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3 Ways to Fix Standby Memory Issues on Windows 10

Easily clear Standby Memory using a dedicated tool

7 min. read

Updated onJuly 22, 2024

updated onJuly 22, 2024

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Resolve multiple Windows PC issues and speed up your PC effortlessly with specialized software.

A critical factor for any Windows user is the system’s performance. But that seems to take a hit sometimes. Many users report slowdowns while using the OS, mainly due toStandby Memoryissues.

But what is Standby Memory, and why is it showing such a high consumption? These questions have perplexed users since theResource Monitordoesn’t clearly state what this memory does and provides only a short description of it.

This article explores the problem and aims to provide easy-to-follow solutions for the issue.

What is Standby Memory?

Standby Memory is a cache of previously used data but has now been reserved as standby because the program or process once used has become inactive.

If the concerned program tries reaccessing the data, it can quickly be retrieved from the Standby Memory instead of repeatedly locating it. This saves time and boosts the computer’s performance.

Under an ideal scenario, Windows will automatically manage the Standby Memory allocation and remove the cache from it if needed. However, that’s not always the case. And it is when you encounter issues with this memory section.

Memory issues usually occur when several programs, processes, and drivers are running in the background. Because some of these may have their cache in the standby section, leading to high Standby Memory usage.

When this happens, the free memory is drastically reduced, leading toperformance issues and a slowdown in Windows.

As you open more and more programs, the Standby Memory allocation keeps increasing because more cached data is to be kept. Even otherwise, Windows starts specific processes, which might also have a role in increasing Standby Memory.

But, that in no way should concern you, as long as there’s stillFree Memoryavailable and the computer’s performance remains unaffected because Windows can effectively handle memory allocation.

If theStandby Memoryconsumption is high and theFree Memoryis running extremely low, you might face performance issues. And verifying Standby Memory in Resource Monitor is the simplest way.

Now you can pass from the analysis phase to action. There are two valuable tools and a quick solution that we will be discussing in the following section to free up Standby Memory and improve the computer’s performance.

How do I fix Standby Memory issues?

1. Restart the computer

Restarting the computer is the easiest solution when running low on resources, be ithigh CPU consumptionor Standby Memory. It will give your system a fresh start and bring resource consumption to normal levels.

Once the PC restarts, verify if the issue is resolved. If it is, the Standby Memory issue was probably a one-time thing, and you need not worry about it. However, the other solutions listed below would help if the problem resurfaces.

2. Install RAMMap

The RAMMap is an effective tool offered by Microsoft that allows users to clear the Standby Memory manually. The tool is often the first choice for most, given that it’s available on Microsoft’s official website.

Though if it doesn’t perform the intended task for you, we have another one that would automatically clear the Standby Memory at regular intervals.

3. Use EmptyStandbyList

That’s it! After creating the task, Windows will automatically empty Standby Memory every 5 minutes from when you chose earlier. And you will have a large chunk of RAM asFree Memory.

WhileRAMMap and EmptyStandbyList are effective Standby Memory cleaners, it is advisable to search for the real source of the problem. The problem can be caused by specific software and malware.

How do I fix Standby Memory issues on Windows 11?

As stated earlier, malware can often lead to Standby Memory issues, and running a scan should help identify and eliminate the problem. Also, for an extensive scan that will minutely search every part of the system, you can use aneffective third-party antivirus for Windows 11.

If that doesn’t work, you already know the tools to clear Standby Memory in Windows 11.

Why is my RAM usage so high when nothing is running Windows 10?

The Superfetch feature loads apps and files onto the RAM cache so they can launch more quickly, which is why the RAM utilization is high while nothing is going. You shouldn’t be concerned about it because this RAM will be made available as soon as you require it to perform any application or job.

When this is not the case, the cause could be a malware infection of your computer.

Is Standby Memory bad?

Standby Memory is helpful to a certain extent. It helps reduce loading time by keeping cached data on the RAM and allowing programs and processes to access it when required.

When it becomes excessively high, and no free memory is left, you will start to notice performance-related problems. This is because Windows will begin to move files from RAM to thePage Fileon the hard disk.

So, it all boils down to a straightforward question. Are you facing problems due to Standby Memory? If yes, try the tools listed here or scan of malware. But if not, don’t try to fix something that isn’t broken because that might further complicate the situation.

Also, find out how toresolve high RAM issues in Windowsandboost the computer’s performance.

Use the comments below to let us know if you managed to fix the problem after using this guide.

3 Ways to Fix Standby Memory Issues on Windows 10#

What is Standby Memory?#

How do I fix Standby Memory issues?#

1. Restart the computer#

2. Install RAMMap#

3. Use EmptyStandbyList#

How do I fix Standby Memory issues on Windows 11?#

Why is my RAM usage so high when nothing is running Windows 10?#

Is Standby Memory bad?#