Windows 11 RAM Usage Growing Higher Everyday

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:
  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
  3. In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab.
  4. Click Settings under Performance.
  5. In the Performance Options window, navigate to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual memory.
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.

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