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How to Optimize the System Memory (RAM) on a Dell Computer

Summary: This article provides information about how to optimize the memory using the Disk Defragmenter option.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Optimize your System using SupportAssist.

Duration: 00:32
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Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of hardware your computer uses to store information. Adding memory is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your computer's performance. However, before adding memory, could you take steps that better use the memory you already have?

Verify the Virtual Memory Paging File Size

  1. Save and close all open apps and files.
  2. Press the Windows + R key on the keyboard.
  3. In the Run dialog box, type control and press Enter.
  4. In the Control Panel window, double-click System. If the icons are in Category View, click Classic View at the upper right corner to show the icons individually.
  5. Click the Advanced tab, and in the Performance section, click Settings.
  6. Click the Advanced tab, and in the Virtual Memory section, click Change.
  7. Click the drive that contains the paging file you want to change.
  8. Click System Managed Size to let Windows choose the best size.
  9. Click the Set button and OK.
NOTE: You can manually adjust the size by clicking Custom Size and typing a new size in the Initial and Maximum boxes. The size is limited by the total amount of free space on the hard drive. You may be able to improve a program's performance by manually increasing the paging file size; see the software vendor documentation for recommended settings.

Defragment the hard drive

NOTE: For SATA Hard Drives only, do not run disk defragment on a solid state drive (SSD).
  1. Click Start, point to All programs, then Accessories, System Tools, and finally Disk Defragmenter
  2. Click the C driver, or the drive you want to defragment and then click Defragment
NOTE: Defragmenting the hard drive can take anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour depending on the size and the amount of data stored.

Troubleshooting Disk Defragmenter

If you encounter problems running Disk Defragmenter, try the following:

  • Exit other programs before beginning disk defragmentation including programs running in the background.
  • Disconnect from the Internet and then turn off anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.
  • Log in as Administrator or as a member of the Administrators group to run Disk Defragmenter.
  • Check to see if the computer is on a network. Network policy may prevent you from running Disk Defragmenter. Remove the computer from the network to correct this condition.
  • Ensure that the hard disk being defragmented has at least 15% free space.

For more information about troubleshooting the Disk Defragmenter, go to Microsoft SupportThis hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies..  General memory troubleshooting information can also be found in How to Diagnose and Resolve Common Memory Issues on a Dell Laptop and How to Troubleshoot Slow Performance Issues

 

 

Affected Products

Alienware, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations
Article Properties
Article Number: 000123120
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 15 Jan 2025
Version:  9
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