For help on how to access, view, and increase the virtual memory (page file) in Windows, follow the steps below.

Accessing Windows virtual memory settings

  • Right-click the My Computer or This PC icon on your desktop or in File Explorer.
  • Select Properties.
  • In the System Properties window, click Advanced System Settings and then click the Advanced tab.
  • On the Advanced tab, click the Settings button under Performance.
  • In Performance Options, click the Advanced tab and then click the Change button.

Manually adjusting the Windows virtual memory settings

In the Virtual Memory window, uncheck the box for Automatically manage Paging file size for all drives, if checked.

Before changing your virtual memory, make sure you understand why it may or may not be a good idea to change the Microsoft Windows page file size. See: Should I change my Microsoft Windows page file size?

Click the radio button for the Custom size option.

In the Initial size (MB) and Maximum size (MB) text boxes, enter the Virtual Memory values you want to use.

It is also important to note that changing your virtual memory settings could result in performance loss if settings are too high or too low. It is usually best to allow the operating system to manage the virtual memory settings automatically.

The bottom of the Virtual Memory window displays minimum and recommended settings for your computer’s virtual memory. It is best to use these options, unless instructed by a computer technician to use different values.

  • Should I change my Microsoft Windows page file size?
  • See the page file definition for further information and related links.
  • Microsoft Windows help and support.