Instructions for setting virtual RAM on Windows 10 to make your computer run faster

TipsMake article will present the shortest and easiest to understand issues and applications of setting virtual RAM in reducing lag, helping the computer run smoother.

What is virtual RAM?

Virtual RAM is RAM taken from the hard drive, to increase RAM capacity, reduce load and load applications well.

Practical problems and applications that help reduce lag

I have encountered many problems with applications running: python, java. on Windows and especially applications that require large amounts of RAM or a large number of CPUs and high CPU clock speeds. But in general it is not enough, in order for these applications to run smoothly and without minor errors arising, it is necessary to set virtual RAM. 

So what is the problem that administrators encounter a lot? The application lags while the CPU, RAM, and Disk resources are not full, even without DDoS. So you need to understand this, set up virtual RAM so that the application still operates normally and smoothly.

How to set virtual RAM on Windows 7, 8 and Win 10

In fact, when supporting many customers about  setting virtual RAM,  I discovered:

1. Virtual RAM should not be larger than the amount of real RAM.

1. The best virtual RAM is around 60 > 75% of real RAM.

This is best for the application to run smoothly. You do it with the steps below:

Step 1: Right-click the My Computer  icon  > select  Properties .

Step 2:  After selecting  Properties , the System   dialog box will appear  > select  Advanced system settings .

Step 3:  In the System Properties dialog box that appears, select the  Advanced tab  and then select  Settings  in the  Performance section.

Step 4:  The  Performance Options dialog box  appears, continue to select the  Advanced tab  and then select the  Change button .

Step 5:  After selecting, the Virtual Memory dialog box will appear.  In this dialog box, uncheck the line  Automatically Manage paging file size for all drives . At this time, the blurred part below will light up, check the  Custom size box .

Fill in the values ​​in the Initial size  and  Maximum size boxes   with 2 cases occurring:

Case 1:  If you are using Win 10 32 bits and the physical RAM capacity is less than 3GB or you are using Win 10 64 bits and the physical RAM capacity is less than 4.5GB. The Initial size section will enter a number  1.5 times  the physical RAM capacity, Maximum size will enter a number  3 times  the physical RAM capacity.

For example: Computer has 4GB RAM + Windows 10 64 bits, will set Windows 10 64 bits virtual ram as follows:

1. Initial size:  4GB = 4096MB x 1.5 = 6144MB.

1. Maximum size:  4GB = 4096MB x 3 = 12288MB.

Case 2: You are using Windows 10 32 bits and the physical RAM capacity is greater than 3GB or you are using Windows 10 64 bits and the physical RAM capacity is greater than 4.5GB. Then the Initial size and Maximum size sections will enter the number  /2  of the physical RAM capacity.

For example: The computer you are using is Windows 10 64 bits and 16GB RAM, so setting virtual RAM is as follows:

1. Initial size = Maximum size: 16GB = 16384 / 2 = 8192.

Step 6:  Restart the vps/server so that windows can receive the correct configuration.

How to optimize virtual RAM

After installation, virtual RAM needs to be adjusted to some parameters so that when you restart the vps/server, this virtual RAM is automatically released, ensuring the virtual RAM storage file does not reach the maximum, without affecting the server.

Turn on Shutdown : Clear virtual memory pagefile. Go to Start > Run > gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options. Find Shutdown: Clear virtual memory pagefile and enable (Enabled).

Turn on virtual memory cleaning.

Start -> run -> regedit.exe -> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSession ManagerMemory Management. Create a new DWORD parameter with the name ClearPageFileAtShutdown and enter the value 1.

Some notes when setting up virtual RAM in Windows 10

1. Do not create too much RAM on different drives because it will not bring more effect. Therefore, you only need to set virtual RAM on one drive and that's enough.
2. Whether setting virtual RAM for Windows 10 4GB or Windows 10 8GB, it should only be done on the HDD. If you set it on SSD, it will reduce the life of the drive.

Epilogue

Setting virtual RAM has gradually become popular, this can help your experience when playing games or applications smoother. Hopefully the above article on setting up virtual RAM by Huy Khang Pc will help you demonstrate how to set it up successfully.

Kareem Winters

Update 10 October 2023