Windows 8 virtual memory 1. Who is a System Administrator? Correct paging file location. On which disk should I enable it?
How to increase the performance of Windows 8. Increase RAM using the page file. What is a paging file, why is it needed and how to install it.
RAM is one of the important elements in a computer that is responsible for the speed of performing tasks assigned to it. The more RAM (Random Access Memory) you have, the faster running processes on your computer will run.
In modern computers running Windows 8, it is recommended to install at least 6 GB of RAM, and a minimum of 4 GB. If you have 8 GB or more, then you don’t have to worry about increasing it; this amount can cope with all the tasks of an ordinary user.
But who has 4 GB is better to increase. There are two ways to do this - buy in the store and using a swap file. For those who cannot afford the first method, today I will tell you about the second.
What is a paging file and why is it needed?
This is simply allocated space on your hard drive specifically to help your random access memory. When you run several processes at the same time (programs, browser, ISQ, etc.) your memory may not cope.
That's when the page file works, adding RAM space on the hard drive for processing processes.
Of course, such a process requires more time than performing tasks only in the most operational way, but in the absence of it, it will be better than nothing, as they say - for lack of fish, fish for cancer. 🙂
For users who have 8 GB or more and who do not use graphic editors (Photoshop, 3Dmax) and do not play computer video games (where graphics are used), they can completely disable the page file.
Because RAM itself processes user tasks faster without using a page file.
By default, for all operating systems, the paging file is installed on the partition (disk) on which the system itself is located and has a dynamic (changeable) size to be able to allocate space as much as RAM is needed.
Today we will install it on another partition and configure it for your computer.
How to properly install the paging file and configure it
You need to install the paging file on a partition where you do not have the system itself and the most free space. Usually the system is installed on the partition with the letter “C”, and other partitions can have letters starting with “D”.
Also, after installing on the “D” partition, make sure that you have disabled the paging file on other partitions, so as not to create additional load on the disk.
Do not install a paging file if you have less than 10% free disk space left after you add paging, this will lead to increased disk load, which is not even more desirable than low RAM.
There are two versions of setting up the paging file:
- static - of a certain size,
- dynamic - resizable.
In the first case, we ourselves set the amount of space that the RAM can request. Accordingly, we set the minimum and maximum numbers equal to your RAM.
It is believed that in this case the paging file is not subject to fragmentation (empty spaces on the disk) and works better.
The second case suggests making dynamic paging, when the minimum volume is equal to the amount of your RAM, and the maximum is its double value.
I recommend using the second option, because... I find it more productive. And you can fight fragmentation by configuring it to be cleaned after completion of work.
So let's move on directly to the steps to configure the paging file.
Open the right tab and select “Options”
Go to “Computer Information”
We look at the amount of installed RAM (RAM)
Open " Extra options System", a small new "System Properties" window will open. In the “Performance” section, click “Options”
In the new “Performance Options” window that opens, go to the “Advanced” tab and in the “Virtual Memory” item, click the “Change” button
- We select a disk with more space or simply not the one on which the system is installed
- Check the box next to “Specify size”
- We write down our values
- Click the “Set” button
- And click “OK”
- Next, select the disk (or disks in turn), where it says “By system choice”
- Check the box next to “No paging file”
- Click the “Set” button
- If a window pops up, click “Yes”
- And click “OK”
To do this, select the “Run” command in the “Start” menu; if it is not there, then look in “All applications”
In the window that opens, write secpol.msc and click “Ok”
- Click "Properties"
- Select “Enabled”
- "Apply"
- And "OK"
Afterwards you will need to reboot. You can do it right away or later.
Now you know how to increase the performance of Windows 8 without buying anything. 🙂
P.S. Write in the comments whether you use a swap file or maybe you have other methods?
While working on your computer, you encounter a warning operating system about the device not having enough memory?
Typically, you can receive such a message when simultaneously open a large number of programs and applications.
The way out of the situation is quite simple - you should close all currently unnecessary programs. What if they are all needed? Read below about what to do in such a situation.
What to do if there is not enough RAM?
If there are many programs open on the computer or the number of running programs is small, but at the same time they are quite resource-intensive, the operating system will notify the user about this. The problem can be solved in 3 ways:
- Close programs that are not currently in use. The advantages of this approach are a prompt solution to the issue. But in this case, you will get rid of the symptoms, and not the causes that caused the problem.
- Increasing physical memory. If such warning windows appear with enviable regularity, we recommend that you consider increasing your computer's RAM. We discussed how to do this in one of the previous articles.
This method the most effective of all proposed, but its disadvantage is its high price compared to other methods. For example, a 4 GB stick will cost about $35. - Increase virtual memory. This method is a compromise between the two above methods of solving the problem, allowing you to increase the computer’s virtual memory without additional financial investment.
Of course, virtual memory cannot compare with RAM in terms of speed (unless you have an SSD drive), but if you are not financially ready to upgrade your computer, this is one of the best options solutions to the problem that has arisen.
How to properly place the swap file
Paging is a virtual memory mechanism that involves moving inactive memory fragments from RAM to secondary storage, which can be either a page file in MS Windows operating systems or a special partition (swap partition) on the hard drive in UNIX operating systems.
This frees up RAM to load new pages.
Note! If you have 2GB or more of RAM and have never received Windows warning windows, you can disable the page file. If there were warnings from the operating system, you can make the paging file 1-2 GB using coefficients of 0.5 and 1, respectively. If the RAM size is less than the specified level, try using factors from 2 to 4.
If your computer has more than 1 physical hard drive, then for faster access to the paging file, it is recommended to use a less loaded drive.
Those. Let's imagine a situation where there are 2 hard drives (not to be confused with logical partitions) on one where the operating system and programs are installed, and the other is used as data storage.
In this case, you should use a second hard drive with data, as it will be the least loaded.
It also makes sense to use a drive with higher spindle speed characteristics (for example, 7200 rpm versus 5400) or a larger cache size of 64 MB versus 32.
Please note that using an SSD disk as a storage medium to host the device we need will give the most fast speed operation, but can lead to its premature failure due to limited rewrite cycles for SSD drives.
Note! Most modern SSD drives from famous brands have a three-year warranty from the manufacturer, so if you have such an SSD drive, take advantage of the opportunity to get ultra-fast (compared to an HDD drive) memory.
How to increase the page file?
Increasing the paging file is easy, follow the instructions below:
Important! The disk on which the paging file will be created must have space to store it.
If you have 6 or more gigabytes of RAM, the page file can be disabled, which will free up the hard drive. To do this, check the “No paging file” box, press “Set”, “OK” and restart the computer.
To operate Windows operating systems, a paging file is used, which is a kind of virtual memory of the computer, which is an extension of its physical RAM. This paging file ensures the functioning of computer programs in cases where there is not enough physical RAM memory.
Windows, by default, detects paging file settings automatically. But sometimes manually changing the paging file can help the user optimize the system. In some cases, it is advisable to completely disable the page file. In some situations, it is best to do nothing and let the system continue to automatically determine the size of the paging file. Below we will figure out how to configure the paging file according to the particular use of the computer, as well as its characteristics.
How to increase or decrease the paging file in Windows 7/8/10
Before we talk about what file size is optimal for different scenarios, we want to explain how you can change this size or disable the use of operating system virtual memory.To configure the paging file settings, go to “System Properties” (“ My computer» right click - « Properties"), and then select "System protection" from the list that appears.
You can do this faster by pressing “ Win+R" and then entering the command sysdm.cpl (suitable for Windows 7/8/10).
Open the "" tab in the dialog box Additionally", then click on the button " Options", located in the section " Performance" and then select the " tab again Additionally" After this, you should go to the section “ Virtual memory" and press the key " Change».
Here you can configure the necessary virtual memory parameters:
- Increase or decrease the paging file;
- Disable virtual memory.
How to properly configure the paging file?
In some articles devoted to Windows optimization, there are recommendations regarding disabling the page file if the RAM size is 8 or 6 gigabytes. They also recommend using automatic selection of the paging file size. These tips are based on the following. If the paging file is disabled, the computer will not use its hard drive as additional memory. This will increase the speed of the operating system (the computer's RAM is many times faster). By manually specifying the exact size of the paging file (it is recommended that the initial and maximum sizes be the same), we will free up disk space and be able to save the operating system from having to adjust the size of this file.Note: when using an SSD drive, it is advisable to install the maximum possible amount of RAM and completely disable the page file, which will increase the life of the solid-state drive.
We believe that when regulating the paging file, you should primarily focus not on the size of RAM, but on the peculiarities of using the computer, otherwise there is a high probability that a message about insufficient memory will appear.
If your computing device has 8 gigabytes of RAM, and you use your computer mainly for browsing various sites and also a few games, disabling the page file is likely the right solution (although there is a possibility that you will see an insufficient memory message).
If you use your computer to edit photos using professional programs, working with three-dimensional or vector graphics, designing rocket engines and houses, and also using virtual machines, eight gigabytes of RAM will not be enough for you, so during your work you will definitely need a swap file. Moreover, by disabling the paging file, you risk unexpectedly losing documents you have not saved, as well as files if a memory shortage occurs.
If you cannot determine how much RAM you need and what the optimal page file size should be, we recommend following these steps: 
On the Internet you can find recommendations that differ from the option proposed above. You must decide for yourself which of these recommendations you will follow.
System optimization has a very great importance for the device as a whole, and therefore today we will examine a topic such as the Windows 8 paging file. It requires correct and reasonable configuration, otherwise the system will slow down even with an excess of free memory.
Software and hardware OP
As you know, the overall performance of a computer is based on the software and hardware of the device. Among the hardware components there is such a device as random access memory (RAM). Its purpose is generally similar to human short-term memory - retaining, exchanging and manipulating information that is temporary and not intended to be stored in a permanent memory device.
If the processor initiates commands and executes them, then RAM is where they “live” running programs. Every application, add-on or page loaded will be stored there. Like any other device, RAM has its own indicators, the main one of which in the aspect of interest to us is its volume.
As the RAM fills up, the performance of the computer will deteriorate, since there is not enough free memory and the gadget will freeze every now and then. Of course, to return everything to normal, you will need to clear some amount of virtual space. But there are other methods, such as the page file in Windows 8 (and not only in this version) and an additional device, which will be discussed below.
The paging file is a software analogue of the RAM device. It creates virtual memory, which is reserved by the system and used in the same way as the OP. It would seem like a sensible idea that would help reduce the cost of a computer and make it a little more functional, but no. It seems so only at first glance.
How to increase the page file in Windows 8: Video
How to use a third-party device
If the paging file is incorrectly debugged, it will heavily load both the operating system and the operating system with hard drive(ZhD). If you do not take this into account for a long time, then there is a high probability that the hard drive will simply crumble from excess voltage, since the file is stored on the hard drive.
There is also an option to use a third device. You can use a USB flash drive as a semi-software/semi-hardware expander of the OP volume. In fact, it is the implementation of a software file through a hardware device.
The following happens: in automatic mode, the OS turns a flash drive into a system device that has a relatively high speed of information transfer when exchanged with the motherboard. Ultimately, the system pushes the same swap file there. The output is an OP from a regular USB flash drive.
Yes, this is not a solution to all problems, but in some cases it can greatly simplify life.
Setting up pagefile.sys
To start debugging, you first need to find the appropriate settings panel. To do this, open “My Computer” and on top panel Find and click on “System Properties”.
On the left edge of the window, look for the inscription “Advanced system settings” and click on it.
A small window will appear. We are interested in the “Advanced” tab. In the first block, called “Performance”, click on the “Options” button.
A new window will be displayed on top of the previous one. Here, as in the previous position, we will be interested in the “Advanced” tab.
Going to the desired tab, in the “Virtual Memory” block we find and click the “Change” button.
And finally, the paging file configuration screen will be displayed. By default it will be set automatically. If you need to configure it yourself, the first thing you need to do is uncheck the “Auto Configuration” box.
By removing the automatic mode, we get the opportunity to independently assign various parameters. All that remains is to set the values to the required ones, click “OK” and reboot the system.
How to disable the Windows 8 page file: Video
Increasing the paging file in Windows 8
Using the paging file in Windows system 8 has the same meaning as in previous versions operating systems Microsoft. Since Windows 8 is a rather demanding system in terms of resources, increasing the page file helps the system significantly speed up its performance. If you are worried about messages that your virtual memory is running low, then in this article we will tell you how to increase it and get rid of these errors.
How to change page file size in Windows 8?
In order to change the size of this file in the operating system, we need to perform the following steps.
Right-click on the “Computer” shortcut and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.
The next window will allow us to change the settings of our computer. Here you can change the name of your computer, launch Device Manager, set the level of protection for your computer, configure remote access to your system, view physical parameters. To change the paging file, we need to click on the “Advanced system settings” item.
In the “System Properties” snap-in that opens, go to the “Advanced” tab and click the “Options” button in the “Performance” section. This section allows you to configure your computer settings for maximum speed at work.
Go to the “Performance Options” snap-in and click on the “Advanced” tab.
This section allows you to allocate processor time to optimize programs and services that run in the background, as well as change the computer's virtual memory settings. It is in this section that we can change the size and placement of the paging file for better performance. To do this, click on the “Change” button.
The Virtual Memory section allows us to manipulate the properties of the page file. This is where we can customize it as per our requirements. Let's look at all the points of these settings.
Correct settings and file size selection
In the window that opens, we can see several fields with data that can be changed. In order for the system to determine which paging file it needs, check the box next to “Automatically select paging file size”. If you still want to change virtual memory manually, then you should change the values of these items:
Selected drive
In this section, we can select a disk that has excess unallocated space that can be used to increase virtual memory.
Specify size
This section allows you to change the size of the paging file. This is a very important item in our virtual memory settings, and changing it will affect the operation of the operating system. It is worth noting that a large page file is not always good for the system. The fact is that with large volumes of this file, the system often uses it, forgetting about the existence of RAM, thereby reducing its efficiency. Frequent use of a hard drive can negatively affect its performance, because instead of storing data, it constantly works instead of RAM, which is not good. So this series of correspondences will help you optimally set the size of your paging file:
Matching the size of the paging file to the size of the RAM:
0.5 GB RAM = 2 GB
1 GB RAM = 1312 Mb
2 GB RAM = 1 GB
4 GB RAM = 768-768 Mb
System selectable size
If you are not sure what size of the paging file you need, just select this item, the system itself will set the required size on the disk you select
No swap file
If you have a memory capacity of more than 6 Gb, then you can safely choose this item. This will ensure maximum optimization of the RAM, while prolonging the life of your hard drive, which no longer needs to act as virtual memory.
The page file often helps a lot in the operation of the computer, but if you really want to achieve maximum performance, we recommend using at least 4 GB of RAM, while trying to reduce the load on the hard drive by reducing the size of virtual memory.
Secret method to increase virtual memory performance from Your World PC
Our portal specialists advise you to make some settings that will help you achieve the best possible performance.
To do this, create a separate disk with a size that you can leave for virtual memory, and designate it as the location for the page file. This is done so that unnecessary files do not interfere with the system’s quick access to the physical space of the hard drive, which helps to increase the speed of its operation.
