Virtual memory is a function in Windows 11 that temporarily saves less frequent paging files placed into RAM (Random Access Memory) on the hard disk. Windows 11’s Virtual Memory feature, similar to today’s smartphones, allows for expandable virtual RAM. It saves frequently used data to your PC’s storage drive for speedy retrieval. It also offers your PC a significant increase in performance if it is struggling to keep up.

Additionally, you can also use the Best Uninstaller for Windows 11 to free up space and improve the performance of your computer. The functionality enables the operating system to use quicker physical memory for running apps and processes, resulting in improved speed and preventing the system from freezing if memory runs out. The system may automatically regulate the size of the paging files.

However, in some cases, you may need to adjust the default virtual memory settings manually. For example, when a PC is experiencing problems with performance, an application needs specific memory settings to function properly, or you receive the notification “Your system is low on virtual memory.” So, to help you out, we have provided some of the best and most effective ways through which you can easily manage virtual memory on Windows 11.

How to Manage Virtual Memory on Windows 11?

Although the paging size can be changed automatically by Windows, it is preferable to change it manually when there are noticeable performance drops. Windows has the ability to easily manage virtual memory, and here’s how you can do it.

Method 1: Increase Virtual Memory Using Settings

To change Windows 11’s virtual memory settings, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. From the right side, select the “About” page.
4. In the “Related Links” section, select the “Advanced System Settings” option.
5. Select the Advanced tab.
6. In the “Performance” section, click the Settings button.
7. Select the Advanced tab once again.
8. In the “Virtual memory” section, click the Change button.
9. “Automatically manage paging file size for all disks” should be cleared.
10. Click on Custom Size.
11. Indicate the paging file’s starting and maximum sizes in megabytes.

Note: The amount of virtual memory will vary depending on the circumstances. For the “starting size,” you should typically use a value that is 1.5 times the total amount of memory that is available, and for the “maximum size,” you should use a value that is 3 times the whole amount of memory that is available. Additionally, keep in mind that since the virtual memory will be kept on the primary hard drive, the computer needs adequate free space to set the new value.

1. Press the “Set” button.
2. Click the OK button.
3. Press the OK button once again.
4. Restart the device you are using.

After you have finished the procedures, the system should perform better overall when you navigate the desktop and execute apps. You can reverse the modifications using the same steps if you decide to change your mind, but in step 9, make sure to select “Automatically manage paging size for all drives” and restart the machine.

Read Also: How To Unlock A Windows PC Without The Password?

Method 2: Manage Virtual Memory Via Command Prompt

The Windows Management Instrumentation Command can be used to switch to manual paging and allot RAM from the storage device. To modify the paging file size using commands in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Select Start.
2. Look for Command Prompt, right-click on the first result, and choose Run as administrator.
3. To understand the current paging file, use the following command and click Enter.
4. Press Enter after typing the command below to view the current paging file: wmic pagefile list /format:list
5. In Windows 11, type the following command and hit Enter to move from system managed to custom virtual memory: wmic computersystem where name=”%computername%” set AutomaticManagedPagefile=false
6. To set the maximum and starting virtual memory size, enter the command that follows and hit Enter: wmic pagefileset where name=”C:\\pagefile.sys” set MaximumSize=YOUR-MAX-SIZE,InitialSize=YOUR-INIT-SIZE
7. Input the following command and hit Enter to restart the device: shutdown -r -t 00
8. Following the steps, you should see an improvement in the computer’s performance. If this configuration is no longer required, you can restart the computer and undo the changes by running the wmic computersystem where name=”%computername%” set AutomaticManagedPagefile=true command.

Even though there are some suggestions for manually configuring the virtual memory, you should always take the time to evaluate the settings and adjust the values if the system begins to experience stability issues. You should not turn off virtual memory if you believe that the device does not require it because you have a lot of physical memory. The paging file is required by the system. If not, you can have trouble utilizing many of Windows 11’s features, including running apps.

Wrapping Up

If you are running out of virtual memory, and want to manage it on your Windows 11 PC, you can follow the methods provided in this post. Through these methods, you can gain your virtual memory and improve the performance of your Windows 11 PC.