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MSConfig Maximum Memory Triggers BSOD or Resets to 0 [Solved]
A cold reboot should do the job for most
4 min. read
Published onJuly 4, 2024
published onJuly 4, 2024
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Some settings on a Windows PC are not meant to be changed, including theMaximum MemoryinMSConfig. I have seen hundreds of cases where the PC froze, stopped working, or became slow after users manually set theMaximum Memoryto too low.
First, you need to understand whatMaximum Memorydoes inMSConfig. It’s the maximum amount of memory you want the OS to use and is to be set in MB. The maximum limit for the setting is the 1028xavailable memory (RAM) on the PC.
If you set the maximum memory between 0-256 MB, the PC will get too slow, won’t respond, or crash with aBSOD(Blue Screen of Death), all due to the unavailability of sufficient RAM to handle the core processes. Let’s find out how you can fix that!
How do I fix errors after changing maximum memory in MSConfig?
1. Cold reboot the PC
The easiest fix when you set theMaximum Memorytoo low inMSConfigis to press and hold the power button for 30 seconds, then disconnect the laptop/PC from the power source for 30 minutes, and finally plug it back in.
If this doesn’t work, you can also remove the CMOS battery. It’s a coin-sized battery used to power the BIOS firmware.
2. Untick the Maximum memory checkbox
In many cases, I saw that users were able to openMSConfigand uncheck theMaximum Memoryoption after hours of waiting on each step. Yet, this remains the simplest solution of all!
2. Delete changes to maximum memory via Recovery Mode
Even if the first three commands result in an error, the output from the fourth command should read,The operation completed successfully, and the maximum memory should revert to default.
3. Boot into Safe Mode and revert changes to maximum memory
Some suggest pressing5orF5to boot inSafe Mode with Networking,but that simply means putting additional strain on the PC. And given that you are already running low on RAM, it doesn’t make sense. Anyway, you don’t need Internet access to uncheckMaximum MemoryinMSConfig!
5. Reinstall Windows
If nothing else works, you will have to reinstall Windows since thebuilt-in reset optionsfail to work. First, download the ISO from Microsoft’s official website depending on the Windows iteration:
Now, all you need to do iscreate a bootable Windows USB, set the PC to boot via it in the BIOS, and thenreinstall Windows. This should reset the changes toMaximum MemoryinMSConfig!
Should I change the maximum memory in MSConfig?
Windows is more than capable of handling the memory requirements for individual processes and hardware. So, you don’t need to adjust the maximum memory inMSConfig. Even Windows doesn’t want you to do that, and this is often the reasonMSConfig’smaximum memory resets to 0.
To find out how much memory is being used by the PC, check theTask ManagerorResource Monitor. If the PC seems to be running slow, perhapsincrease the virtual memory in Windows.
But in no case should you tinker withMSConfig. These settings are to troubleshoot problems with the PC and must not be adjusted for performance.
If it’s the performance you are worried about, discover expert tips tomake Windows run faster than ever!
Which fix worked for you? Share with our readers in the comments section.
More about the topics:Computer Memory,RAM,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
