information and data. If your RAM is utilized, your system will utilize virtual memory. The virtual memory is also referred to as a paging file or swap, and it provides a temporary memory expansion for your system. This is done by using part of your hard drive to expand the RAM. However, the virtual memory isn’t infinite, and you may eventually have to increase your RAM size.
Windows 11 will automatically manage the virtual memory by default. If you wish, you can change the size of the virtual memory manually as well. Your initial virtual memory is equal to the installed RAM. It can be a minimum of 1.5 times or a maximum of 3 times your RAM. You can use the following formulation to calculate your paging file:
Minimum: 102481.5=12288 (1GB RAM x Installed RAM x Minimum)
Maximum: 102483=24576 (1GB RAM x Installed RAM x Maximum)
Microsoft has recommended that you use ‘3 x RAM or 4GB, whichever is higher. This will protect your system from becoming unstable. By default, automatic management of your virtual memory is done, but this tutorial will show you how to do it manually in the events that the automatic system doesn’t meet your needs
Increase Virtual Memory on Windows 11
Step-1: Open your Windows 11 settings app using the shortcut keys Win + I.
Step-2: Ensure that you are in the System settings and scroll down in the left pane. Select About.
Step-3: Click on Advanced system settings.
Step-4: Another window will open up. In the Performance section, click on Settings.
Step-5: Click on the Advanced tab.
Step-6: In the Virtual Memory section, click on Change.
Step-7: Uncheck the Automatically managed paging file size for all drives box.
Step-8: Click on the Custom size and then enter values for Initial size and Maximum size as discussed in the previous section.
Step-9: Once you are done, click on Set and press OK.
Increasing virtual size is not a long-term solution, and eventually, to increase memory for your system, you will have to install more RAM. Till then, I hope this helps solve some problems for your system. Let us know if you have any more questions in the comments below.
About the author: Working at Wccftech since 2016, Zarmeen has a diverse set of skills. A Financial Analyst full-time and reporter of latest technology trends part time. She has covered various pieces on space, general sciences, mobile and deals during her time at Wccftech.
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