How to Set Virtual Memory to the Same Size as RAM (Windows)

Summary

Virtual memory (pagefile) acts as backup RAM on your disk.

If the pagefile is too small, you may experience memory errors, crashes, or performance issues.

Below are the steps to configure it correctly.

Action Required

1. Check your installed RAM:

1.1. Press the Windows key.

1.2. Type System Information and open it.

1.3. Look for Installed Physical Memory (RAM).
For example: 16.0 GB

1.4. Write this number down.

2. Open Virtual Memory settings:

2.1. Press the Windows key + R.

2.2. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.

2.3. In the System Properties dialog, go to the Advanced tab.

2.4. Under Performance, click Settings.

2.5. Go to the Advanced tab.

2.6. Under Virtual memory, click Change.

3. Configure the pagefile (virtual memory):

3.1. In the Virtual Memory dialog, deselect the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box.

3.2. Select drive C: or your system drive.

3.3. Choose Custom size.

3.4. Set Initial size (MB), which is the RAM size in MB.
For example: 16 GB RAM → 16 × 1024 = 16384 MB.

3.5. Set Maximum size (MB), which is the same value.
For example, 16384 MB.

3.6. Click Set.

3.7. Click OK.

3.8. Restart your computer.