Efficient memory (RAM) usage is crucial for a fast, stable Windows experience—whether you’re running Windows 10 or Windows 11. If your PC feels sluggish, takes a long time to launch programs, or struggles with multitasking, optimizing your memory can make a world of difference. This guide presents the top 10 practical techniques, with step-by-step advice for both beginners and advanced users, to help you maintain and optimize your system memory. We’ll also highlight how Glary Utilities, a trusted PC optimization suite, can simplify this process.
1. Restart Your Computer Regularly
Beginner Tip: Why does a simple restart help? When you restart your Windows PC, it clears out background processes and memory leaks that may be consuming RAM unnecessarily. Make it a habit to restart your computer at least once a week, especially if you rarely shut it down.
Real-world example: If you notice your browser or games slowing down after hours of use, a restart often restores system speed.
2. Close Unnecessary Programs and Tabs
Beginner: Learn to check which programs are running in the background. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), and look at the Processes tab to see which apps are using the most memory. Right-click and choose “End task” for programs you don’t need.
Advanced: Use Task Manager’s “Startup” tab to disable unnecessary apps from launching at boot. This prevents them from using memory in the background.
3. Use Glary Utilities for Memory Cleanup
Glary Utilities provides an easy, all-in-one solution for memory optimization:
– Glary Utilities’ “Memory Optimizer” feature releases idle memory and clears up RAM in real-time.
– Its “Startup Manager” helps you identify and disable unnecessary startup items.
– Scheduled cleanups ensure your PC runs efficiently without manual intervention.
How-to: Download and install Glary Utilities. Open the program, select “Optimize & Improve,” then choose “Memory Optimizer” to free up RAM with a single click.
4. Adjust Visual Effects for Best Performance
Beginner: Animations and visual effects in Windows can consume memory. Right-click “This PC,” choose “Properties,” then “Advanced system settings.” Under Performance, click “Settings” and choose “Adjust for best performance.” This disables flashy effects, giving you more available RAM for important tasks.
Advanced: Customize which effects to keep by selecting “Custom” and checking only those you prefer.
5. Increase Virtual Memory (Paging File Size)
Beginner: Virtual memory uses part of your hard drive as extra RAM when needed. To adjust:
– Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Virtual memory > Change.
– Uncheck “Automatically manage,” select your drive, and set “Initial size” and “Maximum size” to values recommended by Windows, or slightly higher.
Advanced: On SSDs, setting the page file size manually (1.5x to 3x your RAM) can improve performance, but don’t make it too large to avoid excessive disk usage.
6. Uninstall Unnecessary Software
Beginner: Unused programs may still load background processes. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, and uninstall anything you no longer use.
Advanced: Use Glary Utilities’ “Uninstall Manager” for a more thorough removal, ensuring leftover files and registry entries are also deleted.
7. Scan for Malware and Adware
Beginner: Malicious software can consume memory and slow your PC. Run a scan with Windows Defender (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security) or your preferred antivirus.
Advanced: Use Glary Utilities’ “Malware Remover” to quickly scan for and remove threats that traditional antivirus might miss.
8. Keep Windows and Drivers Updated
Beginner: Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that help with memory management. Go to Settings > Windows Update, and install all updates.
Advanced: Use Device Manager to manually update drivers, especially for graphics and chipset, which often impact memory performance.
9. Disable Unnecessary Services
Advanced Users Only: Some background Windows services use up memory without being needed for everyday use.
– Open Services (type “services.msc” in the Start Menu).
– Research each service before disabling it. For example, you might disable “Print Spooler” if you never use a printer.
Note for beginners: Only attempt this if you’re comfortable with system configurations.
10. Add More Physical Memory (RAM)
Beginner: If your system consistently uses over 80% of its memory, it might be time for a hardware upgrade. Many laptops and desktops allow you to add RAM.
– Check your model’s specifications for compatible RAM.
– Consider consulting a professional or referring to your PC’s manual.
Advanced: Run the built-in “Resource Monitor” to analyze memory usage patterns, helping you decide the optimal RAM upgrade.
Summary Table for Quick Reference
– Restart computer: Beginners
– Close unused programs/tabs: All users
– Use Glary Utilities: All users
– Adjust visual effects: Beginners/Advanced
– Increase virtual memory: All users
– Uninstall unnecessary software: All users
– Scan for malware: All users
– Keep system updated: All users
– Disable services: Advanced
– Add RAM: All users (with technical guidance for advanced)
Final Thoughts
Optimizing memory in Windows 10 and 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with simple steps like regular restarts, closing unused applications, and using easy tools like Glary Utilities. For advanced users, deeper tweaks such as managing services or upgrading hardware can further enhance performance. Make these habits part of your routine, and you’ll enjoy a smoother, faster Windows experience every day.