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Low Virtual Memory on Windows 10: 5 Easy Ways to Increase it

Boost PC’s performance in no time with our methods

5 min. read

Updated onApril 8, 2024

updated onApril 8, 2024

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Key notes

Virtual Memory orPage File, often used interchangeably, play a vital role in Windows and allows the PC to run multiple applications without terminating any. But many reported low Virtual Memory on Windows 10, which affects thesystem’s performance.

Virtual Memory is a certain space on a storage drive, be it an HDD or SSD, used as RAM. This way, when your computer isrunning low on RAM, it moves the dormant programs to the Virtual Memory and effectively allocates the system resources to the active ones.

The problem begins when Virtual Memory runs low in Windows 10, and the OS can’t move programs to it. Let’s take a closer look at the issue and find out solutions that work for all.

Why is my Virtual Memory low?

Here are a few reasons you have come across a low Virtual Memory condition in Windows 10:

Ideally, it’s not recommended that you increase the Virtual Memory. Instead, let Windows handle it, as is the case by default. But when there are issues or the Virtual Memory is low in Windows 10, increasing it manually should help.

Here’s the recommended Virtual Memory in Windows 10:

Say, your PC has 4 GB RAM. So, theInitialandMaximumsize of the recommended Virtual Memory is6144 MB(1.5 x x 1024)and12,288(3 x 5 x 1024),respectively.

How can I fix low Virtual Memory on Windows 10?

Before we start making major changes, here are a few tips and tricks you can try:

If these don’t work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Disable non-critical startup apps

One of the quickest ways to fix low Virtual Memory without increasing it is to reduce the RAM consumption. And an effective method for it is to disable startup apps. Also you can do so byaccessing the Startup folder.

2. Increase the Virtual Memory

Restart the computer for the changes to come into effect, and, in all likelihood, you shouldn’t come across the low Virtual Memory error again in Windows 10.

3. Scan for corrupt system files

4. Check the disk for errors

Thepagefile.sysor the Virtual Memory in Windows resides on the disk. So, unreadable, corrupt, or bad sectors can trigger various problems.

This is where theCheck Diskutility comes into the picture and helps fix low virtual memory in Windows 10 by eliminating disk issues.

5. Add more RAM

If nothing else worked, the last option is to increase the installed RAM on the PC. Remember, no matter how much you increase the Virtual Memory, it wouldn’t provide the same results as the RAM due to the slower read/write time.

Virtual Memory was popular when RAM modules were costly, but over the years, their prices have dropped tremendously, and thus, installing a few additional GBs of RAM should be the preferred approach.

That’s all for now! One of the solutions here should have helped fix the low Virtual Memory problem in Windows 10.

Also, before you leave, do not forget to check some quick tips toimprove the performance of Windows.

If you have any queries or want to share feedback, drop a comment below.

Low Virtual Memory on Windows 10: 5 Easy Ways to Increase it#

Why is my Virtual Memory low?#

How can I fix low Virtual Memory on Windows 10?#

1. Disable non-critical startup apps#

2. Increase the Virtual Memory#

3. Scan for corrupt system files#

4. Check the disk for errors#

5. Add more RAM#