Stay tuned to learn how to use the hard drive as RAM on Windows 10. Most people aren’t aware of this, but they can leverage their hard drives to improve their computer’s performance.
There is a key component in the computer hardware known as RAM (Random Access Memory). It is a short-term memory from which data can be accessed in real-time.
It helps your computer perform operations and tasks really quickly. Thus, the more RAM you have – until a certain limit – the faster your computer will perform.
Unfortunately, most computers come with only a limited amount of RAM due to price constraints. Historically, RAM has been an expensive component.
So, low to mid-range computers typically only have a moderate amount of RAM.
It means that these computers will become slower over time or when users are doing a lot of multitasking. Of course, this results in a frustrating experience. It is where virtual memory comes in.
Virtual memory consists of a reserved area on the computer’s hard drive (or solid-state drive) that acts as if it is part of the system’s RAM. So, when the RAM becomes almost fully used, it can temporarily send some of its data to the hard drive.
This gives the computer some breathing space. It is very helpful for those who own a computer with a small amount of RAM.
Fortunately, there is an easy way to use your hard drive as RAM on Windows 10. You just need to know the right settings. Let’s take a look at the steps involved in this.
Table of Contents
How to use the hard drive as RAM on Windows 10
If you want to use the hard drive as RAM Windows 10 will help you a lot. Follow the steps below to learn how to do it properly:
- Open up the Control Panel on your computer. You can do this by pressing Windows + R key combination and then typing “Control Panel” in the search box that pops up. You can then click on the Control Panel option at the top of the search results;
- Click on the “System” icon from the list of available items;
- A new page will open up where you can see the technical details of your computer. You can also see how much RAM your computer has and how much of it is actually being used;
- On the left-hand side, you will see some setting options. Click on the “Advanced system settings”;
- A small window will open next. Check to see if you are on the “Advanced” tab. If not, select it;
- Click on the “Settings” button under the “Performance” area;
- Again, make sure you are on the “Advanced” tab of the new window. If not, click on it;
- Next, click on “Change” in the lower right corner of this window;
- Now, you have two options. You can let Windows automatically manage the paging file size for all drives or you can enter your own values in the textboxes besides “Initial size” and “Maximum size”. If you don’t have prior experience with this, it is best to let Windows do it automatically;
- Next, click “Ok” to confirm your choice;
- The final step requires the computer to restart to make the changes come into effect. To do this, click on the “Ok” button in the small prompt window that opens up. Once you click it, your computer will restart.
- When it is done, you will have successfully created virtual memory on your computer.
Wrap Up
Most of the laptops and desktops sold worldwide are low to mid-range models. This means that it is highly likely that they come with lower amounts of RAM.
While this is typically okay for normal day-to-day use, there might be times when your users need some extra juice.
When you are gaming for instance or multitasking using several programs at once, you might need the help of some extra memory.
Using the virtual memory option is a great way to enhance your computer’s speed. It doesn’t cost you any money and can be done within minutes.
If you have ample storage in your disk drive, you should definitely consider setting up virtual memory on it.
Make sure though, that you don’t overdo it. Otherwise, it can have the opposite effect. That is why it is best to let Windows handle it automatically.
Check out some of our other awesome articles:
