When Windows runs slow due to memory issues, there are several steps that can be taken to try and remedy the problem.
1. Restart your computer: If a restart does not help, the next step is to look into the memory issue. The first step is to check the available memory on your system. To do this, open the Task Manager while in Windows, and then click on the Performance tab.
2. Change the virtual memory settings: It’s wise to set up a proper virtual memory setting, particularly if you have a large amount of RAM installed on your computer. In the Performance tab, click on ‘Change’ and then select the ‘Advanced’ tab. Under Performance Options, click on the ‘Advanced’ tab and then set the virtual memory to a minimum of at least twice what your physical RAM is.
3. Free up unnecessary programs from running in the background: Many programs that are loaded during Windows startup are not needed to be running all the time, such as anti-virus programs. Right-click on the taskbar and select ‘Start Task Manager’ and then proceed to the ‘Startup’ tab. Here you can disable programs that are no longer needed or wanted.
4. Disable some of your start-up programs: Many third-party applications and services promote themselves by automatically starting up when the system is booted. You can easily turn off some of these start-up programs and free up some valuable memory. To do this, press the Windows key and type ‘msconfig’ in the search box, and then click ‘System Configuration’ to open the window. Go to the ‘Startup’ tab and uncheck the boxes of any unwanted programs or services.
5. Check your disk fragmentation: As data gets transferred between files on your hard drive, the files eventually become fragmented which reduces the speed with which your system accesses the files. To check for disk fragmentation, open command prompt and type in ‘defrag /a’. Once defragmentation is complete, reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.
6. Update your drivers: Drivers control how different hardware components on your system interact with the operating system, and may become out of date over time. If a driver is out of date, it can cause problems with memory and cause your system to slow down. To update the correct drivers, go to the manufacturer website and find the latest version available for your hardware.
7. Scan for viruses and malware: Malicious software is notorious for slowing down and even taking control of your system. To identify and remove any malicious software, use a robust anti-malware program such as Malwarebytes. Scanning your computer will help identify any viruses or other malicious software that may be responsible for your memory issues.
8. Uninstall any unneeded programs: Too many applications taking up your system resources can cause your computer to slow down. Go to the ‘Uninstall Programs’ area in the Control Panel and uninstall any program that you do not need or is no longer being used.
9. Reinstall Windows if you are unable to solve the problem: If none of the above mentioned solutions seem to work, then you may have to consider reinstalling the operating system. Before doing an OS reinstallation, make sure to backup all of your important files. After reinstalling Windows, you can try to clean-install the programs you need.
Following the above steps should help resolve any memory issues your system may have and restore it to a much faster performance. It is still a good idea to perform regular maintenance tasks such as running antivirus scans, cleaning out the disc space, and ensuring that there are no programs or services running in the background that you do not need.