How to Free Up Physical Memory in Windows 11
In today’s digital age, having a computer with ample physical memory (RAM) is crucial for smooth and efficient performance. However, over time, your Windows 11 system may start to slow down due to insufficient memory. This article will guide you through various methods to free up physical memory in Windows 11, ensuring your system runs smoothly.
1. Use the Task Manager
The Task Manager is a built-in Windows 11 tool that allows you to monitor and manage running processes, including those consuming a significant amount of memory. To free up physical memory using Task Manager, follow these steps:
1. Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` to open the Task Manager.
2. Click on the “Memory” tab to view the list of processes and their memory usage.
3. Identify the processes consuming the most memory and click on them.
4. Click on the “End Task” button to close the process and free up memory.
2. Disable Startup Programs
Startup programs can consume a significant amount of memory, especially if they are resource-intensive. To disable startup programs in Windows 11, follow these steps:
1. Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press `Enter`.
3. Go to the “Startup” tab.
4. Uncheck the programs you want to disable from running at startup.
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
3. Use the System Properties
The System Properties window allows you to adjust the amount of memory allocated to the system. To free up physical memory using System Properties, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the “This PC” or “My Computer” icon on your desktop and select “Properties.”
2. Click on “Advanced system settings.”
3. Go to the “Advanced” tab and click on the “Settings” button under the “Performance” section.
4. In the Performance Options window, go to the “Advanced” tab.
5. Under the “Virtual memory” section, click on “Change.”
6. Uncheck the “Automatically manage all drives” option.
7. Select the drive where your Windows 11 installation is located and click on “Custom size.”
8. Set the “Initial size” and “Maximum size” to the same value, which should be equal to the amount of physical memory installed on your system.
9. Click “Set” and then “OK” to save the changes.
4. Update Your Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause memory issues. Keeping your drivers up to date can help free up physical memory. To update your drivers in Windows 11, follow these steps:
1. Press `Win + X` and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the categories to view the drivers for your hardware components.
3. Right-click on a driver and select “Update driver.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
By following these methods, you can effectively free up physical memory in Windows 11 and improve your system’s performance. Remember to regularly check for memory usage and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
