Windows 11 is the latest and greatest operating system from Microsoft, but like any operating system, it can still suffer from memory-related issues. Optimizing memory usage is essential for ensuring your system runs smoothly, particularly for resource-intensive applications and tasks. In this article, I will show you how to optimize the memory in your Windows 11 computer.

Before diving into optimization techniques, it's essential to understand how memory works in Windows 11. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile memory that temporarily stores data for quick access by the various components. When your system runs low on RAM, it uses a portion of your computer's drive for what is called the Page File (commonly known as Virtual Memory), which is considerably slower than RAM. Therefore, optimizing RAM usage can significantly enhance your PC's performance.

Monitor your memory usage

The first step in optimization is to monitor how your memory is being utilized. Windows 11 provides a built-in Task Manager, which allows you to see which applications are consuming the most memory.

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Task Manager or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. In Task Manager, go to the Processes tab. Here, you can see the memory usage of each application. Look for any apps that are using an amount of memory that seems excessive.

Close background apps

Often, numerous applications and processes run in the background, consuming valuable memory. You can close unnecessary applications to free up resources.

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Task Manager or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. In Task Manager, go to the Processes tab. Here, you can identify applications that are not needed, highlight them, and click End Task to close them. Be careful not to close essential system processes.

Disable Startup programs

Several applications start automatically with Windows 11, which can lead to increased memory usage right from boot. Disabling these unnecessary startup programs can free up memory.

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Task Manager or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. In Task Manager, go to the Startup tab. Here, you can see all programs that automatically launch when your computer starts.
3. Right-click on the applications you don't need at startup and select Disable.

Adjust Virtual Memory settings

When your system runs low on RAM, it can use disk space as Virtual Memory. Adjusting these settings can lead to improved performance.

Go to Settings > System > About, and left-click on Advanced system settings. Under the Performance section, click Settings.

On the Performance Options dialog box, go to the Advanced tab and left-click on Change under Virtual Memory. You can either let Windows manage the size automatically or set a custom size. A good rule of thumb for a custom size is to set the Initial size to 1.5 times the amount of your physical RAM and the Maximum size to 3 times the Initial size.

For more information on Windows 11 Virtual Memory, check out our article How to manage Windows 11 Virtual Memory.

Verify Memory Compression

Windows 11 includes a feature called Memory Compression, which enables the OS to store more data in RAM by compressing unused memory pages. This feature is usually enabled by default, but it's worth verifying. To verify that Memory Compression is in use:

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Task Manager or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. In the left-hand column, left-click on the Performance tab.
3. In the Performance tab, left-click on the Memory section.
4. On the Memory section, look for In use (Compressed). If a value is shown, Memory Compression is active.

You can also check the status of Memory Compression and turn it on or off via PowerShell commands. To use the PowerShell commands, you will need to open PowerShell with admin privileges. The easiest way to do this is with Terminal.

Right-click on the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) from the context menu. By default, Terminal should open to a PowerShell prompt. At the PowerShell prompt, type or cut & paste the following commands and then press Enter.

This command returns the current status.

Get-MMAgent

This command disables Memory Compression.

Disable-MMAgent -mc

This command enables Memory Compression.

Enable-MMAgent -mc

Remember that you have to restart your computer for any of the changes made by the PowerShell commands to take effect.

Upgrade your RAM

If you find that your PC continually struggles with memory-related issues, it may be time to consider a hardware upgrade. Adding more RAM is one of the most effective ways to improve performance, especially for power users or gamers. Before purchasing new RAM:

• Check compatibility - Ensure the RAM you buy is compatible with your motherboard.
• Consider usage - For intensive tasks such as gaming, video editing, or multitasking, upgrading to a minimum of 32GB or 64GB may be beneficial.

For more information on memory upgrades, check out our article How to upgrade or add more memory to your computer.

Optimizing memory usage in Windows 11 is essential for maintaining system performance and efficiency. By monitoring memory usage, closing unneeded applications, adjusting virtual memory settings, and making use of built-in tools and features, you can ensure your PC runs smoothly. If issues persist, consider upgrading your hardware. With these tips, you can enhance your user experience and maximize the capabilities of Windows 11.

In today's fast-paced world, technology is constantly evolving. With new software, games, and applications being released regularly, it's essential to have a computer that can keep up with the demands of modern computing. But how do you know when it's time to upgrade your computer?

Whether you use your computer for work, gaming, or browsing the web, several key indicators can help you determine when it's time to upgrade to a new system. Any or all of these indicators (Performance, Age, Productivity, Security, and Mobility) could be factored into your decision to upgrade your computer.

Performance

One of the most obvious signs that it's time to upgrade your computer is when it starts to slow down. If your computer takes forever to boot up, load applications, or respond to your commands, it may be a sign that your hardware is struggling to keep up with the demands of your software. Upgrading to a computer with a faster CPU (Central Processor Unit), more RAM (Random Access Memory), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can improve performance and make your computing experience more enjoyable.

Age

Another important factor to consider is the age of your computer. As a general rule of thumb, most computers have a life span of about 3-5 years before showing signs of aging. If your computer is reaching this age, it may be a good idea to start thinking about upgrading to a newer model. Newer computers often come with improved hardware and features that can enhance your productivity and overall computing experience.

If you're an avid gamer, you may find that your current computer is no longer able to keep up with the demands of the latest games. As games become more graphically intensive and resource-hungry, older computers may struggle to provide a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Upgrading to a computer with a more powerful CPU and GPU (Graphic Processor Unit) ensures that you can continue to enjoy the latest games without having to compromise on performance or graphic quality.

Productivity

In addition to performance and age, it's crucial to consider the specific needs of your work or hobbies when contemplating an upgrade. If you find that your current computer is no longer able to handle the demands of your work, whether it's video editing, 3D rendering, or data analysis, it's a clear sign that an upgrade is in order. Investing in a computer with specialized hardware, such as a high-performance CPU or professional-grade GPU, can significantly improve your efficiency and productivity.

Security

Security is another important consideration when it comes to upgrading your computer. Older computers may be more vulnerable to security threats, as they may no longer receive regular updates and patches from the manufacturer. Upgrading to a newer computer ensures you have access to the latest security features and updates, helping keep your personal and professional data safe from cyber threats.

With the End-of-Life (EOL) approaching for Windows 10 (10/15/25), there will be quite a few computers that do not meet the requirements to upgrade to Windows 11. Once Windows 10 hits EOL, Microsoft will no longer release security patches or hotfixes. These systems may still function correctly but will be more susceptible to newer security flaws.

Mobility

Finally, if your current laptop no longer meets your needs in terms of portability, battery life, or display quality, it may be time to consider upgrading to a more modern and feature-rich system. Newer laptop computers often come with improved battery life, higher-resolution displays, and lightweight designs that can enhance your on-the-go computing experience.

In conclusion, several key indicators can help you determine when it's time to upgrade your computer. Whether it's slowing performance, aging hardware, specific work or gaming needs, security concerns, or a desire for improved portability and features, upgrading to a newer computer can help to ensure that you have the power and capabilities you need to stay productive and entertained in today's fast-paced digital world.

Is your Windows 11 computer slow at switching between programs? Are you getting low-memory warnings? If so, you might need to change your Virtual Memory settings in Windows 11.

Most computer users know about RAM (Random Access Memory) and how the more you have, the better your system will run. But do you know what happens when your computer runs out of available RAM for programs?

That is where Virtual Memory (paging file) comes into the picture. Each program requires a certain amount of memory (RAM) to operate. When you have more programs running than available RAM, Windows will utilize the Virtual Memory.

If a program is inactive, Windows can transfer it to the Virtual Memory to free up RAM for other active programs. Then, when you switch to that program, Windows will bring it back into the RAM and transfer another inactive program to the Virtual Memory, hence the name paging file.

But with the amount of RAM computers have nowadays, many people do not need to worry about Virtual Memory. But there are certain times when you can use to modify the Virtual Memory settings.

But if you are like me and have several programs running simultaneously, customizing the Virtual Memory's size and location can help your computer's performance.

With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft increased the minimum memory requirement from two (2) GB to four (4) GB. But just like Windows 10, the actual memory used when idle is around two (2) GB.

So that means when you have only four (4) GB of RAM, two (2) GB is dedicated to Windows 11. So, right out of the gate, you have only 50% of available RAM, and when that is used up, the Virtual Memory kicks in.

If your Windows 11 computer has between 4 and 8 GB of RAM, your performance can increase significantly by customizing your Virtual Memory. If your computer has 8 - 16 GB of RAM, you could get a boost in performance.

If your system has more than 16 GB of RAM, you may or may not see any change in performance. However, you would have to modify the Virtual Memory settings to see how your system runs.

Note: Creating a substantial Virtual Memory (paging file) can take a lot of disk space. Also, having the Virtual Memory on an SSD (Solid State Drive) can shorten the drive's life, as Windows 11 is always reading and writing to the Virtual Memory.

If your computer has more than one (1) drive, like most gaming systems, placing the paging file on the drive that does not have the operating system is recommended.

The calculation for the Virtual Memory comes from early in the history of Windows when RAM was measured in KBs (kilobytes), not MBs (megabytes) or GBs (gigabytes).

Windows 11 Paging File formula

• 1024 x total amount of RAM = ?
• ? x 1.5 = Initial paging file size
• Initial paging file size x 3 = Maximum paging file size

Take 1024 and multiply it by your system's total amount of RAM. For example, if your computer has 4 GB of RAM, you would take 1024 and multiply it by 4, which equals 4096. Then multiply 4096 by 1.5, which equals 6144. This is the initial paging file size. Then take 6144 and multiply it by 3, which equals 18432. This would be the maximum paging file size.

How to change the Virtual Memory in Windows 11

The Virtual Memory settings are located inside of the Advanced system settings. We can get there from the About sub-menu of the System category inside the Settings app. There are several ways to get there.

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on System.
4. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on About.

or

1. Right-click on the Start button to bring up the Power User menu.
2. Left-click on System.
3. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on About.

or

1. Press the Windows logo key + X to bring up the Power User menu.
2. Press the letter Y to select System.
3. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on About.

or

1. Press the Windows logo key + Pause.

Now you should have the Settings app open to the About sub-menu of the System category.

1. Under Device specifications, make a note of how much RAM your computer has installed.
   
   You will need this to calculate the paging file.
2. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on the Advanced system settings link.
   
   The System Properties dialog box will appear.
3. The Advanced tab should be active. If not, left-click on it to bring it up.
4. Left-click on the Settings ... button in the Performance section.
   
5. Left-click on the Advanced tab of the Performance Options dialog box.
   
6. Left-click on the Change ... button inside of the Virtual memory section.
   
   
7. Deselect the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives checkbox.
8. Select the drive on which you want to manage the paging file.
9. Select Custom size and enter the initial and maximum sizes using the above calculation.
10. Left-click on the Set button.
11. Left-click on the OK button.

Check out the video below for more information on setting up your paging file on a computer with multiple drives.

Are you confused about the hardware requirements for Windows 11? Want to know why your computer can or cannot be upgraded to Windows 11? Let's take a detailed look at the hardware requirements for Windows 11.

With Windows 11, Microsoft is focusing on security and is enforcing the hardware requirements to run it. Previous versions of Windows (10, 8.1, and 7) all had the exact general hardware requirement.

However, with Windows 10, the security requirements were still there, but they were not being enforced. The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), Secure Boot, and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) (see below) requirements were optional for Windows 10 to install and run.

For example, TPM has always been required to enable BitLocker drive encryption. Windows 10 would use either TPM 1.2 or TPM 2.0. However, the TPM 1.2 standard has been depreciated, so TPM 2.0 is now the de facto standard.

And if you look into UEFI, you will find that Secure Boot is part of that standard. And since UEFI can take advantage of the TPM, it makes sense to include all three (3) in the requirements for Windows 11.

Note: Sorry if anybody still running a 32-bit version of Windows 10, but Windows 11 is only available in a 64-bit version.

Hardware requirements for Windows 7, 8.1 and 10

Processor - 1 Gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

Memory - 1 Gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)

Storage - 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

Graphics card - Compatible with DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Hardware requirements for Windows 11

Processor - 1 Gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). This requirement is now particular about which processors are compatible with Windows 11. General Rule of thumb: If the processor is under six (6) years old, it should run Windows 11. Microsoft has a list of processors that are compatible with Windows 11.

Memory - 4 Gigabytes (GB) RAM. This requirement has increased from 2GB to 4GB, which is no biggie. I have not seen a computer with only 2 GB of memory in over a decade.

Storage - 64 GB or larger storage device. This requirement has also increased, and it is about time. I have seen Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 installed on 32 GB drives, which is not pretty. The biggest problem is there usually is not enough free space to perform a feature update. I recommend at least a 256 GB drive for the operating system and programs.

Graphics card - DirectX 12 graphics device or later with WDDM 2.0 driver. Since DirectX 12 was released with Windows 10 back in 2015, most modern graphic cards will be compatible with Windows 11.

Hardware requirements that are no longer optional

Display - A high definition (720p) display greater than 9" diagonally, 8 bits per color channel. This requirement is pretty easy to meet.

System firmware - UEFI and Secure Boot capable. UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) has been used for over a decade now, so most computers running have UEFI enabled. And since the Secure Boot specification is part of the UEFI, that should already be in place. However, you may have to change some settings in your computer's BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) to enable UEFI and Secure Boot.

TPM - Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. Besides the processor requirement, this is another stumbling point for upgrading to Windows 11. A TPM can be a separate module that you connect to your motherboard or be part of the chipset on your motherboard. Most modern motherboards will use FTPM (Firmware Trusted Platform Module) included in the chipset. However, you may have to change some settings in your computer's BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) to enable the TPM.

Note: Computers with TPM 2.0 started hitting the market in 2018. Since the Windows 10 hardware requirements did not require the TPM, most computer system and motherboard manufacturers disabled the TPM by default. It wasn't until Microsoft released Windows 11 in 2021 that manufacturers started to enable the TPM 2.0 by default. So, if your computer was built between 2018 and 2021, there is a good possibility that it can run Windows 11. To enable the TPM 2.0 on one of these systems, you must check the owner manual for your computer/motherboard to see how to enable the TPM 2.0.

Storage structure - There are two (2) types of drive structures: MBR (Master Boot Record) and GPT (GUID Partition Table). Previous versions of Windows would run on either of these structures. Windows 11 requires GTP for the drive that contains Windows 11. Microsoft has included a tool inside Windows 10 to convert drives from MBR to GPT. Here is a link to the documentation for MBR2GPT.EXE.