Do you want to reset Page File or Virtual Memory in Windows 11?
Then you are at the right place as here is how. Let’s get started.
This is The Windows Club. Virtual Memory or Page File is a type of memory
that allows Windows to use part of the storage space a RAM, to improve the overall performance
or when there is a need for extra memory. While Windows configures it automatically,
you can always reset it. In this video we will show you on what this memory is and
how to reset Virtual Memory or Page File in Windows. Let’s get started.
According to Microsoft, A paging file is an area on the hard disk
that Windows uses as if it were RAM. When there is a shortage of RAM or if
Windows finds it better to store it in virtual memory, it is used. It is useful when running
an older PC that doesn’t have enough RAM or can use a bit more when required.
Since it uses storage, the performance will depend on the storage quality. If you are using an SSD,
it will be faster than the HDD. Also, the overall usage of the storage will be more which
can further impact the life of the HDD or SSD. Every time you change the size of the virtual
memory or page file, it resets and starts using it from the beginning.
Open Windows Settings using Win + I Navigate to System then select About
Under Device Info, click on the Advanced System settings link
It will open the System Properties Switch to the Advanced tab, and then click on
the Settings button under the Performance section In the Performance Options switch to Advanced Tab
Locate the Virtual memory section and click on the Change button
Uncheck the automatically manage paging file size for all drives option,
and it will enable custom size, the System managed size, and other options
Here is all you can do next Set Custom Size
Disable the No paging file option Enable System Managed size
Once you change, it will reset the Virtual Memory or Page File
If you are using Windows Professional or Server, you can use Group Policy to make the changes.
Open Run prompt using Win + R Type gpedit.msc and press the Enter key
to launch the Group Policy Editor Navigate to this folder
Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local
Policies > Security Option Find policy: Shutdown:
Clear virtual memory pagefile Double-click to open the policy configuration
Select the Enabled radio button and apply the changes
Once done, the virtual memory page file is cleared every time you shut down the Windows PC.
The most significant advantage of using this policy is that no one else can access them by
connecting the storage to another PC. When in use, Windows protects the page file, but it is not the
same case when it is connected to another PC. The registry method is for Windows Home users
who don’t have access to the group policy. While it is easy to use, it is also risky.
Ensure to create a System Restore point which will be handy if you accidentally
delete something in the registry resulting in a non-bootable system.
Open Run prompt using Win + R Type regedit click on Ok.
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
Locate DWORD ClearPageFileAtShutdown and double-click to edit it
Set the value as 1. It will ensure to clear the page file during the shutdown.
So, that's it. Subscribe to The Windows Club for all
your tech solutions related to Windows. Thanks for watching.