How to Clear RAM Cache on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 9, 2025

Have you noticed your Windows 11 laptop or PC slowing down after a few hours of use? Apps take longer to open, your browser struggles with multiple tabs, and everything just feels sluggish. The culprit is often RAM cache buildup.

But here’s the good news—you don’t always need to restart your computer to fix it. In this guide, I’ll show you different methods to clear RAM cache on Windows 11, speed up your system, and keep it running smoothly.

What Is RAM Cache?

Before we dive into the fixes, let’s get clear on what RAM cache actually is.

  • RAM (Random Access Memory) is your PC’s short-term memory.

  • It temporarily stores files and processes your computer needs right now.

  • Cache is memory used to speed things up—Windows keeps apps, files, and background processes ready for faster access.

That’s usually helpful. But over time, cached data piles up, eats memory, and can cause slowdowns—especially if you don’t have much RAM.

Why Clear RAM Cache on Windows 11?

Clearing RAM cache isn’t always necessary, but it can help when:

  • Your system feels sluggish or unresponsive.

  • Programs freeze or crash due to low memory.

  • You’re gaming and need maximum RAM for performance.

  • You run memory-heavy apps like Photoshop, AutoCAD, or video editing tools.

Think of it like decluttering your desk—you make space for what really matters.

Method 1: Restart Your Computer (The Easiest Way)

The simplest way to clear RAM cache is just restarting.

  1. Click Start > Power.

  2. Select Restart.

  3. Wait for your PC to reboot.

This flushes all temporary data from RAM and gives you a fresh start.

But sometimes, you don’t want to reboot—so let’s explore other methods.

Method 2: Use Task Manager to End Background Processes

Windows 11 often keeps unnecessary apps running in the background. Closing them frees up RAM.

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Processes tab.

  3. Sort by Memory usage.

  4. Right-click any heavy or unnecessary process and choose End task.

💡 Example: If Chrome has 20 tabs open and is eating 2GB of RAM, closing it will instantly free space.

Method 3: Clear RAM Using Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

If you suspect memory leaks or issues, run a diagnostic.

  1. Press Windows + S, type Windows Memory Diagnostic, and open it.

  2. Select Restart now and check for problems.

  3. Your PC restarts and checks for memory errors.

This doesn’t directly “clear” cache, but it ensures RAM is healthy.

Method 4: Create a Shortcut to Clear RAM Cache

You can make a one-click shortcut that clears RAM instantly.

Steps:

  1. Right-click on the desktop → New > Shortcut.

  2. In the location box, paste:

%windir%\system32\rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks

  1. Name it Clear RAM Cache.

  2. Double-click anytime to flush unused memory.

This is super handy for gamers and multitaskers.

Method 5: Use Command Prompt to Free RAM

For tech-savvy users, CMD can help.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, search for Command Prompt, and run it as administrator.

  2. Enter this command:

ipconfig /flushdns

This clears the DNS cache, which also helps free some system memory.

  1. To clean working set (RAM usage of processes), you can also use third-party commands (covered below).

Method 6: Use Resource Monitor

Resource Monitor gives deeper control over RAM usage.

  1. Press Windows + R, type resmon, and hit Enter.

  2. Go to the Memory tab.

  3. Look at which processes use the most memory.

  4. Right-click unneeded ones and choose End process.

This is like Task Manager but more detailed.

Method 7: Disable Startup Programs

Many apps auto-start and hog RAM unnecessarily.

Steps:

  1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

  2. Go to the Startup Apps tab.

  3. Disable apps you don’t need at boot (e.g., Spotify, Zoom, Teams).

This prevents RAM from filling up immediately after you log in.

Method 8: Clear RAM Cache with Third-Party Tools

If you want an easy, automated solution, try free RAM cleaners.

Popular options:

  • Wise Memory Optimizer

  • CleanMem

  • Advanced SystemCare

⚠️ Be careful—avoid shady downloads. Stick to trusted software only.

Method 9: Adjust Virtual Memory (Paging File)

When RAM is full, Windows uses part of your hard drive as “virtual RAM.” Adjusting this helps performance.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, search for Performance Options, and open it.

  2. Under Advanced, click Virtual memory > Change.

  3. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size.

  4. Select your drive and set Custom size:

    • Initial size: 1.5 × your RAM

    • Maximum size: 3 × your RAM

  5. Click OK and restart.

This doesn’t clear RAM, but it ensures Windows handles memory better.

Method 10: Turn Off Background Apps

Some apps keep running even when you’re not using them.

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I).

  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.

  3. Click the app → Advanced options.

  4. Under Background apps permissions, choose Never.

This stops them from silently eating RAM.

Method 11: Clear Temporary Files

Cached temp files also consume memory indirectly.

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

%temp%

  1. Delete all files in the folder.

  2. Empty Recycle Bin.

Method 12: Use PowerShell to Clear Memory

Another advanced method is using PowerShell.

Steps:

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

  2. Enter:

Clear-Content -Path "C:\Windows\Temp\*"

This clears temp files. For RAM-specific scripts, you can use:

[System.GC]::Collect()

This forces .NET garbage collection and frees memory.

Method 13: Disable SysMain (Superfetch) Service

Windows preloads apps into RAM, which isn’t always useful.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Find SysMain.

  3. Right-click → Stop.

  4. Set Startup type: Disabled.

This reduces background memory usage.

Method 14: Increase Physical RAM

At some point, software tricks won’t be enough. If you constantly max out RAM:

  • Add more RAM sticks.

  • Upgrade from 8GB → 16GB or 32GB if possible.

Think of it as expanding your desk—you’ll always have more space to work.

Best Practices to Keep RAM Clean on Windows 11

  • Restart your PC daily if you use heavy apps.

  • Close unused apps and browser tabs.

  • Update Windows and drivers regularly.

  • Scan for malware (viruses often hog RAM).

  • Use lightweight apps where possible.

Conclusion

Clearing RAM cache on Windows 11 is like giving your PC a fresh breath of air. Whether you prefer the quick restart method, use Task Manager to kill background tasks, or create a RAM-clearing shortcut, the choice is yours.

But here’s the key—if you find yourself clearing RAM too often, it might be time to upgrade your RAM or adjust system settings for better performance.

Keep your memory clean, and Windows 11 will reward you with smooth, lag-free performance.

FAQs

1. Does clearing RAM cache delete my files?
No. It only frees temporary memory—your saved files remain safe.

2. How often should I clear RAM cache in Windows 11?
Only when performance slows down. Frequent clearing isn’t necessary.

3. Can I clear RAM without restarting?
Yes—by ending tasks, using shortcuts, or third-party RAM optimizers.

4. What’s the difference between RAM and cache?
RAM is memory itself; cache is data stored inside RAM for quick access.

5. Will upgrading RAM stop me from needing to clear cache?
Mostly yes. More RAM means less chance of memory running out, but occasional cleanup may still help.

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