How to Fix High Memory Usage: A Comprehensive Guide
High memory usage can be a frustrating and debilitating issue for any computer user. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just someone who likes to have multiple tabs open at once, high memory usage can slow down your system and make it difficult to get work done. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of high memory usage and provide some practical tips and tricks to help you fix the issue.
What Causes High Memory Usage?
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what causes high memory usage in the first place. Here are some common culprits:
• Running too many programs at once: If you have multiple programs open at the same time, they can consume a significant amount of memory. This is especially true if you’re running resource-intensive programs like video editing software or virtual machines.
• Outdated software: If you’re running outdated software, it may not be optimized for your system’s hardware, leading to high memory usage.
• Malware and viruses: Malware and viruses can consume system resources and cause high memory usage.
• Background applications: Some applications may run in the background and consume memory without your knowledge.
• Windows updates: Windows updates can sometimes cause high memory usage, especially if they’re installing new drivers or updates.
How to Fix High Memory Usage
Now that we’ve identified some of the common causes of high memory usage, let’s move on to some practical solutions. Here are some tips to help you fix high memory usage:
Close Unnecessary Running Programs/Applications
One of the simplest ways to fix high memory usage is to close unnecessary running programs and applications. This can be done by:
• Task Manager: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager. In the Task Manager, you can see a list of all running programs and applications. Right-click on each program and select "Close" to close it.
• System Tray: Look for programs and applications in the system tray (usually located at the bottom right corner of the screen) and close them.
• Windows Explorer: Close any unnecessary Windows Explorer windows.
Disable Startup Programs
Another way to fix high memory usage is to disable startup programs. These programs can consume memory and slow down your system. To disable startup programs:
• Startup Folder: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "msconfig" and press Enter. In the Startup tab, you can see a list of programs that are set to start automatically. Uncheck the boxes next to the programs you don’t need to start automatically.
• Task Manager: Open the Task Manager and click on the "Startup" tab. You can see a list of programs that are set to start automatically. Right-click on each program and select "Disable" to disable it.
Defragment Hard Drive & Adjust Best Performance
Defragmenting your hard drive can help improve system performance and reduce high memory usage. To defragment your hard drive:
• Disk Defragmenter: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "defrag" and press Enter. In the Disk Defragmenter window, select the drive you want to defragment and click "Defragment" to start the process.
To adjust best performance:
• Performance Options: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "perfom" and press Enter. In the Performance Options window, you can adjust settings such as visual effects, processor scheduling, and memory usage.
Fix Disk File System Error
If your disk file system is corrupted, it can cause high memory usage. To fix disk file system errors:
• chkdsk: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "chkdsk" and press Enter. In the Command Prompt window, type "chkdsk C:" (replace "C:" with the drive letter of the drive you want to check) and press Enter.
Increase Virtual Memory
If your system is running low on physical memory, increasing virtual memory can help reduce high memory usage. To increase virtual memory:
• System Properties: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "sysdm.cpl" and press Enter. In the System Properties window, click on the "Advanced" tab and then click on the "Settings" button next to "Performance". In the Performance Options window, click on the "Advanced" tab and then click on the "Change" button next to "Virtual memory". Adjust the settings as needed.
Disable Superfetch Service
Superfetch is a Windows service that prefetches data into memory to improve system performance. However, it can sometimes consume memory and cause high memory usage. To disable Superfetch:
• Services: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "services.msc" and press Enter. In the Services window, find the "Superfetch" service and right-click on it. Select "Stop" to stop the service and then select "Disable" to disable it.
Set Registry Hack
Setting registry hacks can help improve system performance and reduce high memory usage. To set registry hacks:
• Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "regedit" and press Enter. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon. Right-click on the "Winlogon" key and select "New" > "String value". Name the new value "Shell" and set its value to "explorer.exe" (without quotes).
Conclusion
High memory usage can be a frustrating and debilitating issue for any computer user. By understanding the causes of high memory usage and implementing the solutions outlined in this article, you can help reduce high memory usage and improve system performance. Remember to close unnecessary running programs and applications, disable startup programs, defragment your hard drive, fix disk file system errors, increase virtual memory, disable Superfetch, and set registry hacks to optimize your system’s performance.