How to enable and manage virtual RAM in Windows 11
If you've noticed that your computer starts to slow down when you open multiple applications or perform demanding tasks, you probably need to optimize your system's virtual memory. Windows 11 has a feature that can be key to improving performance: virtual RAM. In this article we will explain in detail what it is, how it works and how you can manage it in the best way to enjoy a more efficient PC.
Virtual memory is not something exclusive to Windows; it is found in most operating systems, but in this particular case, it is especially useful to alleviate the workload on physical RAM. Of course, it does not mean that it is a magic solution, and as we will see later, it has its limits and aspects to consider in order to adjust it correctly.
What is virtual RAM and what is it for?
Virtual RAM is an additional resource that Windows uses when a computer's physical RAM is close to its maximum capacity. Basically, it takes advantage of a space on your hard drive or SSD to temporarily store data that isn't being actively used, thus freeing up space in your main RAM for more immediate tasks. This process prevents crashes and improves overall system fluidity.
For example, if you're working on multiple heavy applications like video editors or video games, virtual memory will hold data that doesn't require immediate access, leaving physical RAM to focus on the tasks at hand. It's important to note, however, that the speed of hard drives and SSDs is not comparable to that of RAM, so relying solely on virtual memory can create bottlenecks.
Advantages of using virtual memory
Greater multitasking capacity: You can run more programs simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.
Support for heavy applications: Virtual memory allows demanding programs to run even on computers with limited RAM.
Cost savings: Upgrading physical RAM is often more expensive than adjusting the size of virtual memory.
Sustainability for older computers: On computers where it is not possible to expand the RAM, virtual memory acts as an additional resource.
How to configure virtual memory in Windows 11?
Customizing your computer's virtual memory may seem like a complex task, but Windows 11 has made the process quite easy. Below, we detail the steps you must follow to adjust it optimally:
Press the Windows + I keys to open System Settings.
In the System section, select the About option.
Find and click on Advanced system settings.
In the window that opens, go to the Advanced tab and click on Settings in the Performance section.
Go to the Advanced tab again and select Change in the Virtual memory section.
In the new window, uncheck the box that says Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
Select a storage drive and check the Custom size option. Enter the values for Initial size and Maximum size. The general recommendation is to set the initial size to 1.5 times your RAM and the maximum to 3 times.
Press Set and save the changes. You may need to restart your computer to apply the settings.
Myths and facts about virtual memory
Over the years, there have been numerous myths created around the use of virtual memory. Some of them have some truth to them, but many others are completely false. Here are some of them debunked:
The more virtual memory, the better performance
False. While having paging space is helpful, too much virtual memory does not improve performance, especially if you already have enough physical RAM. Also, using too much virtual memory can slow down processing speed due to the time it takes to move data between RAM and storage.
Disabling virtual memory is preferable
In most cases, disabling virtual memory is not recommended. If your computer runs out of RAM and does not have a swap file, it can crash or freeze, making it difficult to recover your work.
Using virtual memory damages hard drives
Modern SSDs are now robust enough to handle virtual memory without any problems. However, it is always advisable to perform regular backups.
Tips to optimize virtual memory
To get the most out of virtual memory, here are some practical tips:
Proper placement: If you have multiple drives in your system,