How To Change Virtual Memory (Pagefile) in Windows 10?

Virtual memory, also known as the pagefile, is an essential component in Windows 10 that helps manage your computer’s memory more efficiently. By default, Windows automatically manages the virtual memory settings, but there are situations where you might need to change virtual memory in Windows 10 to optimize performance, especially when running memory-intensive applications.

In this article, we will show you how to adjust pagefile size in Windows 10 and modify virtual memory settings to ensure your system runs smoothly.

Steps to Manage Virtual Memory (Pagefile) in Windows 10

• Step 1: Open the Control Panel on the computer. For that purpose, write Command Prompt in the Start Menu. It will show an option Control Panel. Click on it to proceed.

• Step 2: Here, a new window will open. Then click on the system option to get more options.

• Step 3: Now, again a new window will open. Find some options mentioned on the Left Hand Side of the Screen. There will be an option named as Advanced System Settings. Click on that to get more options.

• Step 4: Now click on the Advanced Tab. Then click on the Settings option under the Performance portion.

• Step 5: Then click on the Advance Tab present there.

• Step 6: Now, under the Advanced Tab, you will find an option called Virtual Memory. There click on Change button.

• Step 7: Here, remove the Consent from the Checkbox. It will help to make suggested changes in that.

• Step 8: Now, after removing the consent from that checkbox, some more options are now available. Click on the option Custom Size.

• Step 9: Now, under the Custom Size, provide the Initial Size & the Maximum Size. All the data should be in MegaByte (MB) format. Then, click on the Set button. This will save the changes.

Note: The Initial Memory will always be 1151 MB. In most cases, the computer requires this amount of memory for Virtual Memory. You will find this same data as Recommended just below this portion. If Recommended size is different from the 1151 MB, then it is advisable to put the same memory as marked in the Recommendation. Simply, enter the Recommended Memory size as the Initial Memory.

• Step 10: After clicking on the Set button, click on the Ok. This will save the changes to the Virtual Memory.

• Step 11: As soon as users click on Ok, a popup window comes up to Restart the device to permanently make changes. Click on the Ok button & the computer will promptly restart. Hence all the changes made there are now permanent.

Hence, we have successfully managed Virtual Memory (Pagefile) in Windows 10.

Note: The Maximum Memory is as per the choice of the users. Users can provide any data there. But a simple formula works here. The Maximum Memory will always be 1.5 of the Initial Memory. Suppose, you have provided the Initial Memory as 10 MB, then the Maximum Memory will be 10*1.5 = 15 MB. Using this formula, you need to provide the Maximum Memory. 

Conclusion

Knowing how to change virtual memory in Windows 10 can be incredibly beneficial, particularly if you’re experiencing performance issues or running out of memory. By following the steps outlined in this guide to adjust pagefile size and optimize virtual memory in Windows 10, you can improve your system’s performance and stability. Properly managing your virtual memory ensures that your computer can handle multiple tasks efficiently without slowing down.