[ANSWERED] – How to Fix the Low Virtual Memory Issue?

Summary: Low virtual memory on a Windows PC is caused due to insufficient RAM or low paging file value. You can fix the issue by simply disabling multiple apps running simultaneously or increasing the virtual memory limits. Read this blog for a list of methods to resolve the low virtual memory issue on your Windows PC.

Memory issues are quite frustrating. They slow down your computer and affect the performance of various applications. Computer running out of virtual memory is one such memory-related issue that causes anything from a drop in performance to applications and PC freezing.

Whenever there is a low virtual memory issue, users encounter an error message, saying:

Your system is low on virtual memory. To ensure that Windows runs properly, increase the size of your virtual memory paging file. For more information, see Help.

Numerous reasons, like running multiple applications simultaneously or a malware munching on the system resources, etc., could be behind this error.

If you are encountering this error, don’t worry, as here, we will look at some methods to increase the virtual memory pool to fix it. However, before moving on to the fixes, let’s brush up on our concepts a bit.

What is Virtual Memory?

Every computer uses two types of memory – Primary and Secondary.

Primary memory consists of ROM & RAM, whereas, Secondary memory consists of storage devices like HDD or SSD.

Virtual memory or Page file is a simulated RAM and a storage allocation technique employed by the computer to optimize its performance and efficiency. This technique involves using the secondary memory module as if it were a part of the main memory (RAM) to create and utilize the virtual memory – also known as swap or paging file.

This temporary memory expansion allows your computer to shift dormant tasks to virtual memory to effectively allocate system resources toward active tasks.

Here are some functions of Virtual Memory –

How Large Can the Virtual Memory Be?

Virtual memory or page file comes pre-installed on your computer. Usually, the minimum limit for a page file is 1.5 times the amount of physical memory. And the maximum limit is 3 times the amount of physical memory.

Why Did You Encounter the Low Virtual Memory Error Message?

As mentioned earlier, there could be several reasons causing your computer to run on low virtual memory. Some of these are –

Your computer running on low virtual memory can cause issues like freezing, stuttering, and even crashing. If this happens while working or running an application, it can even lead to accidental file deletion. In such a situation, always use a data recovery software to safely retrieve your lost files.

How to Fix Low Virtual Memory on My Windows Computer?

Whatever the cause is behind low virtual memory on your computer, it is also not something to panic about. See the methods we have shared here to resolve the low virtual memory issue.

Before moving on to the methods, try the following –

If you still encounter the low virtual memory error message after performing the above tasks, employ the methods explained ahead.

Method 1: Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps

Disabling startup apps frees up RAM and helps in reducing memory consumption. Here’s what to do –

Doing this should reduce the load on your computer’s RAM and help you fix the low virtual memory issue.

Method 2: Check the Task Manager to End Memory-consuming Tasks

Buggy or outdated applications can sometimes chew up on the system resources and spike up the RAM usage. This can cause you to encounter the low virtual memory error message. You can check the Task Manager for any abnormal activity and end them. To do this –

NoteAs buggy applications can sometimes cause an increase in resource consumption, updating them should fix their resource usage.

Method 3: Add More RAM Modules

Upgrading your RAM or using multiple RAM modules can help reduce RAM usage, thereby fixing the low virtual memory issue. You can find compatible RAM on this website.

Method 4: Increase Virtual Memory Limits

Increasing the virtual memory is a great way to eliminate your computer’s low virtual memory issue. There are two methods that you can choose from to increase the size of the paging file to fix this issue – using Settings and Command prompt.

To increase virtual memory using Settings–

Using Command Prompt to modify the paging file size –

NoteHere, replace the YOUR-INIT-SIZE with a number 1.5 times the total available memory as the Initial size value. Similarly, replace YOUR-MAX-SIZE with a number 3 times the available memory for the Maximum size. For e.g., – wmic pagefileset where name=”C:\\pagefile.sys” set InitialSize=9216,MaximumSize=12288

After rebooting, your PC will use the new paging file limits.

Changing the virtual memory size should improve your experience and reduce the chances of unexpected lags or stuttering.

Wrapping it Up

Virtual memory is used by the computer to accommodate tasks when the RAM gets utilized to its maximum capacity. You can easily run out of virtual memory followed by random errors stalling your work.

Windows 10 and 11 are optimized so that they automatically set the best virtual memory limits. Hence, you should not worry about the paging file size reaching its limits. However, if it does, you can try adding an additional RAM module to the computer to see if it makes a difference or try other methods covered in this blog.

Which method helped you solve your low virtual memory problem? Let us know in the comments.

Related reads –

Here are some related topics that you can go through –

Top 10 reasons why your computer is freezing

Insufficient System Resources Error

Antimalware Service Executable causing high CPU usage

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