How to change virtual memory settings

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Sometimes a system user does not have enough RAM size to run all the programs, hence Windows automatically transfer infrequently use data in your system to computer’s hard drive virtual memory. This memory provides more memory space to the user for important programs which are accessed at a higher rate, but certainly slowed down the speed a bit. This is due to the fact that RAM is much faster than hard drive, when the windows needs the data stored in hard drive it has to read the data back to the memory.

Materials Needed:
- A computer System with Microsoft Windows Operating installed in it.
Step 1
Log into the machine in the administrator account, as changing the virtual memory settings requires administrative privileges.
Step 2
This setting is done by the System Properties. Go to 'Start' menu and then right click on the 'My Computer' option. A pop-up menu will come on your screen. Select the last option from it; the 'Properties' option. The properties of that particular system will appear.
Step 3
Click on the 'Advanced' tab; there one will see the three properties. One got to select the 'Settings' button under the 'Performance' section. A performance Options window will open.
Step 4
Choose the 'Advanced' button on the Performance Options window. Click on the 'Change' button which falls under the Virtual Memory Section.
Step 5
Now user has to understand the Virtual Memory settings. On this window, the 'initial size' is the least amount of hard drive space that will be allocated to virtual memory automatically initially at any time. The 'maximum size' is the largest size which can be allocated to the virtual memory by the Windows. You virtual memory can grow to this size. It is suggested to never select 'No paging file' option in any circumstances. If one sets the 'maximum size' too low than the requirement of the Windows is much more than maximum then it can create problem. The system can freeze and you will have to reboot the computer. Therefore it is recommended to select 'System managed size' option. This will allow Windows to manage the virtual memory space by itself. Memory will increase and decrease in size automatically according to the priority of the program.
Step 6
One can make changes to virtual memory by clicking on the 'Change' tab under the Virtual Memory section. Once settings are done, click on the 'Set' button to make them permanent.


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