Virtual memory is a mechanism for Windows to expand physical memory, and reasonable settings can improve performance. When physical memory is insufficient, the system moves infrequently used data to the hard disk, freeing up space for the current task. Ordinary users can rely on Windows to automatically manage, but manual adjustment is more appropriate if you run large software, use old machines, or encounter insufficient memory prompts. The steps to view and modify are: Win R input sysdm.cpl → "Advanced" page → "Performance Settings" → "Virtual Memory Changes" → Cancel automatic management → Select "Custom Size". Users can set the initial 4096MB and the maximum 12288MB for 8GB memory; the recommended virtual memory is 1.5~2 times; and above 16GB can set the initial 4GB memory to 1~1.5 times. Virtual memory should not be turned off at will, otherwise the program may crash unless the consequences are clearly understood and tested correctly.

Windows' virtual memory management is actually not that complicated, but if you don't use it well, it will affect the computer's running efficiency. Simply put, the system will use part of the hard disk space as memory. When there is insufficient physical memory, it will use this part of "virtual memory" to relieve stress. If you often run multiple programs, large software or play games, setting up virtual memory reasonably can bring some performance improvements.

Here are some common adjustment directions and suggestions:

What is virtual memory? Why do adjustments need to be made?

Virtual memory is a mechanism used by Windows to extend physical memory (RAM). When you run too many programs and cannot load physical memory, the system will temporarily place some of the infrequently used data on the hard disk to free up space for running tasks.

By default, Windows automatically manages virtual memory, and most ordinary users do not actually need to move it. However, for some situations, such as programs that require large memory, old machines upgrade SSDs, or encountering "out of memory", manual settings may be more appropriate.

How to view and modify virtual memory settings?

To adjust virtual memory, you can follow these steps:

• Press Win R to open the run window, enter sysdm.cpl , and press Enter.
• Switch to the Advanced tab and click Settings in the Performance section.
• Switch to the Advanced tab again and click the Change button in Virtual Memory.
• Uncheck "Automatically manage paging file sizes for all drives".
• Select the system disk and you can select Custom Size or No Paging File.

Generally speaking, "custom size" is suitable for users with specific needs, while "system-managed size" is enough for most people.

What size of virtual memory is more appropriate?

There is no fixed answer to this, but you can roughly judge based on your usage scenario:

• If you have 8GB or more memory, you can work on your daily basis, surf the Internet, watch videos, and keep the default settings.
• If you have 16GB or more memory and often run large software (such as Photoshop, Premiere, CAD), you can appropriately increase the virtual memory limit, such as setting it to 1~1.5 times of physical memory.
• If you only have 4GB of memory, virtual memory is even more important. It is recommended to set it to at least 1.5~2 times the physical memory.

For example: You have 8GB of memory, you can set the initial size to 4096MB and the maximum value to about 12288MB, which can basically meet most needs.

Note: Do not set the virtual memory too small, otherwise there will be insufficient memory errors; do not set it too large, not to waste hard disk space, it may also affect performance.

Should virtual memory be disabled?

Some people on the Internet say, "My memory is large enough, it is faster to turn off the virtual memory directly", which is actually a misunderstanding.

Even if you have 32GB or more memory, some programs rely on virtual memory mechanisms to run properly. After closing, some applications may crash or report an error.

Unless you are very clear about what you are doing and have tested and confirmed that there is no problem, it is not recommended to turn off virtual memory .

Basically that's it. Setting up virtual memory is not a high-tech operation, and it does not require daily adjustments. As long as you make appropriate adjustments based on your own hardware configuration and usage habits, the system can run more stably.

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