Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, and it comes with many new features and improvements. However, with these new features comes the need for more memory usage. This can be a problem for users with older or lower-end computers, as it can slow down their system and cause performance issues. In this article, we will discuss how to lower memory usage on Windows 11 and optimize your system for better performance.
Why is Memory Usage Important?
Before we dive into how to lower memory usage on Windows 11, let’s first understand why it is important. Memory, also known as RAM, is a crucial component of your computer. It is responsible for storing data and instructions that are currently in use by your system. The more memory your computer has, the more data it can store and access quickly, resulting in faster performance.
However, when your computer runs out of memory, it starts using your hard drive as virtual memory, which is much slower. This can cause your system to slow down and become unresponsive, leading to a frustrating user experience. Therefore, it is essential to manage your memory usage to ensure your system runs smoothly.
How to Check Memory Usage on Windows 11
Before we can start optimizing our memory usage, we need to know how much memory our system is currently using. To check this on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “taskmgr” and press Enter to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager, click on the “More details” button at the bottom.
- Click on the “Memory” tab to see how much memory is currently in use.
How to Lower Memory Usage on Windows 11
Now that we know how to check our memory usage, let’s discuss some ways to lower it and optimize our system for better performance.
1. Disable Startup Programs
When you start your computer, many programs automatically launch and run in the background. These programs can use a significant amount of memory, even if you are not actively using them. To disable startup programs on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “taskmgr” and press Enter to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the “Startup” tab.
- Select the programs you want to disable and click on the “Disable” button at the bottom.
2. Uninstall Unused Programs
Over time, we tend to accumulate many programs on our computers that we no longer use. These programs can take up valuable space and memory, even if they are not actively running. It is a good idea to regularly go through your installed programs and uninstall any that you no longer need. To uninstall programs on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on “Apps” from the left menu.
- Select the program you want to uninstall and click on the “Uninstall” button.
3. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Windows 11 comes with a built-in memory diagnostic tool that can help identify and fix any memory-related issues. To use this tool, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “mdsched” and press Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.
- Click on “Restart now and check for problems” to start the diagnostic process.
4. Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
As mentioned earlier, when your computer runs out of memory, it starts using your hard drive as virtual memory. By default, Windows 11 automatically manages virtual memory, but you can adjust these settings to optimize your memory usage. To adjust virtual memory settings on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “sysdm.cpl” and press Enter to open the System Properties.
- Click on the “Advanced” tab.
- Under the “Performance” section, click on the “Settings” button.
- Click on the “Advanced” tab.
- Under the “Virtual memory” section, click on the “Change” button.
- Uncheck the “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” option.
- Select the “Custom size” option and enter the initial and maximum size for your virtual memory.
- Click on “Set” and then “OK” to save the changes.
5. Use a Memory Optimization Tool
There are many third-party tools available that can help optimize your memory usage on Windows 11. These tools can automatically free up memory and improve system performance. Some popular options include CCleaner, Wise Memory Optimizer, and CleanMem. However, be cautious when using these tools and make sure to research and read reviews before downloading and installing them.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the importance of managing memory usage on Windows 11 and how it can affect your system’s performance. We also explored some ways to lower memory usage and optimize your system for better performance. By following these tips, you can ensure your computer runs smoothly and efficiently, even with the latest features of Windows 11.