Swapping virtual memory. How to set up a swap file? How to add physical memory

In Windows operating systems, the so-called paging file pagefile.sys is used for work (hidden and system, usually located on drive C), which is a kind of "extension" of the computer's RAM (otherwise - virtual memory) and ensures the operation of programs even if when physical RAM is not enough.

Windows also tries to move unused data from RAM to the page file, and Microsoft says every new version does it better. For example, data from the RAM of a program that has been minimized and not used for some time can be moved to the paging file, so its subsequent opening may be slower than usual and cause access to the computer's hard disk.

And now about setting up the paging file in Windows 10 and how you can increase it (although it’s probably better to just set the recommended system settings here), reduce it if you think you have enough RAM on your computer or laptop, or turn it off completely, freeing up space on your hard drive.

Swap file setup

In order to access the Windows 10 paging file settings, you can simply start typing the word "performance" in the search box, and then select "Adjust presentation and system performance."

In the window that opens, select the "Advanced" tab, and in the "Virtual Memory" section, click the "Change" button to configure virtual memory.

By default, the settings will be set to "Automatically choose the size of the swap file" and for today (2016), perhaps this is my recommendation for most users.

The text at the end of the instructions, where I tell you how to properly configure the paging file in Windows and what sizes to set for different sizes of RAM, was written two years ago (and now updated), although, most likely, it will not bring harm, it is still not which I would recommend for beginners. However, such action as moving the swap file to another disk or setting a fixed size for it may make sense in some cases. You can also find information about these nuances below.

In order to increase or decrease, i.e. manually set the size of the paging file, uncheck automatic sizing, check the "Specify size" box and set the desired dimensions and click the "Set" button. After that, apply the settings. The changes take effect after you restart Windows 10.

To disable the paging file and remove the pagefile.sys file from the C drive, select "No paging file" and then click the "Set" button on the right and answer yes to the resulting message and click OK.

How to reduce or increase the swap file in Windows 7 and 8

Before I talk about what is the optimal page file size for various scenarios, I will show you how you can change this size or disable the use of Windows virtual memory.

To configure paging file settings, go to "Computer Properties" (right-click on the icon "My Computer" - properties), then select "System Protection" in the list on the left. A faster way to do the same is to press the Win + R keys on your keyboard and enter the command sysdm.cpl(suitable for Windows 7 and 8).

In the dialog box, open the "Advanced" tab, and then click on the "Options" button in the "Performance" section and also select the "Advanced" tab. Click the "Change" button in the "Virtual Memory" section.

Just here you can configure the necessary virtual memory settings:

• Disable virtual memory
• Reduce or increase the Windows paging file

Additionally, on the official Microsoft website there is an instruction for setting up a paging file in Windows 7 - windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-virtual-memory-size

How to Increase, Reduce or Disable the Page File in Windows - video

Below is a video instruction on how to set up a paging file in Windows 7, 8 and Windows 10, set its size or delete this file, and also transfer it to another drive. And after the video, you can find recommendations on how to properly configure the swap file.

Proper swap file setup

For example, one of the Microsoft Sysinternals developers recommends setting the minimum paging file size equal to the difference between the maximum memory used at peak load and the physical amount of RAM. And as the maximum size - the same number, multiplied twice.

Another common recommendation, and not without reason, is to use the same minimum (initial) and maximum size of the paging file in order to avoid fragmentation of this file and, as a result, performance degradation. This is not relevant for an SSD, but might make sense for an HDD.

Well, the setting option that you have to meet more often than others is to disable the Windows paging file if the computer has enough RAM. I would not recommend this to most of my readers, because in case of problems when starting or running programs and games, you may not remember that these problems can be caused by disabling the paging file. However, if you have a strictly limited set of software on your computer that you always use, and these programs work fine without a paging file, this optimization also has the right to life.

Moving the paging file to another drive

One option for tweaking the paging file, which in some cases can be useful for system performance, is to move it to a separate hard drive or SSD. This refers to a separate physical disk, and not a partition on the disk (in the case of a logical partition, moving the paging file, on the contrary, can lead to a drop in performance).

How to move the swap file to another drive in Windows 10, 8 and Windows 7:

1. In the settings of the paging file (virtual memory) of Windows, disable the paging file for the disk on which it is located (select the item "No paging file" and click "Set".
2. For the second disk to which we are transferring the paging file, set the size or set it to the choice of the system and click "Set" in the same way.
3. Click OK and restart your computer.

However, if you want to move the swap file from the SSD to the HDD in order to extend the life of the SSD, you probably shouldn't do this, unless you have an old SSD with a low capacity. As a result, you will lose in performance, and the increase in service life may be very insignificant. More details - (relevant for 8-ki).

In various articles related to Windows optimization, you can find recommendations to disable the paging file if the RAM size is 8 GB or even 6 GB, and also not to use automatic selection of the paging file size. There is logic in this - with the paging file disabled, the computer will not use the hard disk as additional memory, which should increase the speed of operation (RAM is many times faster), and if you manually specify the exact size of the paging file (it is recommended to specify the initial and maximum size are the same), we free up disk space and remove the task of adjusting the size of this file from the OS.

Note: if you are usingSSD drive, it is best to attend to the installation of the maximum numberRAM and completely disable the paging file, this will extend the life of the solid state drive.

In my opinion, this is not entirely true, and first of all, you should focus not so much on the amount of available physical memory, but on how exactly the computer is used, otherwise, you risk seeing messages that Windows does not have enough memory.

Indeed, if you have 8 GB of RAM, and the work at the computer consists of browsing sites and a few games, it is likely that disabling the swap file will be a good solution (but there is a risk of running into a message that there is not enough memory).

However, if you edit videos, do photo editing in professional packages, work with vector or 3D graphics, design houses and rocket engines, use virtual machines, 8 GB of RAM will not be enough and you will definitely need a swap file in the process of work. Moreover, by disabling it, you risk losing unsaved documents and files when you run out of memory.

If you're not sure how much RAM you need and what size swap file is right for your situation, try the following:

• Run all those programs on your computer that, in theory, you can run at the same time - office and Skype, open a dozen YouTube tabs in your browser, start the game (use your work script).
• Open the Windows Task Manager while all this is running and on the Performance tab, see how much RAM is used.
• Increase this number by 50-100% (I won't give you the exact number, but I would recommend 100) and compare it with the size of the computer's physical RAM.
• That is, for example, on a PC 8 GB of memory, 6 GB is used, doubled (100%), it turns out 12 GB. We subtract 8, set the swap file size to 4 GB, and you can be relatively calm that there will be no problems with virtual memory even with critical work options.

Again, this is my personal view of the swap file, you can find recommendations on the Internet that are significantly different from what I offer. Which one to follow is up to you. When using my option, you most likely will not encounter a situation where the program will not start due to lack of memory, but the option of completely disabling the paging file (which I do not recommend for most cases) can have a positive effect on system performance .

Often every user faces a lack of memory on a PC. There is little space for saving working materials, downloading movies, the computer does not play games at higher quality settings, it freezes, the Internet is slow, it is unbearable to spend time at the computer.

You can increase the performance of your PC by increasing the amount of random access memory (RAM). There are several options for how to do this. An excellent solution to this problem is to buy a new memory card that has enough free space for saving. But if the financial situation temporarily limits this possibility, then let's take a closer look at methods for increasing the amount of RAM without spending money.

We speed up the PC through the paging file and increase virtual memory

Everything that does not fit in RAM is stored on the hard disk in the paging file. Usually, Windows automatically sets the amount of such a virtual cache, but if there is a shortage, it can be increased. To perform such an action, you do not have to be a programmer, just follow the instructions below:

Under the swap file, use a disk that has more free space. Do not select the system disk for this purpose.

Finding where virtual cache and paging is configured in Windows 8 is easy. Follow the descriptions below:

1. Use italics to open the menu and click the "Search" item.
2. In the right corner you will see a search box, enter system properties performance into it and press Enter.
3. The "Performance Options" window will appear, find the "Advanced" tab.
4. In the "Virtual memory" column, click on the "Change" button and from that moment we do everything the same as in the instructions above.

Increasing the virtual cache will not save you from problems with a lack of RAM, but will only slightly speed up your computer.

Expanding RAM using a flash drive

An excellent method for creating extra RAM space for a PC. It appeared recently, thanks to Ready Boost technology from Microsoft. Few people still resort to this method because of ignorance about this innovation.

The Ready Boost program allows you to expand the amount of RAM on your computer using free space on a flash drive or other external drive (SD card, SSD drive), which plays the role of an additional cache device containing information.

Increasing the OP using the Ready Boost program has its own requirements, if the flash card does not meet them, then the program will not be installed. Primary requirements:

• write speed 1.75 MB/sec, 512 kb blocks;
• read speed of at least 2.5 MB / s, blocks of 512 kb;
• The minimum free space on a flash drive is 256 megabytes.

Having picked up a suitable drive, you can start connecting a function that allows you not only to increase the amount of cache, but also to speed up your PC. Let's start:

1. Insert the selected drive into the system unit connector and go to the menu.
2. Among the list of drives, find the new connected device (flash drive), click in italics (right button).
3. In the table that appears, find the item "Properties". We press.
4. In the new table "Properties: Removable disk" look for the line Ready Boost, mark it with a checkmark, set the required cache size and confirm the action by clicking on the "OK" button.

After a while, wait until the system completes the settings for the updated parameters.

Increase RAM in BIOS settings

Most BIOS versions allow you to manually adjust the amount of RAM. In the BIOS, you can speed up the cache by lowering the timings, but after such manipulations, you need to test the system to avoid a malfunction.

1. First, we enter the BIOS. To do this, during system boot, you should press a combination of keys, most often it is Delete, F2 or Ctrl-Alt-Esc.
2. In the BIOS program menu, look for and click on the line Video Ram or, depending on the program, Shared Memory.
3. Next, find the line DRAM Read Timing and reduce the number of timings (cycles) in RAM. Fewer cycles means better system performance. Too much reduction will negatively affect the operation of the equipment, so do not overdo it.
4. When you have finished changing the memory configuration, save your settings and exit the BIOS.

Remember, increasing the RAM in the BIOS can change other settings.

Expandable with memory modules

This method of expanding the cache requires a little financial investment, but it is one hundred percent effective.
The motherboard has several cells for installing memory modules, which allows you to install not one, but several boards to increase the RAM on a PC.

If there is no material opportunity to buy a voluminous memory card, purchase an additional module and install it next to the existing RAM.

Installing modules is an effective way to increase RAM, but before buying, you should make sure that the motherboard has free connectors, as well as what standards it supports. There are several types of RAM, if you purchase the wrong one, the module will not fit into the motherboard connector. You can find out the type of PC RAM by the number on the board, which is already in the motherboard. There is no free connector, replace the old board with a new, more voluminous one.
Install the board carefully so as not to break anything. Insert the module until you hear a distinctive click, which means that it is securely fastened.

After that, turn on the computer and check the RAM data. There is more space for accumulation - everything went well, no, then turn off the power and try again.

The above methods will expand the amount of computer cache, improving its performance. But remember, carry out all the manipulations in the system carefully and slowly in order to avoid damage to the PC.

During the maintenance of computers and laptops, there is often a problem with insufficient device performance when running some programs. The main symptom of this snag is a system message that the task could not be completed because there was not enough free space for virtual memory. This applies to a greater extent to old computers that have a small amount of RAM. Although some modern machines also face such a problem. This happens when the user assigns a large number of tasks to the device. At some point, when the memory resource is exhausted, this ominous system message will pop up.

This was the reason for the creation of this material, which will tell you how to increase virtual memory. First, let's figure out what it is. It is a combination of the RAM that is installed in the system unit with the swap file.

It follows that there are several ways to solve the problem. How to increase virtual memory? The first option is rather banal. You buy an additional RAM chip and install it in the system unit. I don't think any explanation is needed here. Enough material has already been written on this topic.

To increase virtual memory, you must increase To do this, go to the "Start" menu, from there go to the "Control Panel". When it opens, select the "System" section, then "Properties". Here we already open the "Advanced" tab.

Next, in the "Performance" section, go to the "Settings" subsection. There, find the link to virtual memory and select "Change". In these settings, specify the partition of your hard drive on which it will be stored, and then specify the required swap size. Make it one and a half times the total amount of your RAM. Its placement on which the operating system is not installed would be ideal. It will also improve the performance of your machine.

When all the parameters are entered, confirm them with the "OK" button and restart the computer. Now you know several ways to increase the virtual memory of your computer.

Not enough RAM to surf the Internet or run a modern game? Before increasing its size, try adjusting the swap file. It is possible that your PC or laptop will work much faster. Read below about what it is and how to enable the paging file in Windows 7, 8 or 10.

What is a swap file?

First, a bit of theory. The swap file is a special file that Windows refers to if the PC does not have enough current RAM to work with. Simply put, this is virtual memory, which is added to the current one, as a result of which the speed of the laptop or computer improves.

I will give a simple example. You want to enable a game that requires 4 GB of RAM. And you only have 3 GB. What to do in this case? Increase virtual memory and Windows will “take” the missing 1 GB from this special file. In this way, you can launch the game and play it.

Of course, there are several points here:

1. Increasing virtual memory can slow down your computer. After all, the speed of access to the RAM is much faster than to the hard disk (namely, the paging file is stored on it).
2. Using this function creates unnecessary load on the HDD and shortens its operation time.

How to increase virtual memory in Windows 7

For this:

1. Go to Start - Control Panel - System.
2. Click on "Add. options".
3. Find the "Performance" section and click on "Settings".
4. In the new window, select the "Advanced" tab.

This is where virtual memory is configured. As a rule, the currently used size is already indicated here (in the screenshot below it is 8173 MB, i.e. 8 GB). To increase virtual memory in Windows 7, click the Change button.

The same window will appear where you can configure the paging file.

If the PC or laptop slows down, then there is not enough RAM and it needs to be increased. First, uncheck this box. All buttons will become active, and you can enable the paging file in Windows 7 and configure it to your liking. To do this, check the box next to the line "Specify size" and write down the initial and max. volume. For example - 4096 MB (this is 4 GB).

Important: in order to avoid brakes and glitches, the original and max. size must be the same. For example, 4096 MB (as in the screenshot above).

By the way, what is the optimal swap file size? There are a lot of tips on this issue on the Internet, and the calculation formulas are also intricate.

The best option would be to increase the virtual memory of the computer by 50% of the amount of your RAM. That is, the swap file for 4 GB will be 2048 MB. And for 8 GB of RAM, you can specify 4096 MB. As a result, the total memory will be 6 and 12 GB, respectively - this should be enough for all occasions.

If your PC has a lot of RAM installed (for example, 8 GB), and you work only on the Internet, then you can disable the paging file altogether. After all, as I said above, it loads the hard drive, which sometimes slows down the PC.

However, this is not recommended. Perhaps after a while you want to start a game or video processing, and an error pops up that there is not enough memory. And most likely, you will safely forget about virtual memory. As a result, spend a lot of nerves before you fix this problem.

In general, if you need to increase virtual memory in Windows 7, specify it manually. And if you need to restore the previous values, check the very first item and close this window.