How to fix 'Insufficient System Resources Exist' error on Windows 10/11

The "Insufficient system resources" error is reported to arise under slightly different circumstances. That error can occur when a user tries to run a program, install software, open a folder, or access a file. This is the content of the full error message, "Insufficient system resources exist to complete the requested service" .

Users cannot run programs or access folders or files with an 'Insufficient system resources' error. That error message highlights a lack of system resources, such as RAM. Here's how you can fix the 'Insufficient system resources' error on your Windows PC.

1. Try some quick Windows-based fixes

There are several common ways to fix this Windows error, so try these before proceeding.

Run a drive scan

Although not the most likely cause, the possibility that this error is caused by a file system problem cannot be ruled out. If the other solutions don't work, it might be worth running a Check Disk (CHKDSK) scan in Windows. The CHKDSK scan will check and repair file system errors detected on the drive.

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Update device driver

Outdated device drivers on your PC can also be another factor causing the 'Insufficient system resources' error. You can solve the problem by updating the generic driver on your PC. However, updating device drivers on your PC manually by downloading them from websites is time consuming.

The article recommends using a third-party driver update tool. This tool will scan your PC and show which devices have outdated drivers. You can then select an option to update drivers for all listed devices.

2. Close unnecessary background apps

This error message gives hints about limited system resources. So try closing unnecessary apps running in the background to free up some RAM before trying to run a program or open a folder or file.

It is best to close unnecessary applications using the Task Manager method, which provides an overview of all running background programs.

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Note that closing unnecessary background apps will not disable them permanently. To disable background programs that automatically run, you need to remove them from the Windows startup process. See TipsMake's article on disabling startup items for more details.

3. Tweak the Memory Management registry key

Many users were able to fix the 'Insufficient system resources' error by adjusting a few DWORD values ​​in the Memory Management registry key. This may sound complicated, but it won't take long to do. You can apply this potential fix to the 'Insufficient system resources' error as follows:

1. Launch Registry Editor by pressing Win + R simultaneously , enter the regedit command , and click the OK button of Run.

2. Delete the current path in Registry Editor's address bar and enter this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSession ManagerMemory Management

3. If the key does not include the DWORD PoolUsageMaximum, right-click Memory Management and select the New > DWORD option .

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4. Enter PoolUsageMaximum as the title of the DWORD.

5. Find the DWORD PagedPoolSize in the Memory Management key. If not found, you need to create it by right-clicking on Memory Management , selecting New > DWORD and entering PagedPoolSize in the text box.

6. Now double click on the DWORD PoolUsageMaximum to bring up the Value data box .

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7. Enter 60 in the Value data box .

8. Select Decimal to convert the value 60 to 96.

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9. Click OK to set the PoolUsageMaximum value.

10. Double-click the DWORD PagedPoolSize .

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11. Delete the value 0 in the text box and enter ffffffff there.

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12. Select OK to set the PagedPoolSize value .

13. Then exit Registry Editor and select the Start Restart menu option.

4. Disable or remove third-party antivirus software

Disabling real-time scanning of third-party antivirus applications is another solution that users have confirmed to be effective for fixing the "Insufficient system resources" error. McAfee Antivirus is a specific security software that some users have mentioned causes this problem. Temporarily disabling the antivirus shield will ensure that they cannot falsely flag affected files or folders and reduce the consumption of system resources by the security software.

If there is a third-party antivirus application on your PC, right-click its system tray icon and select an option to disable real-time protection. Then try to run the software or open the folder or user file that this error affects. If this works, consider uninstalling third-party antivirus software to make sure it can't cause problems again.

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Some third-party security applications have firewall components. You should also temporarily disable the firewall in your anti-virus application if you have one. Look through the settings tab in your antivirus to see if you can find any firewall options there.

Windows Security is a pre-installed application that also has real-time virus scanning. You can try disabling that feature if you don't have a third-party antivirus installed. This guide on how to disable Windows Security includes instructions for disabling the application's real-time protection.

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5. Add affected files to the antivirus application's exclusion list

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If this "Insufficient system resources" error only affects a specific program EXE or user file, try setting an antivirus exclusion for it. The way you access the exclusion list varies among third-party antivirus applications, but most have them. So you can find instructions on how to set file exclusion lists in the help pages for your antivirus software on the publisher's website.

Windows Security also has an exclusion list that you can add files and folders to exclude from its antivirus shield. Refer: How to add exceptions in Windows Defender on Windows 10 for more details.

6. Repair game files

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If the "Insufficient system resources" error occurs for a game, try repairing the affected game's files. Some players said they solved the 'Insufficient system resources' error by verifying the game files.

The Steam, Epic Games, Origin, EA Desktop, COG Galaxy, Battle.net and Ubisoft software packages all include options to verify (repair) game files.

Kareem Winters

Update 24 July 2023