How to configure virtual memory in Windows 10.

roger — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 10:20:20 +0000

Hello, how are you? Windows 10 has been conceived to optimize the operation of the system according to the hardware of our PC. However, within it, there are some elements and functions that allow improving the performance. One of these elements is the virtual memory or Pagefile. The function of this file is to remove and temporarily store pages that are used less frequently and have been assigned in the RAM to the hard disk. Consequently, when the RAM memory is fully occupied, the system takes care of moving some hosted data to the hard disk. These files will then be moved to the Pagefile. Therefore, the RAM memory will be allocated to priority services and functions of the system. As a result, system performance is maximized by avoiding hanging due to a lack of memory. For that reason, let’s see how to configure virtual memory in Windows 10.

Calculate the virtual memory size in Windows 10.

There is a formula for calculating the virtual memory limit in Windows 10:

The initial size of the paging file is equal to 1.5 per the total amount of operating system RAM.
The maximum size of the paging file is equal to 3 times per the initial size.

How to increase virtual memory in Windows 10. Graphic mode

The first thing you have to do is to enter the Advanced system settings. With this in mind, we need to get into the control panel. Once there, follow the path below: System and Security>System.

Control Panel. System

In the next window, select the Settings tab:

Entering the advanced properties of the system.

Then select the Advanced tab, and locate the Virtual Memory section and select Change:

Select to change the size of the virtual memory.

In the next window, you can see the current size assigned to the virtual memory. To edit it, uncheck the first box. Then select custom size and assign the values for the initial size and maximum size. Select Set to complete the process.

Setting the initial size and maximum size of the virtual memory.

Configuring the virtual memory size with Command Prompt.

The first thing we have to do is validate the status of the pagefile. With that intention, you have to open a CMD as administrator and enter the following command:

 wmic pagefile list /format:list

Checking the pagefile status

Them, we are going to customize the virtual memory of Windows 10. Please enter the following command:

wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" set AutomaticManagedPagefile=false

Establishing custom virtual memory management

Next, we define the values of the virtual memory using the following command:

wmic pagefileset where name="C:\\pagefile.sys" set InitialSize=SIZE,MaximumSize=SIZE

Please remember to replace the SIZE value with the size you are going to assign to the pagefile file. It must be remembered, that these values are established according to the formula we indicated at the beginning of the post. For instance:

Setting Virtual Memory Values

Finally, restart Windows to apply the changes using the following command:

 shutdown -r -t 00

Automatically set the size of virtual memory.

If you want Windows to manage virtual memory values automatically, then run the following command:

wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" set AutomaticManagedPagefile=true

Setting the value of the virtual memory automatically

Conclusion

Ultimately, we have seen how to configure virtual memory in Windows 10. Additionally, I have given you the options to do it graphically and through the CMD. Thus, you know how to modify these values according to your hardware needs. This is all for now, please I invite you to check our post about PHP virtual hosts in Windows 10.