How to free RAM on Windows for better performance

The RAM which stands for Random Access Memory, is memory that contains all the data processed by the processor, and thus has some influence on computer performance.

Have you noticed any slowdown on your operating system?

Don’t worry, you can optimize your device by freeing up as much RAM as possible. In fact, in this guide we will show you different ways to free up RAM on Windows and consequently increase the performance of your PC.

Close processes that take up more memory

The first thing to do to free up RAM is definitely to shut down the processes that take up more memory, so as to speed up your operating system.

Here are the steps to take:

1. First click on Ctrl + Alt + Del (valid on all versions of Windows) at the same time and select Task Manager.
2. Now go first to Details or Processes (depending on the Windows version), and then select the Memory item to sort the programs based on RAM consumption.
3. Finally click with the right mouse button on the processes that take up the most memory, and click on End Task.

Attention, avoid closing the system processes, otherwise you risk compromising your computer.

Disable programs when Windows starts

Often not everyone is aware of the active programs since the computer was switched on, which occupy a large part of the RAM. Therefore disabling these programs is very important to improve system performance.

If used as a Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 operating system, follow the steps below:

1. First, click on Ctrl + Alt + Del simultaneously and select Task Manager.
2. Now go to Start where you will find all the active programs since starting Windows.
3. Finally click with the right mouse button on the program to disable, and select Disable.

If you use Windows 7 or Windows Vista instead, follow these steps:

1. First click simultaneously on Win + R and type the command msconfig.exe in the Run window.
2. Now go to Start where you will find all the active programs since starting Windows.
3. Finally remove the check mark from the programs to disable, and select Apply.

Reduce the visual effects of the system

Reducing the visual effects of the system can be very useful not only to increase the performance of the computer, but also to reduce the memory space occupied by the animations.

If you are using Windows 10 or Windows 8 follow the steps below:

1. From Cortana type and select View advanced system settings.
2. At this point select the Advanced tab, and click on Settings under the heading Performance.
3. Now in the Visual Effects tab select Custom and check only the desired animations, or alternatively remove the check mark from all.
4. Finally, first click Apply to save the changes made, and then click Ok.

If you are using Windows 7 or Windows Vista follow these steps:

1. First open the Start menu, right-click on the Computer item and select Properties.
2. At this point then click on Advanced System Settings from the left menu.
3. Now select the Advanced tab, and click on Settings under the heading Performance.
4. On the Visual Effects tab, select Custom and check only the animations you want.
5. Finally, first click Apply to save the changes made, and then click Ok.

Delete the Paging file at shutdown

RAM is obviously limited, so what happens when the amount of process memory exceeds RAM?

Windows in fact in these cases moves the less used pages of memory in the file Pagefile.sys hidden in the local disk of your computer.