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Not Enough Memory Error on Windows 10: Fixes That Work

Guide 10-19211 · Updated · Step by step

The “Not enough memory” error on Windows 10 means the system or an application could not allocate the RAM or virtual memory it needed. This guide explains the common causes and gives step-by-step fixes you can try right now, from closing memory hogs to adjusting the page file.

Why Windows 10 Shows “Not Enough Memory”

Windows 10 uses two types of memory: physical RAM (the chips on your motherboard) and virtual memory (a hidden file on your hard drive called the page file). When RAM fills up, Windows moves less-used data to the page file. If both are exhausted, you get the error. It can also appear when a single 32-bit application tries to use more than 2 GB of RAM, or when a program has a memory leak (it keeps requesting RAM but never releases it).

Quick Fixes to Try First

  1. Close unused programs and browser tabs – Browsers like Chrome or Edge can each use several GB. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager, then sort by Memory and end tasks you don’t need.
  2. Restart your PC – This clears the RAM and resets any stuck processes.
  3. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic – Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu, choose Restart now, and let it test your RAM for hardware faults.

Adjust the Virtual Memory (Page File) Setting

Windows normally manages the page file automatically, but a custom or too-small setting can cause the error. To change it:

  1. Open Settings → System → About → Advanced system settings (on the right).
  2. Under Performance, click Settings, then the Advanced tab.
  3. In Virtual memory, click Change. Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”
  4. 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. For 8 GB RAM, that’s 12288 MB and 24576 MB.
  5. Click Set, then OK, and restart.

If you have multiple drives, you can place the page file on a fast SSD. Just make sure you don’t set it to “No paging file” unless you know what you’re doing.

Check for Memory Leaks and Problem Apps

Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and look at the Memory column. If a single app like a game or a browser uses 90% of your RAM, that’s a leak. Update the app, reinstall it, or contact the developer. Also check for malware – some viruses consume memory. Run a full scan with Windows Security.

When the Error Comes from a Specific Program

If only one program triggers the error, try these:

  • Run it as administrator – Right-click the shortcut and select Run as administrator.
  • Use the 64-bit version – If the app has both 32-bit and 64-bit installers, the 64-bit one can use more RAM.
  • Increase the desktop heap – This is a registry tweak for older apps. Press Win+R, type regedit, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\SubSystems, edit the Windows value, and increase the SharedSection number (e.g., from 1024 to 2048). Back up the registry first.

Hardware Upgrades: When to Add More RAM

If your PC has 4 GB or less RAM and you run modern apps, adding more is the best fix. Windows 10 itself uses about 2 GB at idle. Check your motherboard’s specs for the maximum RAM it supports and the type (DDR3 or DDR4). Upgrading from 4 GB to 8 GB can eliminate the error entirely for typical use. If you have a laptop, it may have soldered RAM – check the manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does “Not enough memory” mean my hard drive is full?

Not directly, but a nearly full drive can shrink the page file. Windows needs free space to expand it. Make sure you have at least 10-15 GB free on the system drive.

Can I disable the page file to save space?

No. Windows needs the page file for system stability. Disabling it can cause crashes and the same error more often. Instead, set a fixed size to avoid fragmentation.

Why does the error appear even with 16 GB of RAM?

It can happen if a 32-bit application hits its 2 GB limit, or if a program has a severe leak. Also check if you have too many startup programs eating RAM.

Is this error dangerous for my computer?

No, it’s a software limitation, not hardware damage. But if it happens frequently, it can cause crashes and data loss. Fix it by following the steps above.

Will reinstalling Windows fix it?

Sometimes, if the error is caused by corrupted system files or drivers. But try the simpler fixes first – they solve most cases.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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