Ask Leo!

Virtual Memory: How do I adjust Virtual Memory settings?

Home » Windows

Summary: Available Virtual Memory is controlled by a setting you can adjust. If you're constantly running low, you should look at what you're running.

My PC tells me I don't have enough virtual memory. What do I need to do to get more?

The amount of virtual memory your computer has available is controlled by a simple setting.

You didn't indicate what operating system you are running. On Windows XP look in Control Panel: System, Advanced, Performance, Settings, Advanced, Virtual Memory. I believe it's in a similar location in other versions of Windows.

IMPORTANT: usually running out of virtual memory means that you are running to many programs at the same time for your system or one of them is attempting to use too much memory. You might also want to check out what's running when this happens and how much memory each program is using.

Related:

Article 230 | Posted February 14, 2005

Recent Comments
68 Comments

Hi there I am useing windows 98se in a raid 0 cofigureation plus I have ajusted my vertual memory,I have 512 megs of pc,100 sd ram and my seting`s are "minnimom mmemory 70" & maximom memory is 510,how much can can I rase the "min & max virtual memory,plus what would happen if I instaled another 512 meg`s of pc sd ram

Posted by: the great alsky at March 6, 2008 8:26 PM

hello leo ive got a p4 with 600g hard drive and 4g ram but the pc just reconise 3.071g why?
can i change?
what is the best values of ram to free up and psychal memory to make this pc run faster in my music programs?
i would be glad if you could help me please
regards marco

Posted by: marco at March 24, 2008 6:08 AM

Hi, I stumbled across this page via Google and just started having this problem. I recently installed the Program Prevx 2 the individual program.
Each time I do a file scan I get an Error message that my xpsp2 , 1gig is running low on virtual memory.
I mailed Prevx support and was told:

1. regedit and find key "KKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and to look for references to PrevxOne or Prevx2 file and delete the key.

2. Clear down Prevx2 local database to aid memory consumption (deleting files-reboot the computer and after startup immediately shutdown Prevx2
-delete all the *.dat files in the folder:
c:\documents and settings\all users\application data\prevx\*.dat

I am not sure what step 2 is all about and would appreciate lay persons jargon on what files, where they are and what this all means.
I hope that I am not making an error in posting this comment in this topic, if so I do apologize.
I would really appreciate correction if I have committed an error in posting this and advice as to how I should post this.
Thank you for your time.

Posted by: Larry at May 8, 2008 1:23 PM

How to change the virtual memory settings a.k.a swap space. Thanks!

Posted by: ptaskar at August 1, 2008 1:40 PM

I am very thankful to you. Because you solv my problem.

Posted by: Shubhajit Das at August 20, 2008 5:42 AM

I have a Windows XP Home Edition PC that I brought a couple of years ago. As of recent, I have gotten occassional bubbles stating that my Virtual Memory is running low. I have noticed your instructions in regards to going to the Control Panel of your PC to look for sysem, advanced, performance, etc. However, when I went to my Control Panel, I did not see any of this. My compute model is a Dell. And also, I have 29-30 GB extra space on a 52.7 capacity and yet, my PC is running slow and staggers from time to time. Do you have any helpful do-it-yourself advice that would be easy to follow to resolve these areas for me? Thanks in advance.

Posted by: John Watkins at August 28, 2008 8:43 PM

Hi there I am useing windows vista home premium sp1, I did not have ajusted my vertual memory,I have 4gb ram of pc,how much can I rase the "min & max virtual memory.

Posted by: ashley at September 4, 2008 6:28 PM

hello sir.. whats happend the windows vertual memory is saing too low and system is running.? what kind of problems can arrise that time..

Posted by: vishwa at September 17, 2008 6:37 AM

My Ram output is too high for one of my games, and i need to lower it. How do i lower it?

I don't know what you mean by 'RAM output'.
- Leo
26-May-2008

Posted by: Michael at October 17, 2008 4:11 PM

I play the Sims 2 ALOT and after 10-15 minutes of play I get a blue screen and then like 5-7 minutes later I get a box that says VIRTUAL MEMORY TOO LOW.....any suggestions?

Posted by: sims2 gamer at November 18, 2008 4:00 PM

Post a comment on "Virtual Memory: How do I adjust Virtual Memory settings?":






(Email Address will not be published.)

Remember Me?

By popular demand...
my tip jar
Cuppa Joe
Buy Leo a Latte!

(you may use HTML tags for style)

New!

RSS feed Subscribe to the RSS Feed specifically for comments on this article.

Before commenting, please...

Please wait. Your comment is being processed ...


Ask Your Question:


ask-leo.com
Web

Stay Informed

Weekly Newsletter

Archives

By Category
By Date

Advertisers

Advertise on Ask Leo!

««   »»

Question? - Ask Leo!
Who is Leo?
Link to Leo!

Terms, Conditions & Privacy