How to change the Amount of Virtual Memory in Windows 7

Description: Virtual Memory is space on your hard drive that the system can use as an extension of your memory if it is full. This can help systems that have lower amounts of physical memory to run more efficiently. Virtual memory is slower than physical memory but can help performance.

  1. Click Start and select Control Panel.
    Windows 7 Start, Control Panel
  2. When the control panel opens click System and Security..
    Windows 7 Control Panel, System and Security
  3. On the next screen click on System..
    Windows 7 Control Panel, System
  4. On the panel to the left click Advanced System Settings..
    Windows 7 System Control Panel, Advanced System Settings
  5. From the tabs along the top select Advanced.
    Windows 7 Advanced System Settings, Advanced Tab
  6. Then select Settings under performance.
    Advanced Tab, Settings
  7. In the window that comes up select Advanced again.
    Performance Options, Advanced
  8. The computer will display how much virtual memory it currently has.
    Advanced Performance Options, Virtual Memory
  9. If you want to increase this amount you can do so by clicking Change..
    Advanced Performance Options, Change Virtual Memory
  10. The bottom of the screen will display the current settings and what Windows recommends.
    Virtual Memory Recommended Settings
  11. If you would like to change this amount deselect the checkbox by Automatically manage paging file size and select custom size.
    Virtual Memory, Manage Size
  12. You can then input the amount you would like into the initial and maximum size boxes.
    Virtual Memory, Manage Size
  13. Once you have changed the size to the desired amount click Set.
    Virtual Memory, Set Size
  14. Then click Ok.
    OK to Save Changes
  15. Then close any windows that are still open and restart the computer, This reboot may take longer than normal as it makes the changes.
  16. The changes are now in effect.

Technical Support Community

Free technical support is available for your desktops, laptops, printers, software usage and more, via our new community forum, where our tech support staff, or the Micro Center Community will be happy to answer your questions online.

Forums

Ask questions and get answers from our technical support team or our community.
PC Builds
Help in Choosing Parts
Troubleshooting

Knowledge Base

Helpful articles written by Micro Center Experts.
ESET
Windows

Sign in for the best experience

Access helpful features and personalize your experience - Sign in or create an account now

Sign In
Don't have an account? Create Account