Windows Virtual Memory Minimum Too Low? Learn How to Increase Virtual Memory

If you ever encounter “too little virtual memory” or ”virtual memory is too low“ error messages, then, no more searching, you found the right place! In this tip, we’ll show you what is virtual memory and how to increase your PC’s Virtual Memory.

What is Virtual Memory?

RAM is a place where an operating system, applications or programs in current use are stored so that they can be quickly reached by the PC’s processor. RAM is much more faster to be read or write compare to other storage devices such as a hard drive. Virtual memory is the memory created by using the hard disk to emulate RAM (random-access memory). It allows a computer to operate as if it had more memory than it actually does, but of course it’s not as fast as RAM.

Recommended Virtual Memory Size

Your initial/minimum virtual memory should be 1.5 times the amount of your RAM. Microsoft says making both initial size and maximum size the same amount is most efficient. For example, if you have 1gb RAM, you should set your initial and maximum virtual memory to 1536mb.

How to increase Virtual Memory?

1. Right click My Computer, click Properties.

2. If you’re using Windows 7/Vista, click Advanced system settings on the left hand side. As for Win XP users, you can skip this step.

3. The System Properties window will be prompted to you, click on Advanced Tab, then click Settings under Performance.

4. Performance Options window will be appeared on the screen, click Change under Virtual Memory.

5. Virtual Memory window will then be prompted to you, select the drive you would like to contribute its disk space as virtual memory, then click on Custom size radio button and enter your desired virtual memory size. Click Set and then OK.