Fix High RAM/Memory Usage on Windows 11 & 10 – 2025 Guide

High RAM or memory usage on Windows 11 and 10 can cause your PC to slow down, freeze, or crash. Whether you’re running multiple applications or heavy software, excessive memory consumption can impact productivity.

This guide explains the common causes of high RAM usage and provides step-by-step fixes to optimize your system. By following these tips, you can improve performance and ensure smooth operation.

---

Common Causes of High RAM/Memory Usage

1. Too many background applications running simultaneously.
2. Startup programs consuming memory on boot.
3. Browser tabs or extensions using excessive RAM.
4. Malware or viruses affecting system performance.
5. Outdated drivers or Windows updates causing memory leaks.
6. Heavy software or games that require more memory than available.

Identifying the root cause helps you apply the most effective solution.

---

Fix 1: Restart Your PC

Firstly, a simple restart can clear temporary files and memory leaks:

1. Close all running applications.
2. Click Start → Power → Restart.
3. After restarting, check Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) for memory usage.

💡 This is the quickest way to temporarily resolve high RAM usage.

---

Fix 2: Close Background Apps

Secondly, many background apps consume RAM without your knowledge:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Processes tab.
2. Sort by Memory usage → identify heavy apps.
3. Right-click → End Task for unnecessary apps.

✅ Closing unused apps frees up memory and improves system performance.

---

Fix 3: Disable Startup Programs

Startup programs launch automatically and consume RAM:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Startup tab.
2. Right-click unnecessary programs → Disable.
3. Restart your PC → check memory usage.

💡 Disabling non-essential startup programs reduces high RAM usage during boot.

---

Fix 4: Scan for Malware & Viruses

Additionally, malware can consume system resources:

1. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan.
2. Use third-party antivirus software for deep scans.
3. Remove any detected threats → restart your PC.

✅ Regular scans prevent high memory usage caused by malicious software.

---

Fix 5: Update Windows & Drivers

Outdated drivers and system files can cause memory leaks:

1. Press Windows + I → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates.
2. Update graphics, chipset, and network drivers from manufacturer websites.
3. Restart your PC after updates.

💡 Keeping software updated prevents bugs that lead to high RAM usage.

---

Fix 6: Adjust Virtual Memory (Page File)

Virtual memory supplements physical RAM and can improve performance:

1. Press Windows + S → type “Advanced system settings” → Open.
2. Under Performance → Settings → Advanced → Virtual memory → Change.
3. Uncheck Automatically manage → Set Custom size.
4. Enter Initial and Maximum size values (recommended: 1.5× to 3× your RAM).
5. Click Set → OK → Restart.

✅ Proper virtual memory reduces excessive RAM load during heavy tasks.

---

Fix 7: Uninstall Unnecessary Programs

1. Press Windows + I → Apps → Apps & features.
2. Identify programs you no longer use → click Uninstall.
3. Restart your PC and check memory usage.

💡 Fewer installed programs mean less memory consumption.

---

Fix 8: Disable Visual Effects

Windows visual effects consume RAM and CPU:

1. Press Windows + S → type “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows” → Open.
2. Select Adjust for best performance → Apply → OK.
3. Restart your PC.

✅ Disabling animations and transparency improves memory usage, especially on low-RAM systems.

---

Fix 9: Upgrade RAM

If you frequently run heavy software:

1. Check your current RAM → Task Manager → Performance → Memory.
2. Consider adding additional RAM modules if supported by your motherboard.
3. Restart after installation → verify improved performance.

💡 Increasing physical RAM is the most effective long-term solution.

---

Fix 10: Use Memory Optimization Software

1. Use trusted tools like Wise Memory Optimizer or CleanMem.
2. These apps free up idle RAM automatically.
3. Monitor improvements via Task Manager.

✅ Memory optimization tools help maintain consistent performance.

---

Additional Tips

• Close browser tabs you don’t need.
• Avoid running multiple heavy applications simultaneously.
• Regularly clean temporary files using Disk Cleanup or CCleaner.
• Consider using lightweight apps for routine tasks.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is my RAM usage always high on Windows 11/10?
A1: High RAM usage can result from background apps, browser tabs, malware, or outdated drivers.

Q2: Does restarting Windows reduce RAM usage?
A2: Yes, restarting clears temporary files and frees memory.

Q3: Is adding more RAM necessary?
A3: Only if your usage exceeds physical RAM frequently, such as for gaming or heavy software.

Q4: Can malware cause high memory usage?
A4: Absolutely, viruses or malware can consume RAM and slow down your PC.

---

Conclusion

High RAM or memory usage on Windows 11 and 10 can slow your PC, cause crashes, or affect productivity. Therefore, it’s important to manage background apps, disable unnecessary startup programs, scan for malware, and update drivers.

Additionally, adjusting virtual memory, disabling visual effects, uninstalling unused programs, or upgrading physical RAM can significantly improve performance.

By following these steps, you can optimize your system, reduce memory usage, and ensure smoother operation on Windows 11 and 10.