A Guide to Freeing Up RAM Without Having to Restart Your Computer

It is common for the problem to be a lack of accessible random-access memory (RAM) if your computer is slow, if it takes too long for applications to start, or if browser tabs continue to freeze. It is the Random Access Memory (RAM) that makes it possible for Windows to multitask without any hiccups; the more RAM you have available, the quicker your personal computer will operate. Background applications and cached processes, on the other hand, have the potential to use your memory over time.

We are pleased to inform you that in order to refresh your computer, you do not need to restart it. Windows 11 has a multitude of resources that may rapidly free up RAM and restore your system’s speed to its previous level.

1. Acquire an Understanding of the Operation of RAM

It is helpful to have an understanding of what is going on behind the scenes before beginning to make repairs. Data that is being used by your computer, such as open apps, browser tabs, and system processes, is temporarily stored in random access memory (RAM). When the amount of memory in your computer is low, Windows will begin to utilize your storage drive as virtual memory. This is a slower function that results in visible latency.

These transitory processes are eliminated when you free up RAM, which enables your system to function in a more efficient manner.

2. Close any applications and tasks that aren’t absolutely required.

You may reclaim RAM in the easiest and most efficient manner possible by shutting apps that you are not actively using for the time being. The memory requirements of many applications, such as web browsers, design tools, and games, may reach hundreds of gigabytes even when they are reduced.

After opening the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to the Processes tab and search for the process. If you sort by Memory, you may determine which applications are using the most RAM. By right-clicking on processes that aren’t essential, pick the End task option.

Focus particularly on applications such as:

Internet browsers that support multiple tabs
Chat applications such as Teams, Discord, and Skype
Launchers of video games or software for updating
Performing this speedy cleaning often results in the instant release of many gigabytes of RAM.

3. Turn off the computer’s startup and background programs.

Certain software will begin to operate in the background from the moment your computer boots up, and it will do this function automatically. These programs, despite their convenience, gradually use your random access memory (RAM) during the day.

To deactivate any apps that you do not need to launch automatically, go to the Settings menu, then choose Apps, and finally select Startup. When you go to Settings, then Privacy and security, then Background applications, you can modify the permissions for apps that run in the background. After that, you may disable apps that you use seldom.

In order to prevent these apps from stealthily using memory while you are working, you should disable them.

4. Utilizing the Command Prompt, wipe off the memory cache

This cache may occasionally grow up needlessly, despite the fact that Windows keeps cached data in RAM in order to help your applications load more quickly. It is possible to manually delete it without having to restart your computer.

While logged in as Administrator, open the Command Prompt and type:

ipconfig /flushdns is the command.

In order to clear the memory of the system, type:

the cls
then hit the Enter key.
Even though this will not delete current processes, it will help clear up cached data, which will make your system seem more responsive without requiring you to close any open apps.

5. Decrease the amount of memory used by the browser

Memory-intensive modern browsers such as Chrome and Edge are notoriously difficult to use. Every open tab, extension, or plugin consumes important random access memory (RAM).

To lessen the effect of the browser:

If you are not using a tab, close it.
Remove extensions that are not essential.
Utilize the built-in Task Manager of your browser (Shift + Esc in Chrome) to determine which tabs are taking up a lot of space.
Turn on the Memory Saver mode or the Sleeping Tabs feature in both Edge and Chrome.
Taking these actions may significantly enhance the speed of your personal computer if you spend the most of your day online.

6. Make adjustments to the visual effects based on performance

However, the smooth animations and visual effects that Windows 11 offers seem absolutely stunning, but they also use more RAM. In order to move to a mode that is focused on performance, you may do so without sacrificing usability.

You may adjust the performance settings by right-clicking on This PC, going to Properties, then selecting Advanced system options, and finally selecting Performance Settings. Because of this, needless transitions and effects are disabled, which frees up RAM and improves the responsiveness of the system as a whole.

7. Utilize the Storage Drive as a Page File—a kind of Virtual Memory

Windows will utilize a portion of your storage disk as virtual memory in the event that your system runs out of physical random-access memory (RAM). For improved speed, you have the ability to manually alter the size of the page file.

Make sure to go to the Control Panel, then choose System, then Advanced System Settings, then Performance Settings, then Advanced, and finally Virtual Memory. From there, choose Automatically manage paging file size for all disks or manually specify a custom size.

When Windows has a bigger paging file, it has greater flexibility to manage high workloads without slowing up its performance.

8. Restart the Windows Explorer program.

In the event that your computer is not responding to your commands, but you do not want to completely restart the computer, restarting Windows Explorer may refresh the desktop and free up some computer memory.

Launch Task Manager, go to Windows Explorer, right-click on it, and choose the Restart option from the context menu. This will refresh the taskbar and the desktop environment while maintaining the open status of your applications.

9. Check for any memory leaks or malicious software.

Certain applications, particularly those that are not optimized to their full potential, may have memory leaks, which means that they constantly use RAM without releasing it. In the same vein, malicious software often executes covert programs that use memory.

Apply the Windows Security > Virus & threat protection → Quick scan feature in order to examine and identify any unwanted apps. Using Task Manager → Performance → Memory, you can also monitor the use of long-term memory in order to identify any programs that are taking an excessive amount of resources.

10. Employ a RAM Cleaner Tool

Even though Windows is capable of managing memory in an effective manner on its own, expert users have the option of using third-party programs such as RAMMap (which is developed by Microsoft Sysinternals) to manually clear memory caches and examine memory.

These tools provide in-depth insights into the manner in which random-access memory (RAM) is being used, which is beneficial for determining whether background processes or drivers are wasting resources.

11. Ensure that your drivers and Windows are always up to date.

Memory use that is inefficient might be caused by either outdated drivers or system faults. Improving memory management and reducing the number of performance slowdowns may be accomplished by regularly upgrading both Windows and device drivers.

Navigate to the Settings menu, then choose Windows Update. In addition to checking for updates, you should also update the drivers for your graphics, chipset, and storage by visiting the website of your manufacturer.

12. To reset the memory, restart the device on occasion.

Despite the fact that the objective is to prevent restarts, it is important to keep in mind that restarting the system on occasion helps clear up all temporary data and restores system stability. You may think of it as restarting your RAM from scratch. A simple restart might do wonders for your computer if it has been running nonstop for many weeks.

In order to free up RAM without having to restart your computer, you need to manage what runs in the background, maintain a clean memory, and optimize how Windows consumes resources. Even on older hardware, you may experience smoother multitasking and quicker reaction times by removing superfluous applications, regulating launch programs, and tweaking performance settings. This is true even if you are using older technology.
Not only does a system that is well-managed operate more quickly, but it also maintains its efficiency, stability, and readiness to take on any responsibilities that you throw at it.

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