Optimizing memory on your Windows 10 PC can dramatically improve performance, responsiveness, and system stability. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, understanding and applying expert memory optimization techniques can help you get the most from your device. Below, we detail the top 10 ways to optimize Windows memory with practical, step-by-step advice and real-world examples. Each tip is labeled for beginners or advanced users, so you can focus on the techniques that are right for your experience level.
1. Manage Startup Programs (Beginner)
Why do this?
Many programs set themselves to start automatically with Windows. This consumes valuable memory from the moment you log in, slowing down your system.
How to do it:
– Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
– Go to the Startup tab.
– Review the list and disable any unnecessary programs by right-clicking and selecting Disable.
Real-world example: Disabling apps like Skype, Spotify, or Adobe Updater at startup can reduce memory usage and speed up boot times.
Glary Utilities Tip:
Use Glary Utilities’ Startup Manager for a user-friendly view and quick management of startup entries. It provides recommendations and batch-disabling features for even faster optimization.
2. Uninstall Unneeded Applications (Beginner)
Unused apps can run background services that consume memory.
How to do it:
– Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
– Review the list, click on unneeded apps, and select Uninstall.
Consider removing trial software, games you no longer play, or forgotten utilities.
Glary Utilities Tip:
Glary Utilities’ Uninstall Manager can remove stubborn applications and leftover files that Windows’ default uninstaller might miss.
3. Upgrade and Manage Virtual Memory (All Levels)
Virtual memory uses disk space as “extra” RAM. Adjusting it can prevent “out of memory” errors.
How to do it:
– Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings.
– Under Performance, click Settings > Advanced > Change under Virtual Memory.
– Set a custom size (recommended: 1.5–3 times your installed RAM).
Example: If you have 8GB RAM, set virtual memory to 12GB–24GB.
Advanced users can experiment with different values and monitor system performance using Resource Monitor.
4. Run Disk Cleanup and Remove Temporary Files (Beginner)
Temporary files and caches use up disk space, which can affect virtual memory and overall performance.
How to do it:
– Press Windows+R, type cleanmgr, and select your system drive.
– Tick items like Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Thumbnails, then click OK to clean.
Glary Utilities Tip:
Use the Disk Cleanup tool in Glary Utilities for a more thorough clean, as it can find and clean files missed by the built-in utility.
5. Optimize and Defragment Your Hard Drive (Beginner/Intermediate)
Fragmented data can increase disk access time, affecting virtual memory performance.
How to do it:
– Open Start, type Defragment and Optimize Drives, and select your drive.
– Click Optimize to defragment traditional hard drives.
Note: SSDs do not need defragmentation, but you should optimize them to maintain performance.
Glary Utilities Tip:
Glary Utilities includes a Disk Defrag module with scheduling options and graphical reports.
6. Adjust Visual Effects for Best Performance (Beginner)
Windows offers visual effects that can tax your memory and CPU.
How to do it:
– Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings.
– Go to the Performance section, click Settings, and select Adjust for best performance. This disables non-essential animations and effects.
You can choose Custom to selectively enable or disable effects.
7. Keep Windows and Drivers Updated (All Levels)
Outdated system files and drivers can cause memory leaks and inefficient memory usage.
How to do it:
– Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click Check for updates.
– For drivers, go to Device Manager, right-click devices, and select Update driver.
Glary Utilities Tip:
Use Glary Utilities’ Software Update feature to scan for and install driver and software updates efficiently.
8. Monitor Memory Usage and Identify Resource Hogs (Advanced)
Expert users should regularly check which processes consume the most memory.
How to do it:
– Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and check the Processes tab.
– Sort by Memory to see which apps are using the most RAM.
– Consider alternatives or lighter versions of memory-hog applications.
For deeper analysis, use the Resource Monitor (search in Start Menu) to see detailed breakdowns.
9. Disable Unnecessary Background Services (Advanced)
Background services can quietly use significant memory.
How to do it:
– Press Windows+R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
– Review the list, and for non-essential services, right-click and choose Properties > Startup type > Manual or Disabled.
Caution: Only disable services you recognize as unnecessary (e.g., Bluetooth support if you do not use Bluetooth).
Glary Utilities Tip:
The Startup Manager in Glary Utilities also highlights non-essential services for easier management.
10. Use a Comprehensive PC Optimization Tool (All Levels)
Why rely on multiple utilities when a single solution can handle memory optimization, cleanup, registry repair, and more?
Glary Utilities is highly recommended for both beginners and advanced users. It includes:
– One-click Maintenance: Frees up RAM, cleans junk files, and optimizes performance with a single click.
– Memory Optimizer: Monitors and recovers memory in real-time, preventing low-memory slowdowns.
– Deep Registry Cleaner: Fixes registry issues that can cause memory leaks.
– Automatic Scheduling: Keeps your system optimized without manual intervention.
How to do it:
– Download and install Glary Utilities.
– Run the 1-Click Maintenance tool for immediate improvements.
– Explore other modules like Memory Optimizer and Startup Manager for advanced customization.
Summary
Optimizing memory in Windows 10 is essential for maintaining a fast, stable, and responsive PC. Beginners should focus on startup management, cleaning, and disabling unnecessary visuals, while advanced users can fine-tune services, monitor processes, and experiment with virtual memory settings. Using comprehensive tools like Glary Utilities makes the process easier, safer, and more efficient for all users.
Start with one or two techniques from this list and explore more advanced options as you become comfortable. Regular memory optimization ensures that your Windows 10 PC stays in top shape for any task.