In Windows 11, lowering memory usage can significantly boost your computer’s performance. This involves identifying and stopping unnecessary processes, managing startup programs, and adjusting system settings. By following a few simple steps, you can achieve a smoother and faster experience on your PC. Read on to discover an easy-to-follow guide on how to lower memory usage in Windows 11.
How to Lower Memory Usage in Windows 11
Following these steps will help you quickly and efficiently lower the memory usage on your Windows 11 computer. This will leave more RAM available for essential tasks and make your system run more smoothly.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to open Task Manager.
Task Manager is a handy tool that lets you see all the processes running on your computer. By opening it, you can pinpoint which programs are hogging your memory.
Step 2: Identify Memory-Hogging Processes
Click on the “Processes” tab and sort by “Memory” usage.
Sorting processes by memory usage helps you easily identify the programs that are consuming the most RAM. This is the first step in figuring out what you can close to free up memory.
Step 3: End Unnecessary Tasks
Right-click on the unnecessary tasks and select “End Task.”
Ending tasks that you don’t need will release the memory they are using, giving your system more room to breathe. Just make sure you don’t close any critical system processes.
Step 4: Disable Startup Programs
Go to the “Startup” tab in Task Manager and disable programs you don’t need at startup.
Disabling startup programs ensures that these applications don’t start automatically when you boot your computer. This saves memory right from the get-go.
Step 5: Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
Open “Settings,” go to “System,” then “About,” and click on “Advanced system settings.” Adjust the virtual memory settings under the “Performance” tab.
Adjusting virtual memory can help your computer manage memory more efficiently. Increasing the virtual memory can serve as a supplement to your physical RAM.
Step 6: Uninstall Unnecessary Software
Go to “Settings,” then “Apps,” and uninstall programs you no longer use.
Removing software you don’t need not only frees up disk space but also ensures these programs are not running background processes that consume memory.
Step 7: Update Windows and Drivers
Check for updates in “Settings” under “Windows Update.”
Updating your operating system and drivers can fix memory leaks and improve performance. Always keep your system up to date to benefit from the latest improvements.
Step 8: Restart Your PC
Restart your computer to clear the memory and refresh the system.
Restarting your PC is a simple yet effective way to clear memory and improve performance. It shuts down all processes and gives your system a fresh start.
After completing these steps, you should notice a decrease in memory usage and an improvement in your PC’s performance. Your system will have more available RAM for essential tasks, making it faster and more responsive.
Tips for Lowering Memory Usage in Windows 11
- Regularly check Task Manager to monitor memory usage.
- Avoid multitasking with memory-intensive applications.
- Keep your system and software up to date.
- Use lightweight software alternatives where possible.
- Consider adding more physical RAM if you frequently run into memory issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my current memory usage in Windows 11?
You can check your current memory usage by opening Task Manager and clicking on the “Performance” tab.
Is it safe to end tasks in Task Manager?
Yes, it is generally safe to end tasks in Task Manager, but avoid closing system-critical processes.
How often should I restart my PC to manage memory?
Restarting your PC once a week is a good practice to manage memory efficiently.
Can increasing virtual memory replace adding physical RAM?
No, increasing virtual memory can help, but it cannot replace the performance benefits of adding physical RAM.
What should I do if my memory usage is still high after these steps?
If your memory usage remains high, consider checking for malware or adding more physical RAM to your system.
Summary
- Open Task Manager.
- Identify memory-hogging processes.
- End unnecessary tasks.
- Disable startup programs.
- Adjust virtual memory settings.
- Uninstall unnecessary software.
- Update Windows and drivers.
- Restart your PC.
Conclusion
Lowering memory usage in Windows 11 can dramatically improve your computer’s speed and efficiency. By following the steps outlined above, you can free up valuable system resources and make your PC perform like new. Regular maintenance, such as checking for updates and managing startup programs, will keep your memory usage in check. If you’re still experiencing high memory usage after trying these steps, it might be time to consider hardware upgrades like adding more RAM.
Remember, a well-maintained computer is a happy computer. Regularly revisiting these tips will ensure your system continues to run smoothly. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.