Most computer users have heard about the concept of a system cache, but only not all clearly understand what it is and what it is for. And many, having not fully figured out what role this component plays in the operating system, immediately try to perform actions with it regarding resizing. How expedient it is to make changes to the default parameters - we will consider further.
What is the cache for, and how expedient is its increase?
To begin with, there are several types of cache. The system cache, as already understood, is used for the needs of Windows, and the program cache is designed for the correct functioning of applications. Most often, users come across the concept of cache when working with Internet browsers. But what is it and what is it for? Cache, regardless of type, is a kind of repository of temporary files, through the use of which increases the speed of downloading the program or opening the same pages on the Internet. That is, the user is dealing with some kind of space reserved on the hard disk, which is used by the operating system or a single application.
How to increase the system cache or program cache, we are not yet considering. To begin with, let's decide whether it is worth doing at all? On the one hand, there is nothing wrong with reserving more temporary disk space for storing temporary files. So thinks most ordinary users. But in fact, the cache can only be increased to a certain extent, because setting it too large will cause the system to have to sort out too many objects to load when it performs an operation until it finds the one that needs it. Accordingly, the launch time of programs will significantly decrease. In addition, it should be noted that the cache is backed up on the hard disk, and the speed of access to it can be significantly reduced, for example, when errors occur, file fragmentation, etc.
How to increase the system cache in Windows 7 or in another system?
Now we proceed directly to resizing the reserved space. First, consider the Windows 7 system cache.
To automatically increase its size, you must use the computer properties menu with the transition to additional settings. In the performance settings on the "Advanced" tab, it is necessary to note the point of optimizing the operation of background services and the cache. It is believed that in this way it is possible to slightly reduce the load on RAM and speed up the launch of programs.
Swap File Options
Sometimes, along with changing the cache size in the direction of increase, some experts recommend additional actions with the so-called swap file, which is responsible for the operation and use of virtual memory - the same reserved amount on the hard disk, but used to unload software components in case of insufficient RAM.
As with the system cache, you need to be extremely careful. With a small amount of RAM, the swap file can really be increased a little by setting a value for it that is 1.5-2 times higher than the default defined or recommended by the system. But here it should be remembered that if you install too much volume, you can achieve the opposite effect, when programs in priority will not access the RAM, but virtual memory. Again: the access speed to the hard drive is lower than to the RAM slots. Because of this, we get the braking of programs at startup or in the process.
It is believed behind the scenes that with installed RAM volumes of 8 GB or more, the swap file can be turned off altogether, which will in no way affect the system’s performance in a negative way. On the contrary, sometimes you can achieve increased productivity.
System cache settings in the registry
Virtual memory or cache settings can also be changed in the registry. As for the standard automated increase in the Windows 10 system cache, it is better to produce it in this editor (regedit). Here you need to use the HKLM branch and go to the MemoryManagement folder through the SYSTEM section and current monitoring settings.
Here we are interested in two parameters: DisablePagingExecutive and LargeSystemCache, which can be assigned the values of either zero (disable) or unity (enable). The first key actually duplicates the disconnection of virtual memory, and the second increases the system cache (the system will use not 8 MB installed by default, but all memory, with the exception of the last 4 MB).
Web Cache Settings
Browsers also have cache related settings. Accordingly, the reserved volume can be changed. For this, the appropriate settings are used. True, depending on the developer of the browser itself, they can be in completely different sections.
For example, in the old version of Opera, options are set in the history settings. In the new browser modification, you should use the properties of the shortcut, and add the combination –disk-cache-size = Volume and the desired cache size in kilobytes in the path to the executable file (for example, for 1 GB it will be 1073741824 Kb).
Flush cache
With a change in cache size, everything seems to be clear. In conclusion, it remains to add that it is recommended to clear the cache if not constantly, then at least periodically, since the accumulation of temporary files can significantly slow down the work of both the system and programs. You can perform these actions in Windows by simply cleaning the system drive, in browsers - by clearing your browsing history, cache and cookies.
It is more convenient to use all kinds of optimizer programs, in which you just need to use the appropriate system optimization and confidentiality cleaning modules in the one-click verification and troubleshooting section.