How to Use Virtual Memory Safely

Generally, the use of virtual memory has great advantages. It helps computer operations perform their tasks efficiently, and keeps your system up to speed as a software emulation of Random Access Memory (RAM). On the downside, virtual memory requires the use of hard drive space, which can be a costly sacrifice if your computer does not possess a sufficient amount. Nevertheless, there are still useful methods of using virtual memory safely from your Windows 7-based computer.

• 1

  Right-click the "Computer" applet and press "Properties" from the resulting context menu. This can be achieved from its "Start" menu or desktop shortcut. Select "Advanced System Settings" on the subsequent menu screen.

• 2

  Click "Settings" within the main "Performance" panel. Go to the "Advanced" tab and click "Change."

• 3

  Enable the option "Automatically Manage Paging File Size for All Drives." This is the safest and most common method of using virtual memory, as Windows itself manages any given amount as the need arises.

• 4

  Input your own custom amount as an alternate method of using virtual memory. Select the hard disk you wish to take virtual memory from, which is available on the screen at hand. Each hard drive selected will present the amount of physical memory currently available. Input an appropriate size in the "Initial Size" and "Maximum Size" sections without depleting the physical memory available on the hard drive in question.

• 5

  Click "Set" to save all specified settings, then click "OK" to exit the virtual memory properties menu.