How to Stop High RAM Usage in Windows 10

In today’s fast-paced digital world, efficient computer performance is vital for productivity and seamless user experience.

However, many Windows 10 users often encounter high RAM usage issues, leading to sluggishness and overall system slowdown. But, how to stop high RAM usage in Windows 10?

Fortunately, understanding the causes and implementing effective solutions can help mitigate this problem.

This article will guide you through various steps to reduce high RAM usage in Windows 10, ensuring smooth operation and enhancing your overall computing experience.

Table of Contents

Identify Resource-Hogging Processes

It is essential to identify the specific processes consuming excessive memory resources to address high RAM usage. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Task Manager:

- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc together.
- Alternatively, right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.

2. Analyze the Processes tab:

- Look for processes with high memory usage (indicated under the Memory column).
- Note down the names of these resource-intensive processes.

Disable Startup Programs

Unnecessary programs running at startup can significantly contribute to high RAM usage. To turn off these programs and improve system performance:

Firstly press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Navigate to the Startup tab:

- Identify programs consuming excessive memory resources at startup.
- Right-click on the unwanted programs and select Disable.

Optimize Windows Visual Effects

Windows 10 offers various visual effects, such as animations and transparent windows, to enhance the user interface. However, these visual effects can consume substantial memory resources. To optimize your System’s visual settings:

Press Win + X and select System.
Click on Advanced system settings, located on the left sidebar.
Click the Settings button under the Performance section in the System Properties window.
Choose the Adjust for best performance option to turn off all visual effects, or manually select the desired visual effects to disable individually.

Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

Virtual memory, or the paging file, enables your computer to use hard disk space as additional virtual RAM. Adjusting virtual memory settings can help alleviate high RAM usage.

Follow these steps:

Press Win + X and select System.
Click on Advanced system settings, located on the left sidebar.
Click the Settings button under the Performance section in the System Properties window.
Click the Change button in the Virtual Memory section under the Advanced tab.
Select the Automatically manage paging file-size for all drives option.
Choose the Custom-size option and set the initial and maximum size values based on your system specifications. Setting both values to the same amount is recommended to avoid fragmentation.

Update Device Drivers

Outdated or faulty device drivers can lead to compatibility issues and increased RAM usage.

To ensure your System is up-to-date with the latest drivers:

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the different categories and identify any devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
Right-click on your device with the exclamation mark and select Update driver.
Now here, select the option to automatically search for updated driver software.

Perform a Malware Scan (Check computer for Malware)

Your RAM is home to spyware, trackware, adware, and other types of malware. Although the amount of RAM they need varies, a significant amount of it is typically consumed.

The worst malware is cryptocurrency mining malware since it makes use of your CPU or GPU to mine cryptocurrency for another party.

It may have been a virus if you detected a program in the Task Manager from Step 1 with an odd name or a missing name.
To check for infections on your PC, use Windows Defender. But for the greatest security, it works best when used with third-party software.

A well-known free utility called Malwarebytes checks your computer and quarantines all malicious malware. Review the list of risks that were found after your scan is finished, and get rid of anything you don’t recognize.

Do this manually since some apps can alter system files to become marked as malware. In serious circumstances, it might be best to install Windows completely from scratch.

Please check my previous content on how to keep Windows Defender switched off if you’re experiencing difficulties turning off Windows Defender after installing third-party firewalls or anti-virus software.

Malware infections can cause abnormal behavior on your System, including high RAM usage.

Conduct a thorough scan using a reliable antivirus solution to detect and remove any potential malware:

Ensure your antivirus software is updated to the latest version.
Perform a full-system scan to identify and eliminate any malware threats.

Upgrade RAM (Random Access Memory)

If your System consistently experiences high RAM usage despite implementing the above solutions, consider upgrading your RAM.

Increasing RAM capacity can give your System more memory to handle multiple processes simultaneously, improving performance.

How to free up RAM on Windows 10

1. Monitor RAM usage with Task Manager. Welcome to Windows Task Manager, locating the origin of RAM depletion doesn’t have to be a guessing game.

2. Uninstall unused programs.

3. Cut down your background apps.

4. Wipe the Page File before restarting.

5. Exchange visuals for performance.

How do I fix my RAM problem?

1. Replace the RAM modules (most common solution)

2. Set default or conservative RAM timings.

3. Increase the RAM voltage levels.

4. Decrease the CPU voltage levels.

5. Apply BIOS update to fix incompatibility issues.

6. Flag the address ranges as ‘bad’

Conclusion:

High RAM usage can significantly impact your Windows 10 experience, causing system slowdowns and reduced productivity.

You can effectively combat this issue by identifying resource-hogging processes, turning off startup programs, optimizing visual effects, adjusting virtual memory, updating device drivers, performing malware scans, and considering RAM upgrades.

Implement these steps today and enjoy smoother and more efficient computing with Windows 10. Comment here.