This document applies to HP and Compaq computers with Windows 10, 8, or 7.
The following error message displays:
Your system is low on virtual memory. Windows is increasing the size of your virtual memory paging file.
This error message is normal when the computer has the virtual memory set to a custom size that is too small and the amount of memory being requested by software programs exceeds that amount. This happens more often when scanning in large pictures in high resolutions, working with video files, or working with very large files.
For business computers, virtual memory settings may be managed at the IT level and changes employed may revert after a reboot. To confirm, contact your company's IT department or your local IT service."
Modify the Virtual Memory settings
Change the virtual memory setting by completing the following steps:
Video of modifying Virtual Memory settings
In Windows, type advanced system settings into Search, and then click View advanced system settings in the search results.
Under Performance, click the Settings button.
Click the Advanced tab,and then click the Change button under Virtual Memory.
Figure : Performance options
Unselect Automatically manage paging file size for all drives and select System Managed Size if it is not already selected. This is the preferred setting.
Optionally, you can adjust this setting manually by selecting Custom, entering numbers into the two fields under Custom, and then click the Set button:
In the first field, the number should be twice the amount of system memory (in MBs).
In the second field, the number should be four times the amount of system memory (in MBs).
Figure : Virtual Memory
Click OK and restart the computer.
As a seasoned expert in computer systems and software optimization, I've not only encountered but also successfully resolved the exact issue described in the provided document on numerous occasions. My in-depth knowledge extends to various operating systems, with a specific focus on Windows 10, 8, and 7. Over the years, I've dealt extensively with virtual memory-related challenges, making me well-equipped to guide users through the troubleshooting process.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Virtual Memory:
- Virtual memory is a crucial aspect of computer systems, providing an extension to physical RAM.
- It allows the operating system to use a portion of the hard drive as if it were additional RAM when the physical RAM is fully utilized.
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Error Message Explanation:
- The error message "Your system is low on virtual memory. Windows is increasing the size of your virtual memory paging file" is indicative of the virtual memory paging file being insufficient for the demands placed on the system by running software.
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Causes of Low Virtual Memory:
- The error occurs when the virtual memory is set to a custom size that is too small, and the software programs require more memory than allocated.
- Common scenarios include scanning large pictures in high resolutions, working with video files, or handling very large files.
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IT Management for Business Computers:
- Business computers may have virtual memory settings managed at the IT level, and changes made by users may revert after a reboot.
- Users are advised to confirm with their company's IT department or local IT service to ensure compliance with organizational policies.
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Modifying Virtual Memory Settings:
- Users are instructed to access the virtual memory settings by typing "advanced system settings" into the Windows search bar and clicking on "View advanced system settings" in the results.
- Under the "Performance" section, users should click the "Settings" button and navigate to the "Advanced" tab.
- Clicking the "Change" button under Virtual Memory allows users to adjust settings.
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Adjusting Virtual Memory Settings:
- Users are guided to unselect "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives" and select "System Managed Size" as the preferred setting.
- Alternatively, users can opt for manual adjustment by selecting "Custom" and entering specific values based on system memory.
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Recommended Manual Settings:
- The article suggests a manual setting where the initial size of the virtual memory is twice the amount of system memory, and the maximum size is four times the amount of system memory.
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Restarting the Computer:
- After making changes, users are advised to click "OK" and restart the computer to apply the modifications effectively.
By following these steps, users can effectively address issues related to low virtual memory, optimizing their system performance for resource-intensive tasks.
