Virtual memory, or the paging file in Windows 11, helps the system use physical RAM more efficiently by offloading some programs and files to storage.

It temporarily stores or removes files that are allocated in the system’s RAM. Less frequently used files are moved to virtual memory, freeing up space in the RAM. This allows the system to prioritize more frequently used files and applications, improving overall performance.

Virtual memory enhances system performance and prevents crashes when the system runs out of memory. Windows automatically adjusts the virtual memory or paging file based on various factors, but there are times when manual adjustments may be needed.

If you notice slow performance, delayed response times, or receive warnings like “Out of memory,” it may be time to increase your virtual memory.

Windows 11 offers two ways to increase virtual memory, and in this article, we’ll discuss both methods.

Increase virtual memory in Windows 11 using system settings

Before we begin the tutorial, it’s important to understand that these settings should only be adjusted if you have a clear understanding of what you’re doing. It’s recommended to change these settings only if you have a valid reason to do so, as improper adjustments can affect system performance.

If you’re ready to proceed, here’s how you can increase the virtual memory in Windows 11:

Step 1. Open Settings on your device.

Step 2. Click on the System option.

Step 3. Go to the About section.

Step 4. Locate the Related links section on the right pane.

Step 5. Click on Advanced system settings found on the right side of your screen.

Step 6. Go to the Advanced tab.

Step 7. Locate the Performance section under the Advanced tab.

Step 8. Click on Settings in the Performance section.

Step 9. Go to the Advanced tab again.

Step 10. Click the Change button under the Virtual Memory section.

Step 11. Uncheck the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.

Step 12. Select the Custom size option.

Step 13. Change the Initial size and Maximum size for your virtual memory.

The initial and maximum sizes are specified in megabytes. It is advised to adjust the initial size of the virtual memory to one and a half times the total available memory. Set the maximum size as three times the available memory.

That said, the size of the paging file can always be changed later if required.

Step 14. Click the Set button.

Step 15. Then click on OK.

Step 16. Click on the OK button once again.

Step 17. Restart your device.

If you follow these steps properly, you will be able to increase the virtual memory size in Windows 11.

To go back to the original settings of the paging file size, just check the Automatically manage paging files size for all drives box that we unchecked in step 11.

Increase virtual memory in Windows 11 using the command prompt

Moving on to the second method that you can use to increase virtual memory size in Windows 11. Follow these steps to change the virtual memory size:

Step 1. Click on Start and search for Command Prompt in the search bar.

Step 2. Right-click on the top result and click Run as administrator.

Step 3. To check the current status of your virtual memory, type in the following command:

wmic pagefile list /format:list

Step 4. Press Enter.

Step 5. Now, type in the following command to switch to custom virtual memory settings:

wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" set AutomaticManagedPagefile=false

Step 6. Press Enter.

Step 7. To set the initial size and maximum size of the paging file, use the following command:

wmic pagefileset where name="C:\\pagefile.sys" set InitialSize=YOUR-INIT-SIZE,MaximumSize=YOUR-MAX-SIZE

Here is an example that sets the initial size to 9216 MB and the maximum size to 12288 MB:

wmic pagefileset where name="C:\\pagefile.sys" set InitialSize=9216,MaximumSize=12288

Step 8. Press Enter.

Step 9. Restart your device by typing this command:

shutdown -r -t 00

Step 10. Press Enter once again.

Make sure you type in the correct commands in the command prompt, & the virtual memory size will be changed after your system restarts.

To avoid any errors, double-check the values of the initial and maximum size of the virtual memory.

In case you want to switch to the original default settings of the system, you can revive the original settings.

Use this command to let Windows 11 manage the virtual memory size:

wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" set AutomaticManagedPagefile=true

Then for one last time, restart your device.

Windows 11 also provides an option to completely disable virtual memory.

While it is possible to disable virtual memory, it is not recommended. Doing so can cause your system to behave unpredictably. Some applications may stop functioning, and others may crash randomly.

Instead of disabling virtual memory, it’s better to increase its size using one of the two methods mentioned earlier. This will improve system performance without causing instability.