How to Increase Page File Size in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 9, 2025

If your Windows 11 computer is running low on memory, slowing down, or showing messages like “Your system is low on virtual memory,” it may be time to increase your page file size.

The page file, also known as virtual memory, acts as an extension of your physical RAM — helping Windows manage multiple programs and large workloads efficiently.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what a page file is, why it matters, and how to increase page file size in Windows 11 safely to boost performance.

Table of Contents

🧠 What Is a Page File (Virtual Memory)?

The page file (also called pagefile.sys) is a hidden system file on your storage drive that Windows uses when your RAM (Random Access Memory) runs out.

When your physical RAM is full, Windows temporarily moves less-used data from RAM to the page file on your hard drive or SSD. This helps prevent apps from crashing and keeps your PC running smoothly.

In short:

Page File = Extra (virtual) memory that helps your PC handle more tasks when RAM is full.

⚙️ How the Page File Works in Windows 11

Here’s how it functions:

  1. Windows stores frequently used data in RAM for faster access.

  2. When RAM usage reaches its limit, the system transfers less-used data to the page file on disk.

  3. This ensures that active programs keep running without interruption.

This process is known as paging or swapping, and it happens automatically.

💡 Why Increase Page File Size in Windows 11?

Windows 11 manages the page file automatically, but sometimes you may need to manually increase it for better stability and performance — especially in memory-intensive scenarios.

Common reasons include:

  • Running heavy applications (e.g., Photoshop, AutoCAD, virtual machines)

  • Playing modern games with high RAM requirements

  • Editing large video files or rendering 3D content

  • System showing “Low virtual memory” warnings

  • Crashing or freezing due to memory shortages

🚀 Benefits of Increasing the Page File

Benefit Description
Better system stability Reduces crashes caused by memory exhaustion
Smoother multitasking Allows more apps to run simultaneously
Improved gaming and rendering Prevents stutter or lag during heavy use
Enhanced performance on low-RAM PCs Acts as a backup memory source

⚠️ Before You Start: Important Notes

  • Recommended virtual memory size:

    • Minimum: Equal to your installed RAM

    • Maximum: 1.5x to 3x your RAM size

  • Example: If you have 8GB RAM, set the page file to Minimum = 8,192MB, Maximum = 16,384MB or 24,576MB.

  • Always make changes on the system drive (C:) for best performance.

  • Restart your PC after changing settings to apply them.

🧩 Step-by-Step: How to Increase Page File Size in Windows 11

Let’s go through the process step-by-step.

🪜 Step 1: Open System Properties

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

  2. Type:

    sysdm.cpl

    and press Enter.

  3. This opens the System Properties window.

🪜 Step 2: Access Performance Settings

  1. In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab.

  2. Under the Performance section, click Settings.

🪜 Step 3: Open Virtual Memory Settings

  1. In the Performance Options window, click the Advanced tab again.

  2. Under Virtual memory, click Change.

This opens the configuration panel where you can modify the page file settings.

🪜 Step 4: Uncheck Automatic Management

By default, Windows manages virtual memory automatically.

  1. Uncheck the box that says:
    “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”

Now you can manually set the size for your system drive.

🪜 Step 5: Select the Drive for Page File

  1. Select the drive (usually C:) where Windows is installed.

  2. Click the option Custom size.

🪜 Step 6: Enter Custom Page File Size

Now you’ll specify your desired Initial size (MB) and Maximum size (MB).

💡 Recommended values:

  • Initial size: Equal to your installed RAM (in MB)

  • Maximum size: 1.5x to 3x your installed RAM (in MB)

Installed RAM Initial Size Maximum Size
4 GB (4096 MB) 4096 8192
8 GB (8192 MB) 8192 16384
16 GB (16384 MB) 16384 32768
32 GB (32768 MB) 32768 65536

🧠 Tip: If you do heavy gaming or video editing, use the 3x rule for best results.

  1. After entering the values, click Set → OK.

🪜 Step 7: Restart Your PC

After setting your new virtual memory size, restart your computer to apply the changes.

To confirm the new settings:

  • Go to Task Manager → Performance → Memory

  • Check if Page File (Virtual Memory) reflects the updated size.

🔍 Step-by-Step Recap

Step Action Description
1 Open System Properties Press Win + R → sysdm.cpl
2 Access Performance Settings Go to Advanced → Performance → Settings
3 Open Virtual Memory Navigate to Advanced → Virtual Memory → Change
4 Disable Auto Management Uncheck automatic management
5 Select System Drive Usually C:
6 Enter Custom Sizes Set Initial and Maximum values
7 Restart PC Apply and confirm settings

🧠 How to Check Current Page File Usage

To see how much virtual memory your system is using:

Option 1: Using Task Manager

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

  2. Click the Performance tab.

  3. Select Memory on the left.

  4. Look for Committed — the first number shows current usage; the second shows the total available (RAM + Page File).

Example:

Committed: 8.5/20.0 GB
Means 8.5GB is in use, 20GB is available (RAM + Page File).

Option 2: Using Command Prompt

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Type:

    wmic pagefile list /format:list

  3. Press Enter.
    You’ll see details like location, current size, and peak usage.

⚙️ How to Let Windows Automatically Manage Page File Again

If you ever want to revert back to automatic management:

  1. Open System Properties → Performance → Virtual Memory again.

  2. Check the box “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”

  3. Click OK → Apply → Restart.

Windows will take over and manage the virtual memory dynamically.

🧩 Alternative: Adjust Page File Using PowerShell

Advanced users can modify page file settings directly through PowerShell.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

  2. To see current configuration, type:

    Get-CimInstance Win32_PageFileSetting

  3. To set a new custom page file (example: 8GB initial, 16GB max):

    wmic pagefileset where name="C:\\pagefile.sys" set InitialSize=8192,MaximumSize=16384

  4. Restart your PC to apply changes.

💾 Where Is the Page File Located?

The pagefile.sys is located in your system drive (usually **C:**), but it’s hidden by default.

To view it:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Click View → Show → Hidden items.

  3. Also check Options → View tab → Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files.”

You’ll now see pagefile.sys — but avoid deleting or moving it unless necessary.

🧠 What Happens If the Page File Is Too Small?

If the page file size is too small, you may experience:

  • System instability or crashes

  • Out-of-memory errors

  • Slow performance during multitasking

  • Applications (like Chrome, Photoshop) failing to open large files

Windows might even show a pop-up:

“Your system is low on virtual memory. Windows is increasing the size of your virtual memory paging file.”

To prevent this, set a sufficiently large page file based on your system’s workload.

💡 Tips for Optimizing Virtual Memory in Windows 11

  1. ✅ Use SSD for Page File:
    If possible, keep the page file on an SSD — it’s faster than an HDD.

  2. ⚙️ Avoid turning it off completely:
    Even if you have lots of RAM (e.g., 32GB+), Windows still needs some page file for crash dumps and stability.

  3. 🧩 Don’t set the same drive for multiple page files:
    It won’t improve performance. Use the main OS drive (C:) only.

  4. 🚀 Combine with more RAM:
    Increasing page file helps, but adding more RAM is the best long-term solution.

  5. 🧹 Keep enough free space on your C: drive:
    Page file grows dynamically — ensure at least 10–15GB free.

⚖️ Ideal Page File Size Based on RAM

Installed RAM Recommended Initial Recommended Maximum
4 GB 4096 MB 8192 MB
8 GB 8192 MB 16384 MB
16 GB 16384 MB 32768 MB
32 GB 32768 MB 65536 MB
64 GB 65536 MB 131072 MB

These settings ensure stability and performance for all use cases.

🔍 FAQ: Increasing Page File Size in Windows 11

1. Is it safe to increase page file size?

Yes. Increasing it is completely safe and often necessary for demanding apps.

2. Will increasing page file size improve performance?

Yes — especially on systems with limited RAM or high multitasking loads.

3. What happens if I make the page file too large?

It may waste disk space but won’t harm your system. Just avoid setting it excessively high.

4. Can I disable the page file if I have 32GB+ RAM?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Some apps and system features rely on it.

5. Should the page file be on SSD or HDD?

SSD is preferred — it offers faster read/write speeds, improving responsiveness.

6. How do I find the current page file size?

Run msinfo32 or check Task Manager → Performance → Memory → Committed.

7. Can I move the page file to another drive?

Yes, but it’s best to keep it on your system (C:) drive for reliability.

🧩 Common Errors Related to Page File

Error Message Cause Solution
“Low Virtual Memory” Page file too small Increase size as per RAM
“Windows created a temporary paging file” Custom size misconfigured Revert to auto-management
“System running low on memory” Heavy apps + small page file Increase both RAM & page file
“Pagefile.sys missing” Deleted manually Re-enable virtual memory in settings

🧠 Expert Recommendation

  • For 8GB RAM: Set Initial = 8GB, Max = 16GB

  • For 16GB RAM: Set Initial = 16GB, Max = 32GB

  • For 32GB+ RAM: Let Windows manage automatically

For best performance, keep the page file on an SSD and avoid setting it below your RAM size.

🏁 Conclusion: Boost Performance by Increasing Page File in Windows 11

The page file is a crucial yet often overlooked part of Windows 11’s performance.
By increasing the virtual memory (page file size), you can:

  • Prevent low-memory crashes

  • Improve multitasking

  • Boost gaming and productivity app stability

🔑 Quick Recap:

  1. Open System Properties → Advanced → Performance Settings.

  2. Navigate to Virtual Memory → Change.

  3. Disable automatic management.

  4. Set custom Initial and Maximum sizes.

  5. Restart your PC.

Done! 🎉
Your Windows 11 system now has more breathing room for memory-heavy tasks — leading to smoother, faster performance overall.

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