Fix Computer is Low on Memory in Windows 10

A sluggish computer, riddled with slowdowns and crashes, can be a productivity killer. Often, the culprit behind this sluggishness is a lack of available memory (RAM). If you’re encountering the dreaded “Your computer is low on memory” notification in Windows 10, fear not! This comprehensive guide equips you with a robust arsenal of solutions to reclaim your system’s memory and restore its former speed.

Understanding Low Memory:

Random Access Memory (RAM) acts as your computer’s temporary workspace. Frequently used programs and data are stored in RAM for faster access. When RAM becomes overloaded, your system struggles to keep pace, leading to performance issues.

Identifying the Cause:

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand what’s consuming your RAM. Here’s how to diagnose the memory hogs:

1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously.
2. Click the “Memory” column header to sort processes by memory usage.
3. Identify applications or processes with exceptionally high memory consumption.

Solutions to Free Up Memory:

1. Close Memory-Hungry Programs:

   The most immediate solution is to close any memory-intensive programs you’re not actively using. Right-click on a program in Task Manager and select “End task” to close it.

2. Disable Startup Programs:

   Many programs automatically launch at startup, consuming valuable memory unnecessarily. Here’s how to disable them:

   • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type msconfig and press Enter.
   • Go to the Startup tab.
   • Uncheck the boxes for programs you don’t want to launch at startup.
   • Click Apply and OK.
   • Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

3. Manage Browser Extensions:

   Browser extensions can be surprisingly resource-intensive. Consider disabling or removing extensions you don’t use regularly.

4. Scan for Malware:

   Malware infections can sometimes consume system resources like RAM. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to detect and remove any potential threats.

5. Adjust Virtual Memory:

   Windows utilizes virtual memory, a combination of RAM and hard drive space, to compensate for limited physical RAM. Here’s how to adjust it (proceed with caution):

   • Right-click on This PC and select Properties.
   • Go to Advanced system settings.
   • Click on the Settings button under Performance.
   • Go to the Advanced tab.
   • Under Virtual memory, click Change.
   • Uncheck the box for “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”
   • Select your system drive and choose “Custom size.”
   • Enter a value for Initial size (MB) and Maximum size (MB) that’s appropriate for your system’s RAM and hard drive capacity. (Consult a reliable source for specific recommendations based on your system configuration.)
   • Click Set and OK.
   • Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Advanced Techniques (Use with Caution):

1. Reduce Background Processes:

   Some background processes can consume memory unnecessarily. Use the Task Manager’s “Details” tab to identify and potentially disable non-essential background processes. (Proceed with caution and only disable processes you understand.)

2. Upgrade RAM:

   If none of the above solutions provide lasting relief, consider upgrading your system’s RAM. This is the most effective way to increase your system’s overall memory capacity.

Prevention is Key:

• Monitor Memory Usage: Keep an eye on your memory usage using Task Manager. This helps you identify potential memory hogs early on.
• Update Software: Keep your operating system, applications, and drivers updated. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can help manage memory usage more efficiently.
• Consider a Lightweight Browser: If your primary browser is a known memory hog, consider switching to a lighter alternative.

By systematically following these solutions and implementing preventative measures, you can effectively combat low memory issues and restore your Windows 10 system to its former glory. Remember, a well-maintained system with adequate RAM is key to a smooth and productive computing experience.