Virtual memory sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie or maybe some comic book, but in reality your computer uses virtual memory everyday to help you perform the tasks you need to. Without getting to technical virtual memory is the process that your computer uses to move information between RAM and the hard drive, giving you a seemingly endless performance. When virtual memory runs low, there are generally two reasons, and of course two different fixes.

Stop Unnecessary Processes

The most likely candidate for your virtual memory being too low is that too many programs are trying to run at once. If you think that the number of applications you're running currently is reasonable, you may be surprised to find other applications running in the background that you weren't even aware of.

Accessing the Task Manager is the fastest way to see which applications are running. The easiest way to access it is using a keyboard shortcut built into windows. Simply press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC.

Once the task manager has appeared, click on the tab that says Applications. By default, Windows displays only the programs that are non-essential, that is, the programs that can be shut down without interfering with the functionality of the PC. To end a program, simply select it and click End Task.

Stop Programs From Running on Startup

If you had programs running without your permission; its likely that they had been set to run on startup. To control startup entries. The easiest way is to access the MS Configurations menu.

1. Click Start


2. Click Run


3. In the Run-field, type msconfig


4. When the Configurations Dialog appears, click on the tab that says Startup


5. Here you can check which applications you want to run on startup and which you don't. Don't worry! All of these are non-essential. Windows won't let you disable the functions that it needs to run. That means you can feel free to actually stop all of the startup entries, or just leave the ones you think you will use.


6. Click Okay

Address Physical Memory as well as Virtual

Windows will announce when virtual memory is low and generally will automatically fix it. If the notice appears once, Windows fixed it and you have no worries. If it appears again and again, you may have to free up hard drive space on your own.

Run the disk clean up application

1. Open the main menu and go to all programs


2. Open the accessories file


3. Open the system tools sub file


4. Choose disk clean up from list of applications


5. Choose to clean your main drive, generally your C drive


6. Once application has run choose the files to delete and click OK

Clean out Unused Files and Folders

If that has not opened up enough space for the virtual memory process to work properly clean out your file folders and your program spaces by deleting any unnecessary files or unused programs

1. While in the programs area, don't delete programs just because you do not recognize them. Most programs are installed by the factory and are required for your computer to run properly. Only delete programs you know are safe to delete. If in doubt, let it stay on your hard drive.


2. Your personal files can be accessed through the main menu under their various headings, such as documents, pictures, music, etc.


3. To delete programs open the control panel from the main menu


4. Open Install/Uninstall programs


5. Click on program to uninstall and click uninstall button


6. Follow instructions, including restarts to fully remove programs.

Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

If the above suggestions did not work, then your virtual memory settings may be set improperly. To fix this:

1. Right click on the My Computer icon on your desktop


2. Select the properties tab


3. Select the Advanced tab


4. Select the settings button on the performance section


5. Select the advanced tab


6. Select the change button in Virtual Memory Settings


7. Select the system managed size option


8. Click OK until the box closes.

Now that you have OK’d yourself about a half dozen times, your virtual memory should be performing normally again. Enjoy the smoother operation of your programs and applications.