Best steps for setting virtual memory in Windows

Setting virtual memory (or a paging file) in Windows is a way to ensure your system can handle tasks when physical RAM is exhausted. Here are the best steps to configure it:

Open System Properties

• Press Windows + Pause/Break or search for “View advanced system settings” in the Start menu.
• In the System Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
• Right-click on “This PC” or “Computer” and select “Properties”.

Access Performance Options

• Under the Performance section, click Settings.
• In the new window, go to the Advanced tab.
• Under Virtual Memory, click Change.

Configure Virtual Memory Settings

• Uncheck Automatically Manage Paging File Size for All Drives
• If this option is checked, uncheck it to customize the settings.
• Select the Drive
• Choose the drive (typically C:) where you want to set the paging file.
• Choose an Option:
• System Managed Size: Windows will manage the size dynamically.
• Custom Size: Allows you to define minimum and maximum values:
  • Initial Size (MB): 1.5 times your RAM size.
  • Maximum Size (MB): 3 times your RAM size.
    For example, with 8 GB of RAM (8192 MB), you can set:
    • Initial size: 12,288 MB
    • Maximum size: 24,576 MB
• Click Set
• After entering the desired values, click Set to apply them.

Apply and Restart

• Click OK to close all dialogs and restart your computer to apply the changes.

Tips

• Optimal Drive: If you have multiple drives, set the paging file on the fastest drive (e.g., SSD).
• Avoid No Paging File: Disabling virtual memory can lead to performance issues.
• Check Disk Space: Ensure the selected drive has enough free space to accommodate the paging file.