Adjusting the page file size can enhance your system’s performance, especially if you’re running out of physical memory.

Why Adjust Your Page File?

A page file, or swap file, is a hidden system file on your hard drive that Windows uses as virtual memory in addition to your actual RAM. If your system runs low on RAM, Windows moves some of the data from RAM back to the hard drive, utilizing the page file as an overflow area. Properly configuring your page file size can prevent performance degradation when your system is under heavy load.

Note: Modern SSDs are much faster than traditional HDDs. If your SSD has ample free space, it’s typically best to let Windows manage the page file automatically. However, manual adjustments might be beneficial for systems with limited RAM or specific performance requirements.

Access Advanced System Settings

  1. Open System Properties:
    • Right-click on the This PC icon on your desktop and select Properties.
    • Click on Advanced system settings on the left sidebar to open the System Properties dialog.
    Alternatively, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.

Modify Performance Settings

  1. Navigate to Performance Settings:
    • In the System Properties dialog, go to the Advanced tab.
    • Click on the Settings button under the Performance section to open the Performance Options dialog.
    • Switch to the Advanced tab within the Performance Options dialog, then click on Change in the Virtual memory section.

Adjust Virtual Memory

  1. Change Virtual Memory Settings:
    • Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives to modify the settings manually.
    • Select the drive where the page file is located (usually the C: drive).
    • Choose Custom size:
      • Initial size (MB): Set this to 1.5 times the amount of RAM in your system.
      • Maximum size (MB): Set this to no more than 3 times the amount of RAM in your system.
    Click Set, and then OK to apply the changes.

Confirm Changes and Reboot

  • After making changes, click OK in all dialog boxes.
  • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

Knowing how to adjust page file in Windows 10 can be a critical component in optimizing your Windows 10 system’s performance, especially on systems with limited RAM. However, if you’re unsure, it’s generally safe and effective to allow Windows to manage the page file size automatically, particularly on systems with SSDs.

Remember, changes to the page file settings should be made cautiously, as incorrect settings can lead to system instability. Always ensure you have adequate disk space and system resources before making adjustments.

Avatar for Marlo Strydom

Marlo, the founder of Computer Info Bits, has over 20 years of IT expertise. He's passionate about technology and aims to demystify it. Since 2019, he's been writing articles covering essential computer tips to complex hardware discussions, helping readers better understand and use their technology. Marlo stays up-to-date with the latest tech developments through extensive research and interaction.