High RAM usage in Windows 11 can be concerning, especially if it occurs while your PC is idle. Let’s explore some possible reasons and solutions:
- Background Processes and Startup Programs:
- Check Task Manager: Open the Task Manager (you can press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
or right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager”). Look for any complex processes that might be consuming excessive memory. - Disable Startup Programs: Some programs launch automatically during startup, consuming memory. Disable unnecessary startup programs to reduce RAM usage.
- Turn Off SysMain: SysMain (formerly known as SuperFetch) can sometimes cause high memory usage. You can disable it by following these steps:
- Press
Win + R
to open the Run dialog. - Type
sysdm.cpl
and press Enter. - In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab.
- Click Settings under Performance.
- In the Performance Options window, navigate to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual memory.
- Press
- Check Task Manager: Open the Task Manager (you can press
- Upgrade RAM:
- Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM to operate, but for better performance, 8GB is recommended. Consider upgrading your RAM if possible.
- Built-in Programs and Graphics:
- Windows 11 includes more built-in programs (often referred to as bloatware), which can contribute to higher RAM consumption.
- Enabling visual effects also increases resource usage.
- Malware Scan:
- Run a malware scan to ensure that malicious software isn’t causing abnormal memory usage.
- Clear Memory Cache:
- Restart your PC periodically to clear the memory cache.
- Uninstall or Disable Unused Apps:
- Remove unnecessary applications that run in the background.
- Use Lighter Versions of Apps or Alternatives:
- Consider using portable apps or lighter versions of software to reduce memory usage.
To mitigate excessive memory usage in Windows 11, follow these practical steps:
- Close Unnecessary Programs:
- Regularly check the list of running applications and close any unnecessary ones.
- Background processes consume memory, so terminating unused programs frees up RAM.
- Manage Startup Programs:
- Review the list of programs that launch during startup.
- Disable or delay non-essential applications from starting automatically.
- This reduces the initial memory load when booting up.
- Monitor Resource-Hungry Apps:
- Use the Task Manager to identify memory-intensive applications.
- Sort processes by memory usage and investigate any outliers.
- Consider alternatives or limit resource-heavy apps.
- Adjust Visual Effects:
- Windows 11 offers visual effects for aesthetics.
- Navigate to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings.
- Choose Performance mode to reduce visual effects and save memory.
- Check for Updates:
- Regularly update Windows 11.
- Updates often include performance optimizations and bug fixes.
- Keeping the OS up-to-date can improve memory management.
- Disable Unneeded Services:
- Some services run in the background, consuming memory.
- Access Services via the Task Manager or Control Panel.
- Disable services that aren’t essential for your workflow.
- Use Lightweight Apps:
- Opt for lightweight alternatives to resource-intensive software.
- For example, use a lightweight text editor instead of a heavy office suite.
- Upgrade Hardware:
- If possible, consider upgrading RAM.
- More RAM allows smoother multitasking and reduces reliance on virtual memory.
- Check for Memory Leaks:
- Occasionally, applications may have memory leaks.
- Monitor memory usage over time to detect abnormal spikes.
- Restart problematic apps to release memory.
- Adjust Virtual Memory (Page File):
- Windows uses virtual memory when RAM is insufficient.
- Optimize the page file size or let Windows manage it automatically.
- A well-configured page file can enhance overall system performance.
The issue with the new installation of Windows 11 has been resolved by updating Windows.