Fix Computer Running Low on Resources: 7 Steps

If your computer is running low on resources, the fix is to identify which resource—memory, disk space, CPU, or disk usage—is the bottleneck and then close, disable, or remove whatever is consuming it. This article walks you through the exact steps to diagnose and resolve the problem on Windows and macOS, from quick checks to deeper fixes.

What Does “Low on Resources” Actually Mean?

When Windows or macOS warns that your computer is low on resources, it usually refers to one of four things:

• RAM (memory) – too many programs open, or a single program has a memory leak.
• Disk space – the system drive (usually C: or Macintosh HD) is nearly full, which can crash the page file or virtual memory.
• CPU usage – a process is stuck at 100% and slowing everything else.
• Disk usage – the storage drive is constantly busy, often due to indexing, a failing drive, or heavy read/write activity.

The exact wording of the error varies. Windows might say “Your system is low on virtual memory” or “Low on memory,” while macOS may show a spinning beachball or a “Your system has run out of application memory” dialog. All point to the same underlying issue: the system cannot keep up with demand.

How to Check What’s Eating Your Resources

Before you can fix the problem, you need to see which process is responsible. Both major operating systems have built-in tools for this.

On Windows 10 and 11

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Processes tab. You’ll see a list of apps and background processes with columns for CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network.
3. Click the column headers (e.g., “Memory”) to sort by that resource. The highest consumers will appear at the top.
4. If a process is using an unusually high amount, note its name. Common culprits include web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox), Microsoft Teams, antivirus scans, and Windows Update.

On macOS

1. Open Activity Monitor (found in Applications > Utilities).
2. Use the tabs at the top to sort by CPU, Memory, Energy, Disk, or Network.
3. Look for processes with a high percentage or large memory footprint. Safari or Chrome often top the list, but a runaway process like a media encoder or a background updater can also cause issues.

Immediate Fixes to Free Up Resources

Once you’ve identified the culprit, try these steps in order—they work for both Windows and macOS unless noted.

1. Close unused programs. Right-click the app in the taskbar (Windows) or Dock (macOS) and select Quit or Close window. Don’t just minimize—that keeps it running in the background.
2. Restart the problematic app. If a program is stuck or leaking memory, closing and reopening it often resets its resource usage.
3. End the process. In Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS), select the process and click “End Task” or “Force Quit.” Only do this for apps you don’t need right now; unsaved work may be lost.
4. Restart your computer. This clears RAM and resets all background processes. It’s the most reliable quick fix, especially if the system has been on for days.
5. Free up disk space. Delete temporary files, empty the Recycle Bin or Trash, and uninstall programs you no longer use. On Windows, use Storage Sense (Settings > System > Storage) or Disk Cleanup. On macOS, go to About This Mac > Storage > Manage.
6. Check for malware. A sudden resource spike with no obvious cause could be a virus or mining script. Run a full scan with Windows Security (Windows) or a reputable third-party tool (macOS).

Longer-Term Solutions and Prevention

If the problem keeps coming back, you need to address the root cause.

• Increase RAM. If your computer has 4GB or less, upgrading to 8GB or 16GB is the most effective fix. Check your motherboard’s specs for compatible RAM types (e.g., DDR4-3200).
• Disable startup programs. Many apps launch automatically and consume resources from boot. On Windows, go to Task Manager > Startup and disable anything you don’t need. On macOS, go to System Settings > General > Login Items.
• Update your operating system and drivers. Bugs that cause memory leaks are often fixed in updates. Windows Update and macOS Software Update are your friends.
• Replace a failing hard drive. A mechanical hard drive that’s dying can cause 100% disk usage and system freezes. If you hear clicking noises or see SMART errors, back up your data and replace the drive.
• Add an SSD. If your system drive is a mechanical HDD, upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can dramatically reduce disk usage and improve overall responsiveness.

Common Misconceptions and Mistakes

Many people try fixes that don’t help or make things worse. Here are a few to avoid:

• Using “RAM cleaners” or “booster” apps. These are mostly placebo and can actually slow your system by flushing useful cached data. The operating system already manages RAM efficiently.
• Disabling the page file (Windows) or virtual memory. This is almost never a good idea. The page file allows the system to use disk space as an overflow for RAM. Disabling it can cause crashes and errors.
• Deleting files from the Windows folder or System folder. You might break your system. Stick to safe locations like Temp folders, Downloads, and Recycle Bin.
• Assuming more RAM always fixes everything. If your CPU is maxed out or your disk is failing, adding RAM won’t help. Diagnose first, then upgrade.
• Ignoring the error. “Low on resources” can be a sign of a serious issue like a failing drive or a malware infection. Don’t just click OK and hope it goes away.

When to Consider a Clean Install or Hardware Upgrade

If you’ve tried all the above and the problem persists, you may be dealing with a deeper issue.

• Operating system corruption. A clean reinstall of Windows or macOS can fix persistent resource issues caused by corrupted system files. Back up your data first, and be prepared to reinstall your applications.
• Outdated hardware. If your computer is more than 5-7 years old, it may simply not have enough RAM or processing power for current software. Upgrading to a newer machine is often more cost-effective than extensive repairs.
• Overheating. If your CPU or GPU is overheating, it will throttle performance to protect itself, making the system feel sluggish. Clean out dust, check fans, and consider replacing thermal paste if you’re comfortable doing so.

Remember that “low on resources” is a symptom, not a disease. By systematically checking memory, disk, CPU, and disk usage, you can pinpoint the cause and apply the right fix—whether it’s closing a browser tab or replacing a hard drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my computer say “low on memory” when I have plenty of RAM free?

Windows often uses the term “memory” to refer to virtual memory, which is the page file on your disk. If your system drive is full, the page file can’t expand, triggering the warning even if RAM is available. Free up disk space or move the page file to a drive with more room.

How do I know if a program has a memory leak?

A memory leak is when a program’s memory usage grows continuously over time, even when you’re not using it. In Task Manager or Activity Monitor, watch the memory column for a process that keeps increasing without limit. Restarting the program usually clears the leak temporarily, but a permanent fix requires an update from the software developer.

Is it safe to force quit a process in Task Manager?

Yes, for most apps. You’ll lose any unsaved work in that app, but the system will remain stable. Avoid force-quitting system processes like “Windows Explorer” or “System” unless you know what you’re doing, as it may cause a temporary freeze or restart of the desktop.

Can a full hard drive cause low resource issues?

Absolutely. If your system drive is nearly full (less than 10-15% free), Windows and macOS can’t write temporary files, update the page file, or perform system tasks. This can lead to freezes, crashes, and “low on resources” errors. Aim to keep at least 15% of your system drive free at all times.

Should I disable Windows Search or Spotlight to save resources?

Usually not. These indexing services run in the background and can be resource-intensive during initial indexing, but they speed up file searches dramatically. If you notice constant high disk usage from SearchIndexer (Windows) or mds (macOS), you can pause indexing temporarily, but disabling it permanently will make searches slow. Instead, let indexing finish, and make sure your drive has enough free space.

How much RAM do I really need?

For basic web browsing and office work, 8GB is the minimum comfortable amount. For gaming, video editing, or running virtual machines, 16GB is recommended, and 32GB for heavy multitasking or professional workloads. If you regularly see memory usage above 90% with normal use, an upgrade is a good idea.

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