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How to Clear RAM in Windows 10?

Published in Windows Optimization 3 mins read

Clearing RAM in Windows 10 typically involves closing programs and processes to free up memory; here's how:

Methods to Free Up RAM in Windows 10

  1. Use Task Manager to Identify and Close Memory-Hogging Programs: This is the most direct method.

    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    • Go to the "Processes" tab.
    • Click on the "Memory" column to sort processes by memory usage (highest to lowest).
    • Identify programs using significant RAM that you're not actively using.
    • Select the program and click "End task". Be careful not to end essential system processes.

  2. Uninstall Unused Programs: Removing software you no longer need can free up RAM by preventing them from running in the background or consuming system resources.

    • Go to "Settings" (Windows key + I).
    • Click on "Apps".
    • Select "Apps & features".
    • Scroll through the list and uninstall any programs you no longer use.

  3. Disable Startup Programs: Many applications are configured to automatically run when your computer starts, consuming RAM.

    • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
    • Go to the "Startup" tab.
    • Disable any unnecessary programs. (Select the program and click "Disable"). This will prevent them from automatically starting, freeing up RAM.

  4. Close Background Apps: Some apps run in the background even when you aren't actively using them, consuming RAM.

    • Go to "Settings" (Windows key + I).
    • Click on "Privacy".
    • Scroll down to "Background apps".
    • Disable apps you don't want running in the background.

  5. Adjust Visual Effects for Performance: Windows 10 has visual effects that can impact performance. Reducing or disabling these effects can free up system resources.

    • Search for "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" in the Start menu and open it.
    • On the "Visual Effects" tab, select "Adjust for best performance" or customize the settings by unchecking specific visual effects.
    • Click "Apply" and then "OK".

  6. Clear the Page File at Shutdown (Advanced): The page file is used when your RAM is full. Configuring Windows to clear the page file at shutdown can provide a fresh start. Note: This can slightly increase shutdown time.

  • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Type regedit and press Enter.
  • Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
  • Find the ClearPageFileAtShutdown entry. If it doesn't exist, right-click in the right pane, select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it ClearPageFileAtShutdown.
  • Double-click ClearPageFileAtShutdown and set its value to 1.
  • Click OK and restart your computer.
  1. Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often clear out temporary files and processes that are consuming RAM.

Important Considerations

  • System Processes: Be cautious when ending processes in Task Manager. Ending critical system processes can cause instability.
  • RAM Usage Monitoring: Regularly monitor your RAM usage using Task Manager to identify potential issues.
  • Hardware Upgrade: If you consistently find yourself running out of RAM, consider upgrading to more RAM. This is the most effective long-term solution.

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