What is virtual
memory?
If your computer lacks
the random access memory (RAM) needed to run a program or operation, Windows uses virtual memory to compensate.
Virtual memory
combines your computer’s RAM with temporary space on your hard disk. When RAM
runs low, virtual memory moves data from RAM to a space called a paging file. Moving data to and from the paging file
frees up RAM to complete its work.
The more RAM your
computer has, the faster your programs will generally run. If a lack of RAM is
slowing your computer, you might be tempted to increase virtual memory to
compensate. However, your computer can read data from RAM much more quickly
than from a hard disk, so adding RAM is a better solution.
Virtual memory and
error messages
If you receive error
messages that warn of low virtual memory, you need to either add more RAM or
increase the size of your paging file so that you can run the programs on your
computer. Windows usually manages the size automatically, but you can manually
change the size of virtual memory if the default size is not enough for your
needs. For more information, seeChange the size of virtual
memory.
Change
the size of virtual memory
If you receive warnings that your virtual memory is low, you'll
need to increase the minimum size of your paging file. Windowssets
the initial minimum size of the paging file at the amount of random access
memory (RAM) installed on your computer plus 300 megabytes (MB), and the
maximum size at 3 times the amount of RAM installed on your computer. If you
see warnings at these recommended levels, then increase the minimum and maximum
sizes.
1. Open System by clicking the Start button clicking Control Panel,
clicking System and Maintenance,
and then clickingSystem.
2. In
the left pane, click Advanced system settings. If you are prompted for an administrator password or
confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. On
the Advanced tab, under Performance,
click Settings.
4. Click
the Advanced tab, and then, under Virtual memory,
click Change.
5. Clear
the Automatically
manage paging file size for all drives check box.
6. Under Drive [Volume Label],
click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change.
7. Click Custom size,
type a new size in megabytes in the Initial size (MB) or Maximum size (MB) box, click Set, and
then click OK.
Increases in size usually don't require a restart, but if you
decrease the size, you'll need to restart your computer for the changes to take
effect. We recommend that you don't disable or delete the paging file.
