Fix Computer Is Low on Memory in Windows 10

If Windows 10 shows a “Your computer is low on memory� warning, the fix is to close memory-hogging apps, disable unnecessary startup programs, and increase the page file or add physical RAM. This article explains the causes and walks you through step-by-step solutions that work for most users.

What “Low on Memory� Actually Means

When Windows displays this warning, it means your system has run out of RAM (Random Access Memory) — the fast, temporary storage your CPU uses to run active programs. It is not the same as “low disk space,� which refers to your hard drive or SSD. A low-memory warning typically appears when you have many programs open, a single program uses excessive memory (like a browser with dozens of tabs), or you simply don’t have enough RAM for your workload.

Windows uses a page file (virtual memory) as a backup when RAM fills up, but if that file is too small or your disk is full, the system struggles and may crash or freeze. Understanding the difference between RAM and storage is the first step to fixing the problem correctly.

How to Check What’s Using Your Memory

Before changing anything, open Task Manager to see which programs are consuming the most RAM. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then click the Processes tab. Sort by the Memory column to see the biggest offenders.

• Look for apps you don’t need open — close them by selecting and clicking End task.
• Check the Performance tab to see total RAM usage and how much is available.
• If a single app like Chrome or Photoshop uses 2–4 GB, that’s normal for heavy work, but too many such apps together cause the warning.

If you see a process called System or Antimalware Service Executable using high memory, that’s often Windows Defender scanning — it usually settles down after a few minutes.

Quick Fixes to Try First

These steps take under a minute and solve many low-memory issues without any technical changes:

1. Restart your PC. This clears all memory and resets background processes.
2. Close unused browser tabs. Each tab consumes memory, especially with media-rich sites.
3. Uninstall unused programs. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and remove software you no longer use.
4. Run a virus scan. Malware can consume memory silently; use Windows Security or a trusted third-party tool.
5. Check for Windows updates. Sometimes a pending update causes memory leaks; install all updates and restart.

Adjust Virtual Memory (Page File) Settings

If the warning persists, your page file may be too small or disabled. Here’s how to adjust it:

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Advanced tab, then under Performance, click Settings.
3. In the new window, go to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual memory.
4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
5. Select your system drive (usually C:), choose Custom size, and set Initial size to 1.5× your RAM and Maximum size to 3× your RAM (e.g., 8 GB RAM → 12288 MB initial, 24576 MB max).
6. Click Set, then OK and restart.

If you have an SSD, a larger page file is fine; if you have a traditional hard drive, keep it moderate to avoid excessive wear.

Disable Startup Programs That Eat Memory

Many apps launch at startup and sit in the background, consuming RAM before you even open anything. To disable them:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Right-click any program you don’t need at boot and select Disable.

Common culprits include updaters, cloud sync clients (OneDrive, Dropbox), and chat apps. You can always launch them manually when needed. This reduces memory usage immediately after login.

Add More Physical RAM (The Real Fix)

If you regularly hit the limit with normal use, the only permanent solution is to install more RAM. Check your system’s specifications:

• Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and look under System for “Memoryâ€� — that’s your current RAM.
• Use a tool like CPU-Z (free) or check your motherboard manual to know the type (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5) and maximum supported capacity.
• Laptops often have soldered RAM that can’t be upgraded; desktops usually have slots you can fill.

For most Windows 10 users, 8 GB is the practical minimum for everyday multitasking; 16 GB is comfortable for gaming or creative work. Adding RAM is a hardware change — if you’re unsure, consult a professional or your device manufacturer’s guide.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One frequent error is confusing “low memory� with “low disk space.� Cleaning your hard drive won’t fix RAM issues unless your page file was on a nearly full drive. Another misconception is that closing the warning permanently solves the problem — it only postpones it until memory fills again.

Also, don’t disable the page file entirely. Some users do this to “free up� disk space, but Windows relies on it for crash dumps and memory overflow. A small page file (e.g., 1–2 GB) is better than none.

Finally, be cautious with “memory cleaner� software. Windows already manages RAM efficiently; these tools often do more harm than good by forcing programs to reload.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PC say low memory even though I have free disk space?

Because it’s about RAM, not storage. Disk space is where files are saved; RAM is where running programs live. If you have 100 GB free on your hard drive but only 2 GB of RAM free, you’ll still get the warning.

Can I increase RAM without buying new hardware?

No, RAM is physical. You can increase virtual memory (page file) to avoid crashes, but it’s much slower than real RAM. The only way to get more actual RAM is to install additional modules or replace existing ones.

Will closing the warning message make it go away?

No. The warning reappears when memory usage spikes again. You need to reduce the load or add more RAM. Closing the message just dismisses the notification.

How do I know if my PC has a memory leak?

If a specific program’s memory usage keeps growing over time without you doing anything, it may have a leak. Check Task Manager over a few hours — if usage climbs steadily, update or reinstall that program.

Is it safe to increase the page file size?

Yes. It’s a standard Windows feature. Setting it to 1.5–3 times your RAM is safe. Just ensure you have enough free disk space on the drive where the page file resides.

What’s the difference between “low memory� and “out of memory� errors?

“Low memory� is a warning that you’re approaching the limit. “Out of memory� means Windows couldn’t allocate enough RAM for a program and it may crash. The fixes are the same: close apps, adjust page file, or add RAM.

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