RAM, or as it is also called, physical memory plays an important role in the speed of a computer and laptop. It is its volume that determines the number and "complexity" of simultaneously launched and running programs. The more physical memory, the more programs and games you can run on it.
To date, the minimum comfortable amount of RAM is 4GB. If it is less on your computer, then it is recommended to increase this volume by means of RAM strips to speed up the work.
But sometimes you can observe a situation when, when viewing the amount of consumed physical memory in the task manager, its volume is 90% or more. At the same time, not a single serious program or game is running, and the computer clearly slows down and periodically appears about the lack of virtual memory.
Determine what is loading physical memory?
Faced with a similar situation, the first step is to determine the culprit and find out which program or process consumes the most memory.
To do this, open the task manager by right-clicking on the taskbar, and select "Task Manager" in the menu that opens.
Launching the Task Manager
In it, go to the processes tab and if there is, check the box "Display processes of all users".
Processes tab in Task Manager with enabled sorting of processes by decreasing memory consumption
Now you can clearly see which program consumes the most memory.
Very often, in Windows 7, almost all of the physical memory is consumed by the svchost.exe process. If it is he who eats up all the RAM for you, then we advise you to familiarize yourself with.
In all other cases, just highlight the process that is consuming a lot of RAM and click the End Process button.
It is also worth checking the startup list and from it all unnecessary programs that are automatically loaded with the operating system and take up space in the physical memory of the computer.
For comfortable work at the computer in operating systems Windows 7 and higher
The deterioration in computer speed is most often associated with the load of random access memory (RAM). Many open programs and applications significantly affect its performance.
Therefore, the easiest way out of this situation is to reduce the load on the PC by optimizing computing processes. In this case, there is no need to overload the system - there are several alternative effective methods.
Closing unnecessary programs
The degree of effectiveness of the functioning of the OP directly depends on open applications. Some of them are system ones that cannot be deactivated. In this case, there is a possibility of a system error or an even greater deterioration in the performance of the computer. Therefore, a certain methodology should be followed, which differs depending on the type of active software (SW).
Extra applications
If the RAM is so overloaded that it is impossible to enter the program (hanging), you must perform the following steps:
However, there is a high chance of data loss. Therefore, it is recommended to use this technique only as a last resort. It is best to wait a while for the program to go into normal mode and terminate it gracefully.
background programs
In addition to visible processes, background processes may run while the computer is turned on and running. They are not visible on the current taskbar, but can significantly affect the workload of the OP. To close them, you can use the above method.
After activating the task manager, go to the processes tab. For clarity, you can sort by the value of memory.
Active components will be arranged according to the degree of allocated volume of OP for their work. It is possible to complete certain processes only after full confidence that their absence will not affect the speed and functioning of the PC. These tasks include system tasks that are responsible for connecting the network and the operation of external equipment (printers, scanners, etc.).
Some background processes may appear in the Control Panel in the lower right corner. You can determine the name by placing the mouse cursor on it - the name of the application will be displayed in a pop-up window. In most cases, you can exit it by pressing the right mouse button and selecting the appropriate menu item. For some antivirus programs, this feature does not exist. First, you need to open the software with the left mouse button and perform deactivation from the main menu.
We clean autoload
To improve user comfort, there is an autoload function. During computer startup, it initiates selected applications. Some software developers configure the installation so that programs run automatically without the user's knowledge. This is especially true for background processes. You can remove them from startup in the following ways.
Editing the contents of a folder:
- on the system disk we find the startup folder;
- it is located in the following path: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\StartMenu\Programs\Startup;
- it contains shortcuts to software that is loaded simultaneously with the operating system. To clean up startup, just remove the extra shortcut.
Msconfig utility:
However, this method will not allow you to release the OP - for this you need to restart the computer.
Restart Windows Explorer
Explorer is a file manager integrated into the operating system. It is possible to restart it without closing other operations.
Task Manager:
- the key combination Alt+Ctrl+Del opens the utility;
- in the "Processes" tab we find the name of the image explorer.exe. By clicking on the “End” button, the process will deactivate the task.
When this happens, the taskbar and the Start button will disappear. No need to be afraid - other applications will remain active.
To restart:
batch file:
- a standard file is created on the desktop using Notepad, which initially has the .txt extension;
- having opened it, we write the following lines: taskkill /f /im explorer.exe, start explorer.exe
- after saving, rename it: "restart explorer.bat".
It is important to trace the change in the extension and icon. The latter should be displayed as a gear. Reloading explorer will be performed after clicking on the file icon. The system will take some time - so no need to try to do a re-initialization. Otherwise, several explorers will start, which will lead to the opposite result - a decrease in free RAM.
Video: clean memory
How to clear RAM without restarting your computer
One effective way is to manually adjust the Windows registry settings.
It will quickly clear the RAM and increase the speed of the computer. However, you should immediately warn that setting incorrect values \u200b\u200bcan cause a decrease in work efficiency. Therefore, you should act strictly according to the instructions.
Regedit command
To enable the command line, go to the Start button and in the Accessories folder, click Run. At the command prompt, type regedit, opening the registry menu.
You can then follow these procedures to increase the amount of free RAM:
These are some of the easiest and safest ways to improve OS settings. However, during the work in the registry, multiple errors accumulate, which can only be corrected with the help of special utilities. The most effective are CCleaner and RegistryLife.
Virus removal
One of the reasons for the decrease in the amount of free OP is the presence of viruses. In addition to direct harm to the software, their activities lower the performance of the computer. The methods described above are not suitable for their removal - viruses are often hidden from standard detection mechanisms. It is best to use anti-virus utilities - DrWeb, Kaspersky anti-virus. Of the shareware, Avast can be distinguished.
Currently, there are both paid and shareware versions on the web. With increased intensity of work, it is best to use the first. After installation and the first launch, the antivirus usually conducts operational diagnostics. Then you should run a full scan of all disks, including the pre-launch one, before loading Windows. With this approach, the probability of detecting third-party software is high.
For effective operation of the antivirus, you must adhere to the following rules:
- set the settings to automatic update.
- in the settings, specify a full scan at least once a week and correctly set the characteristics of continuous monitoring.
By adhering to these rules, you can not only increase the amount of free memory on your computer, but also secure its operation, protect important information from possible hacking.
Memory optimization
Currently, so-called memory optimizers have become widespread. These are paid or free utilities, which, according to the assurances of the developers, correctly distribute processes among the free sectors of the OP.
In fact, they have very low efficiency. The built-in manager handles this task best of all. To check this statement in the standard Widows set, run the application Resource Monitor. By activating several software, you can observe a sharp load on the OP. However, over time, its level will drop to the old value. At the same time, the software was not closed.
During the operation of the software, various areas of the hard disk are accessed. If it is filled to the maximum, the time for performing operations increases.
To solve this problem, you can do the following:
- delete unnecessary files from the hard drive.
- defragment it, optimized the distribution of space occupied by the software. This is a standard Windows feature. The launch shortcut is located in the Standard folder, subfolder - System Tools. After enabling the utility, to start the process, click the Defragment button.
The best way to optimize the OP is to remove unnecessary software and minimize the amount of startup. You also need to constantly check the antivirus and clean the registry. This will maximize the performance of your computer.
Hello.
When too many programs are launched on the PC, then the RAM may no longer be enough and the computer will begin to “slow down”. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to clear the RAM before opening "large" applications (games, video editors, graphics). It will also not be superfluous to do a little cleaning and setting up applications to disable all little-used programs.
By the way, this article will be especially relevant for those who have to work on computers with a small amount of RAM (most often no more than 1-2 GB). On such PCs, the lack of RAM is felt, as they say, “by eye”.
1. How to reduce RAM usage (Windows 7, 8)
Windows 7 introduced one function that stores in the computer's RAM (in addition to information about running programs, libraries, processes, etc.) information about each program that the user could run (in order to speed up work, of course). This function is called - Superfetch.
If there is not a lot of memory on the computer (no more than 2 GB), then this function, most often, does not speed up the work, but rather slows it down. Therefore, in this case, it is recommended to disable it.
How to disable Superfetch
1) Go to the Windows Control Panel and go to the "System and Security" section.
Rice. 1. Administration -> Services
3) In the list of services we find the necessary one (in this case Superfetch), open it and put it in the column "launch type" - disabled, additionally turn it off. Next, save the settings and restart the PC.
After restarting the computer, RAM usage should decrease. On average, it helps to reduce RAM usage by 100-300 MB (not much, but not so little with 1-2 GB of RAM).
2. How to free up RAM
Many users do not even know what programs "eat up" the computer's RAM. Before launching "large" applications, in order to reduce the number of brakes, it is recommended to close some programs that are not needed at the moment.
By the way, many programs, even if you closed them, can be located in the PC's RAM!
To view all the processes and programs in RAM, it is recommended to open the task manager (you can also use the process explorer utility).
To do this, press the CTRL+SHIFT+ESC buttons.
By the way, the Explorer system process often takes up a lot of memory (many novice users do not restart it, since everything disappears from the desktop and you have to restart the PC).
Meanwhile, restarting Explorer is easy enough. First, remove the task from the “explorer” - as a result, you will have a “blank screen” and a task manager on the monitor (see Fig. 4). After that, click in the task manager "file / new task" and write the command " explorer"(See Fig. 5), press the Enter key.
Explorer will be restarted!
3. Programs for quick cleaning of RAM
1) Advanced System Care
An excellent utility not only for cleaning and optimizing Windows, but also for controlling the computer's RAM. After installing the program, in the upper right corner there will be a small window (see Fig. 6) in which you can monitor the processor load, RAM, network. There is also a button for quick cleaning of RAM - very convenient!
Rice. 6.Advance System Care
2) Mem Reduce
Official website: http://www.henrypp.org/product/memreduct
A great little utility that will display a small icon next to the tray clock and show how much % of memory is used. You can clear the RAM in one click - to do this, open the main program window and click on the "Clear memory" button (see Fig. 7).
By the way, the program is small in size (~300 Kb), supports Russian, is free, there is a portable version that does not need to be installed. In general, it’s hard to think of a better one!
PS
That's all for me. I hope with such simple actions you will make your PC work faster 🙂
Most computer users are of the opinion that there is never a lot of RAM. Of course, it's hard to argue with that, especially when it comes to modern machines, where the hardware configuration requires solid performance.
In addition, most of these devices have a Windows system on board, which is a 64-bit version.
Modern users are often faced with the problem that the physical memory of the computer is loaded. What to do in this situation? This question often confuses the average user and makes the professional rack his brains trying to find a solution to the presented problem. You should not go deep into the complexity of "operational misunderstandings", it is better to use simple, but at the same time effective methods for diagnosing and optimizing a computer system. This is what will be discussed further in the article.
What to do if the physical memory of the computer is loaded?
A similar question quite often comes to the mind of users who are faced with the problem of a terrible slowdown in the Windows operating system. The next time you turn on the computer, the startup of the OS becomes progressively slower. Thus, the operation of the operating system at the start and during use is simply unbearable due to the "long waiting process". If earlier some applications were “flying”, then when certain problems arise, they, to put it mildly, start for quite a long time.
Obscure service messages now and then appear on the monitor, annoying with their presence. Such a scenario of actions, especially if they are manifested in a complex way, can quickly drive every user crazy. However, not all of them understand that the reasons lie in the results of their own omissions. Therefore, the issue that worries most users will be considered. It is about how to make sure that the physical memory of the computer is loaded and what are the methods of correcting this situation.
What should be done first if the device has lost speed?
First of all, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the system. It is worth noting that everything necessary to perform such actions is provided in advance by Microsoft developers. Thus, it is time to consider the practical part of today's story. You will need to do the following:
1. Click on the taskbar, which is located at the bottom of the screen, with the right mouse button.
2. Select "Dispatcher..." from the drop-down list.
3. After entering the working area of the service window of the same name, you need to apply the "Performance" tab.
The RAM utilization rate is estimated according to the graph presented visually. If the computer is running Vista or a later version of the Windows operating system, this figure should not exceed 70-75% of the total value of the physical swap. When it turns out to be higher, it is worth unloading the RAM area.
Memory problems occur at OS startup
If it is found that the physical memory of the computer is loaded at 80% or even higher than this value, you should pay attention to autoload. It is likely that during the Windows startup process, this service activates all sorts of background applications and various software. As a rule, this is the reason for rebooting the RAM.
As a result, it is simply torn between requests from various programs to allocate the amount of memory they need to work. No matter how scary and hopeless it may sound, fixing this unpleasant situation is quite simple. To do this, you need to register the command "msconfig" in the search bar of the Windows start menu. Then you need to press the "Enter" button, the field of which the user enters the "System Configuration" service menu. You will need to activate the "Startup" tab and edit the priority list of the software to be launched.
This will get rid of the problem, and the operating system will start much faster. True, after the done manipulations, you will have to restart the computer. You can make sure that the situation has been corrected, and everything superfluous from startup has been removed, in practice.
Optimization methods for clearing RAM
First you need to do the most important thing, that is, disable unused software. Usually, in order to make sure which programs are activated in the background, you need to look in a special area of \u200b\u200bthe operating system. It's about the system tray. After all, it is from there that you can deactivate the selected software by pointing the marker at the object and pressing the right mouse button. It is possible that immediately after the implementation of the proposed recommendation, the issue of cleaning the physical memory of the computer will be completely resolved. As you know, some applications running in the background are very “gluttonous” in terms of using system RAM resources.
Another option that will help free up memory
1. Press the key combination "Alt+Ctrl+Del".
2. When you get into the service window, open the "Processes" tab.
3. Analyze the presented list and, using the manual correction method, turn off the background application, which is not necessary.
True, it is worth warning in advance that it is not recommended to rush to deactivate “aggressive items”, because disabling certain Windows services that are of particular importance can adversely affect the overall stability of the entire operating system.
"Miracle" RAM optimizers
If the physical memory of the computer is 90 percent full, some users immediately try to clear the RAM area when using special programs. True, not everyone suspects that optimizing this type of RAM is a waste of time. As you know, they do not contribute anything concrete in solving the problem that has arisen.
The developers of such utilities promise wide functionality, but in reality there is nothing like that. They only create the illusion that memory is being freed, but at the same time they can introduce certain difficulties into the operation of the operating system. Thus, the manual method is much more efficient and expedient to carry out than the imaginary "help" offered by third-party developers. Therefore, it is better to forget about this optimization method altogether.
Malicious code and its definitions
Often, users have a question: “The physical memory of the computer is loaded: is it a virus or not?”. This problem is especially relevant when all the actions described above are implemented in practice. What then is the problem, why does the RAM lose its working potential? This needs to be sorted out. First of all, you will need to download an antivirus program from the Internet. It can be Dr.Web CureIt!, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware or HitmanPro.
Then you should scan the system using a running application, after which the infected objects will be cleaned up. At the same time, malicious viruses will be removed. It should be noted that the traditional anti-virus program installed on a computer is not always able to provide the device with reliable protection. It is quite possible that in the future it will be subjected to attacks of one or another “digital infection”, which will negatively affect the operation of the system as a whole. This is precisely the reason why it is necessary to check the OS using the above programs.
What to do when the amount of RAM is not too large?
If a user works in Word and listens to music at the same time using an Internet browser, and also sees that the physical memory is 77% loaded, there is no need to worry. However, sometimes things are much worse. Therefore, it makes sense to get acquainted with the problem from a technical point of view.
It is also worth asking yourself questions: how many RAM modules are installed on the computer in general, what are their nominal “abilities”? It is also necessary to point out the fact that, depending on the version used by the Windows system, the requirements for the amount of RAM can be in the range of 256 MB−2 GB. Thus, it is enough only for the needs of the operating system itself. If you decide to use resource-intensive programs on a computer that has limited RAM, you need to think about expanding the paging file.
Thus, we can say with full confidence that the difficult situation associated with the fact that the physical memory of the computer is loaded is now resolved. However, it is necessary to recall one more important "operational" moment. When using Windows Vista, the seventh operating system or later versions of a product developed by Microsoft, if there is not enough RAM, it is suggested that you try to deactivate the Superfetch service.
In the end, it is worth adding that you should not miss the opportunity to upgrade your own computer. For example, adding an additional RAM module significantly expands the functionality and improves the performance of computer technology. It all depends on the user himself, or rather, his timely actions, which will allow the device not to fall into unconsciousness.
There is an opinion among users of computer technology that there is never too much ... And you can’t argue with this, dear reader, especially when it comes to modern machines whose hardware configuration corresponds to solid characteristics, and the Windows system installed on board the PC is 64-bit version. However, the “sick” problem of many - “the physical memory of the computer is loaded, what to do” - still continues its inglorious existence, confusing the average user and sometimes forcing an experienced computer guru to rack his brains over solving the “lack of RAM” problem. However, we will not take root in the extreme complexity of "operational misunderstandings" and resort to simple but effective methods for diagnosing and optimizing the computer swap of the system. Well, the article promises to be memorable. RAM secrets are waiting to be revealed!
Sentry, the physical memory of the computer is loaded!
What to do and how to deal with it? Probably, these are the questions that come to the mind of the user when he becomes an unwitting witness to the monstrous slowdown of the Windows operating system.
- With each subsequent turning on of the PC, the launch of the OS slows down and slows down.
- The clickability of the operating system at startup and during use becomes unbearable due to the “long-playing waiting process”.
- Once “flying” applications, to put it mildly, take a long time to start.
- Incomprehensible service messages attack the monitor with their "unobtrusive" presence.
In general, any of the above scenarios (not to mention their complex manifestation) can quickly drive any user crazy. But not every "waiting" understands that all of the above may be the result of our own omissions. And it is unlikely that the average user even knows how to make sure that the physical memory of the computer is loaded?
What to do first if the PC has lost speed?
Of course, first of all, you need to diagnose the system. Moreover, everything necessary for this is provided in advance by Microsoft developers. Well, it's time to move on to the practical part of our story.
- Click on the taskbar (lowest area of the screen) with the right mouse button.
- From the drop-down list, select "Dispatcher ...".
- Once in the workspace of the service window of the same name, use the "Performance" tab.
- A visually presented graph will allow you to evaluate the RAM. If your PC has Vista or a later version of Windows operating system, then the value of the used memory should not exceed 70-75% of the total value of the physical swap. Otherwise, the RAM area must be unloaded.
Memory problems start from the start of the OS
When you see that the computer's physical memory is loaded at 80% or above this value, pay attention to autoload. Most likely, at the time of Windows startup, the mentioned service activates many background applications and various software. Often, it is for this reason that RAM is overloaded, literally “torn” between requests from multiple programs to allocate the amount of memory they need to work. However, fixing such an unpleasant situation can be quite easy.
- In the search bar of the Windows start menu, write the command "msconfig".
- After pressing the "Enter" button, you will be taken to the "System Configuration" service menu.
- Activate the "Startup" tab and edit the priority list of startup software.
You will be surprised how quickly your OS will boot after a system restart. Nothing prevents you from making sure in practice that the problematic situation when the physical memory of the computer is loaded on Windows 7 will be exhausted after you remove everything superfluous from startup.
How to clear RAM: two "fundamental" ways to optimize
Let's start with the main thing - you need to disable unused software. As a rule, in order to see which programs are running in the background, you need to look into a special area of the OS - the system tray - and directly from there (by pointing the marker at the object and right-clicking) deactivate the selected software. It may well turn out that immediately after you implement the proposed recommendation, the question “The physical memory of the computer is loaded, how to clear it” will be completely resolved. After all, some running applications are incredibly “gluttonous” in terms of using system RAM resources.
Another way to free up memory
So, in order to see which programs or utilities “secretly” consume the kilo- and megabytes of RAM you need so much, do the following:
- Press the key combination "Alt+Ctrl+Del".
- After you get to the service window already familiar to you, open the "Processes" tab.
- Analyze the presented list and use the manual correction method to turn off the background application that you do not need at the moment.
However, do not rush to deactivate "aggressive items", as disabling some critical Windows services can adversely affect the overall stability of your OS.
"Miracle" RAM optimizers
When the physical memory of the computer is 90 percent loaded (you learned from the previously presented section of the article that such a value is a deviation from the norm), some of the users are in a hurry to clear the RAM area using various utilities. However, not many of them realize that this type of RAM optimization is a waste of time, since they do not contribute anything specific to the solution of the problem. The “promising functionality” of such optimizers only creates the illusion that memory is being freed up, while introducing some difficulties into the operation of the OS ... Be sure: the manual method is much more efficient and more expedient to carry out than imaginary “help” from third-party developers. By the way, we advise you to just forget about this (second) RAM optimization method ...
Malicious code and methods for its detection
Often the user asks the question: "The physical memory of the computer is loaded: a virus or not?". This problem is especially acute when all the above actions have been implemented in practice. What is the matter and why does RAM continue to lose its working potential? Let's figure it out.
- Download one of the anti-virus utilities from the Internet: Dr.Web CureIt!, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware or HitmanPro.
- After the running application finishes scanning the system, infected objects will be cleaned up, and malicious viruses will undergo a removal process.
It is worth noting that the traditional antivirus installed on your PC is far from being able to fully protect your system from the penetration and subsequent negative impact of this or that “digital infection”. Therefore, it makes sense to check your OS using the above utilities.
When the amount of RAM corresponds to the concept of "NOT TOO"
If you are working in Word and listening to music at the same time using an Internet browser, and you see that the physical memory of your computer is 77% loaded, there is no reason to worry. But if things are different, it makes sense to consider the problem from a technical point of view and ask some questions: how many RAM modules are installed on your PC in general and what are their nominal “capabilities”? It is worth noting an important fact: depending on the version of the Windows system used, the requirements for the amount of RAM can vary from 256 MB to 2 GB (only for the “needs” of the operating system itself). Well, if you still decide to use a resource-intensive program on a computer with limited RAM, then it’s time to think about expanding
Summing up
So, with some certainty, we can say that the once difficult situation for you “the physical memory of the computer is loaded, what to do” is now resolved. Nevertheless, one important “operational” moment is still worth mentioning.
- If you are using Windows Vista, the seventh OS, or later versions of a Microsoft product, then if there is not enough RAM, you can try disabling the Superfetch service.
And lastly, do not miss the opportunity to upgrade your PC - adding an additional RAM module will significantly expand the functionality and "combat capability" of your computing equipment. Don't let your computer go crazy!