Recommended Settings for Virtual Memory

• A PC uses virtual memory to compensate for inadequate RAM. Don Farrall/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  If a PC has insufficient RAM (random access memory) to run a task, Windows uses "virtual memory" to make up for the deficiency. Virtual memory moves data to a space on the hard drive, termed a "paging file." Windows then moves data back and forth between the paging file and the RAM, which frees up the PC memory (RAM) to do what it needs to do.

Accessing Virtual Memory Settings

• Click on "Start," then "Run," and type "sysdm.cpl" (without quotes) in the box, then press "Enter." Click on the "Advanced" tab, then click on "Settings" in the Performance section. Click on the "Advanced" tab, and then on the "Virtual Memory" tab, and, then, finally, click on the "Change" button. A box called "Virtual Memory" will pop up and, there, the settings for virtual memory are revealed.

Automatic Virtual Memory Management

• Microsoft recommends that the user allow Windows to manage virtual memory automatically. Automatic management is the default setting. To verify this, the box beside the option "System managed size" should be checked. If it is not, check the box, and click on the "Set" button followed by clicking on "OK." Now, look at the menu box on the screen from before at notice the section "Memory usage." If the machine is used as a server, the box beside "System cache" should be checked. It the computer is a workstation, the box beside "Programs" should be checked. Verify the correct box is checked, and click on "OK." Close out the rest of the boxes. A restart may be required.

Manual VIrtual Memory Management

• Manual management of the virtual memory is accomplished by clicking on the box beside the phrase, "Custom size." Then, the amount of initial and maximum memory must be entered manually in the boxes provided. Microsoft recommends that the the minimum amount of virtual memory should be set at an amount equal to 1.5 times the amount of RAM on the computer and three times that amount for the maximum setting. These amounts need to be typed manually into the appropriate boxes. Settings other than this can have a negative effect on the computer's performance.