If your laptop or PC feels slow, freezes during multitasking, or struggles with heavy apps, low RAM is often the reason. The good news is you can increase RAM size without buying new RAM by properly configuring Virtual Memory (Page File) in Windows 11 and Windows 10. This does not replace physical RAM, but it helps Windows use your storage as extra memory, improving overall performance and stability.
Many users get confused about Initial size and Maximum size while increasing virtual RAM. This guide clears that doubt completely and shows the safest, recommended values.
What Is Virtual RAM and How It Works
Virtual RAM (also called Virtual Memory or Page File) is a reserved portion of your storage (SSD or HDD) that Windows uses when physical RAM is full. When set correctly, it reduces lag, improves app loading, and prevents system crashes on low-RAM PCs.
Important to understand:
-
Virtual RAM boosts performance, but it does not physically double your RAM
-
SSD users get better results than HDD users
-
Wrong values can reduce performance, so correct calculation matters
Correct Virtual RAM Calculation (No Confusion)
Use this simple and safe formula:
-
Initial size = Installed RAM × 1024
-
Maximum size = Installed RAM × 1024 × 2
Recommended Virtual RAM Values
1 GB RAM → Initial 1024 MB | Maximum 2048 MB
4 GB RAM → Initial 4096 MB | Maximum 8192 MB
8 GB RAM → Initial 8192 MB | Maximum 16384 MB
16 GB RAM → Initial 16384 MB | Maximum 32768 MB
These values are stable, widely recommended, and safe for Windows 11 and Windows 10.
How to Increase Virtual RAM Size in Windows 11 / Windows 10
Follow each action carefully in the same order.
Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, press Enter
Open the Advanced tab, click Settings under Performance
Open the Advanced tab again, click Change under Virtual memory
Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives
Select C: Drive (Windows installed drive) Select Custom size
Enter Initial size (MB) based on your RAM & Enter Maximum size (MB) based on your RAM
Click Set, then click OK close all windows and Restart your PC
Restart is mandatory for changes to work properly.
Should You Really Set Maximum Size Double?
Yes, but only up to 2× your RAM.
Going beyond this can:
-
Increase disk usage unnecessarily
-
Reduce SSD lifespan
-
Cause slower performance instead of improvement
Windows already manages memory efficiently; virtual RAM is just support, not replacement.
Best Practices for Better Results
-
Always use SSD if available for best virtual RAM performance
-
Keep at least 15–20 GB free space on C: drive
-
Do not disable virtual memory completely
-
Do not use random values from the internet
Common Myths Cleared
-
Virtual RAM does not damage your PC
-
Virtual RAM does not replace physical RAM
-
More is not always better
-
Correct calculation matters more than high numbers
Final Conclusion
Increasing virtual RAM is the best free method to boost RAM performance on Windows 11 and Windows 10 without buying new hardware. When configured using the correct values, it improves multitasking, reduces lag, and makes laptops and PCs more responsive—especially systems with 4GB or 8GB RAM.
