No one likes a slow-performing computer. As we are moving towards the future with the latest apps and games, the computing power also must meet software requirements.
RAM (Random Access Memory) plays a crucial role in the performance of the computer. Sufficient RAM is required to handle the tasks. For example, if you are using a gaming computer to play PUBG and COD, then your system must need 16GB of RAM in order to run the game. For software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, 8GB RAM is sufficient to run the programs. Depending on the requirement more the RAM you are needed.
If your system hangs regularly and unable to run the programs, one of the reason may be the insufficient RAM. You can solve the issue by adding more RAM to your computer. But before going to make a RAM purchase, we have few tips to free up your RAM on Windows 10.
Tips to free up RAM on Windows 10
1. Restart
A simple restart can release the burden of running programs on RAM. After the restart, the RAM will come to a stable position and you can feel a slight improvement in the performance. However, restart is not a standard solution for RAM performance improvement. There are plenty of factors affect the overall system speed along with the RAM performance. The restart will temporarily free up the RAM on Windows 10 by killing the RAM hungry apps running in the background. For better improvement, follow the next recommendations.
2. Remove Unwanted Programs
This is the first thing you need to do when you feel your system is sluggish due to insufficient RAM. As the number of running programs increases the more RAM is required to run them. Do a quick checklist of wanted and unwanted programs on your Windows 10 machine and uninstall the unwanted programs from Control Panel->Uninstall a program.
3. Clean Up Startup Programs
Sometimes without our notice, some software’s gets entry into the startup folder. Their aim is to start the program when the Windows boots up and helps you to access the program instantly. Unfortunately, many programs get access to the startup folder and increase the load while Windows booting up. Removal of such unwanted programs from startup menu can reduce the load on RAM and you can feel the improved performance.
To remove unwanted startup items follow the below steps.
- Right-click on the Windows taskbar and click on the “Task Manager”.
- Here, click on the “Startup” tab.
- You will see a list of programs which starts along with Windows startup.
- Check the programs you don’t want to startup and right-click on each program you want to remove and click on the “Disabled” option.
- As the number of startup programs is less, the more performance improvement you can experience. Make sure to have a minimal number of startup items for improved RAM performance.
4. Use light versions of the apps
Many software companies are understood as an issue and created a light version of the apps. The standard apps are designed for maximum output and performance hence they use higher system resources in order to run. The light versions of the apps will leave a low impact on system resources like RAM and process for a stable performance even in low configured machines.
5. Monitor RAM usage
Windows has the ability to check which program is consuming the most of the RAM. Open the Task Manager and check the Process tab for RAM hungry apps. Click the Memory header to sort from most to least RAM usage.
For detailed information, go to the Performance tab. On the Memory section, you’ll see a chart of your RAM usage. Click Open Resource Monitor at the bottom to check detailed information about the RAM consumption.
6. Scan for malware
If your RAM is working at full potential, then it may be the result of a malware infection. Rogue software silently uses the system resource and stucks the RAM performance.
Regularly perform a full scan of your computer for virus and ransomware attacks. Softwares like Windows Defender and Malwarebytes are good at catching and cleaning all types of infections on your computer.
7. Reduce Windows Visual Effects
Windows 10 is a fancy looking operating system and most of the RAM usage is goes for running animations and themes. You can reduce the consumption of visual effects on Windows 10 to boost the RAM performance.
To disable Windows visual effects follow the procedure.
- Right-click on My Computer and click on Properties.
- On the left side of this window, click on Advanced system settings.
- In the Performance section, click the Settings button.
- In the Performance Options window, select Adjust for best performance and then click on Apply to make changes.
Conclusion
If you want to improve the RAM performance without adding a new RAM to your computer, then follow the above steps. These are very easy to follow techniques and you can experience good improvement in your RAM performance on Windows 10.