A typical element of most operating systems is virtual memory. It has become very widespread due to its low cost with significant advantages. Let's look at what virtual memory is, and also where to use it?
At the moment, modern computers usually use about one gigabyte of memory for their work. Usually this volume is not enough for the efficient and fast operation of programs that require virtual memory. For example, if you simultaneously download an application for processing photos, a program for communicating via the Internet, as well as a browser, then there is a high probability that this amount of memory will not be enough, due to which the computer will be slow, or you may need to close one of the programs. And with the complete absence of virtual memory, there is no multitasking, that is, the simultaneous launch of several different programs. In this case, the machine would offer to complete the current program in order to open a new one.
What is virtual memory ?
Its work is very simple: the computer searches for data that is in RAM but not used, and then puts it on the hard drive. This frees up virtual memory, which makes it possible to launch new applications and programs. This process is carried out automatically, but the user most often does not even notice this, it may seem to him that the computer has large RAM, even if it has only 512 megabytes installed. If the operating system accesses virtual memory resources more often than usual, then this affects the speed of work, that is, it drops significantly, similarly happens with performance.
So, if you already understand what virtual memory is, then it is worth saying that a comfortable operation of the operating system can be ensured only in one case: if the amount of installed RAM exceeds several times the amount of what is currently required for functioning.
What to do if the Windows virtual memory is almost full? The operating system itself will inform you of this in the tooltip above the taskbar, which will indicate that there is not enough memory or it is almost over. If necessary, its volume can be made larger; the swap file is responsible for this, which can be edited by the operating system itself if such a need arises.
Increase virtual memory
To do this, you will need to enter the main menu, where to find the "Control Panel", and then the item "System". In the “Advanced” tab, you should find the “Performance” item, and then open the options window. In the section with the name "Virtual memory" you will see the available memory capacity at the current moment. Changing the settings can be done using the “Change” button. It is worth setting a value that is twice the amount of RAM.
So, what is virtual memory, you already understood, and now it’s worth saying how to clear it. This procedure is necessary to maintain the confidentiality of the data located in the page file. This is done through a special function that is usually disabled. To activate it, you will need to find the “Administration” folder in the “Control Panel”, where to open the “Local Security Policy”. In this window, you need to right-click on the item "Clear virtual memory file", where to select "Properties". There you will need to use the option “Turn off”, then click “Apply”, and then “OK”. Next, you will need to restart the computer twice, the swap file will be cleared after the second time.