This Windows error is usually not about RAM size alone. It happens when Virtual Memory (page file) is wrong, background apps consume RAM, system files are corrupted, or the C drive has very low free space. Follow these methods in order. If one method doesn’t fix it, move to the next.
1) Increase Virtual RAM Memory (Virtual Memory / Page File)
This is the most effective fix. You will manually set the correct values.
Open Start and search View advanced system settings, open it.
Open Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
Open Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual memory.
Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
Select C: drive and choose Custom size.
Enter values from this table based on your RAM, click Set, click OK, and restart.
| Your RAM | Initial size (MB) | Maximum size (MB) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 GB | 6144 | 12288 |
| 8 GB | 12288 | 24576 |
| 12 GB | 18432 | 36864 |
| 16 GB | 24576 | 49152 |
| 32 GB | 49152 | 98304 |
If this alone doesn’t fix the error, continue below.
2) Clear RAM Memory Using Task Manager
You will close apps that are eating RAM in the background.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
In Processes, click the Memory column to sort highest usage on top.
Right-click apps using too much memory and click End task.
Open Startup tab and Disable unnecessary apps so they don’t start with Windows.
Close Task Manager.
3) Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe)
This checks if your RAM has a fault.
Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, press Enter.
Choose Restart now and check for problems.
Let Windows complete the test automatically.
4) Repair System Files Using Command Prompt
Corrupted system files can trigger memory errors.
Open Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, choose Run as administrator.
Type the command below and press Enter:
After it completes, type:
Wait for completion and restart the PC.
5) Check Free Space on C: Drive (Very Important)
Virtual memory uses C drive space like extra RAM.
Open This PC and check Local Disk (C:).
Make sure you have at least 20–25 GB free space.
Delete unwanted files or move data to another drive if space is low.
6) Disable Unnecessary Windows Services (Hidden Memory Users)
Some services constantly consume memory.
Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
Find SysMain (Superfetch), open it, click Stop, set Startup type = Disabled.
Find Xbox Services, do the same if you don’t use Xbox.
Find Print Spooler, do the same if you don’t use a printer.
Restart the PC.
Conclusion
In most cases, this error is caused by incorrect virtual memory settings and heavy background apps, not low RAM. Setting the correct page file size, freeing RAM from Task Manager, repairing system files, and keeping enough free space on the C drive resolves the problem permanently. Follow the methods in sequence and restart after applying changes for best results.
FAQ
Why does this error appear even when I have 16 GB or 32 GB RAM?
Because Windows also depends on Virtual Memory (page file). If it is disabled, too small, or placed on a slow drive, the error appears.
Is increasing virtual memory safe for my PC?
Yes. Windows is designed to use disk space as extra RAM. Setting correct values improves stability.
Can this be caused by a virus or malware?
Yes. Malware can consume memory in the background. Running a full scan is recommended if the problem continues.
Do I need to upgrade RAM after this?
Usually no. These fixes solve the issue. Upgrade RAM only if you regularly run very heavy software.
How much free space should be on C drive?
At least 20–25 GB for virtual memory to work properly.
