“Your system is low on virtual memory. To ensure that Windows runs properly, increase the size of your virtual memory paging file”. This error message or its similar usually appears sometimes when you start any program on your PC. This guide will show you how to fix the low virtual memory error on Windows 7 computer.
What are Low Virtual Memory Errors?
For Windows computer users, the low virtual memory errors are very common when using PC for working or at home. When such error message pops up, it can prevent certain programs from running, or even cause your computer unresponsive.
What is Virtual Memory?
The virtual memory is used in addition to the physical memory (aka RAM) on your PC. When running any program which needs more memory than your computer has, or running in the background, Windows manages the system memory by saving the sata between the physical memory and the virtual memory. The virtual memory is saved on your hard drive in a single file called a page file or swap file and usually is 1.5 times bigger than the size of real memory on your computer. In addition, Windows manages the size of virtual memory for you by default. You need not worry about it.
Why Low Virtual Memory Errors Happen?
There is a variety of reasons for the low virtual memory errors, and the most common reason is that you do not have enough physical memory on your computer. As we know, Windows 7 32-bit needs a minimum of 1 GB RAM, while the 64-bit requires 2GB of RAM at least. If your Windows computer has less memory, you may encounter the memory-related problems, especially when you try to run a memory-intensive program or try to open too many programs at once. If this happens, the only solution is to add more memory onto your PC.
If such problem happens on only some specified program, driver or game, then the most possibility is that the there is a memory leak in the program. To solve it, you must contact the technical support service for the program or try its update version or an alternative one.
How to Fix Low Virtual Memory Errors on Windows 7?
Luckily, Windows 7 allows its users to change the page file settings by manual to fix the low virtual memory problems by themselves. Here is the step by step guide:
Step 1. Go the “Start” menu and right click on the “ Computer” in the right side pane, and then click on the “Properties”.
Step 2. Open the “System Properties” window by clicking on the “Advanced system settings”
Step 3. Go to “Performance” tab and click on the “Settings” button, you will open the “Performance Options” window.
Step 4. In the “Performance Options” window, click on the “Advanced” tab and then the “Change” button under the “Virtual memory” section.
Step 5.Deselect the box beside “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.” Then you can change the file size manually by entering sizes in the boxes beside “Initial size (MB)” and “Maximum size (MB)”.
Remember these sizes should be 2 times of your physical memory installed on your computer at least. For example, if your computer has 1GB of memory (1024MB), you need to set both sizes to 2048. And if your computer has 2GB, you need set these sizes to 4096MB.
