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High Memory Usage in Windows 11: How to Reduce It in 6 Steps

With our solutions, your PC will run as perfectly as new

7 min. read

Updated onNovember 8, 2024

updated onNovember 8, 2024

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Today we’ll walk you through a few ways to reduce high memory usage on your Windows 11 computer.

Removing unnecessary apps and processes is key, but we’ll also help you tweak some settings. If you’re ready to optimize your PC for better performance, keep reading:

How do I fix high memory usage in Windows 11?

1. Check the RAM usage in the Task Manager

High RAM usage is usually caused by software acting up or glitching out. The best way to deal with this is to go into the Task Manager and terminate that task.

If you’re having trouble successfully terminating the processes, check outhow to close Task Manager processes.

2. Disable Startup programs

Startup programs will cloud your PC and use up lots of resources. Nowadays, most of the software you install will start with your Windows.

Disabling all unnecessary startup programs and only keeping those crucial to your system will keep things running optimally.

3. Disable the SysMain service

The SysMain service preloads software that you frequently use to the RAM to access quickly. First, try disabling the feature to see if it fixes the issue.

4. Defragment your hard drive

If you’ve been using your device for a long time before finally upgrading to Windows 11, your disk might need to be cleaned and optimized.

Thankfully, you can quickly fragment your hard drive without needing to install any third-party software.

5. Scan the system for malware

The Windows Firewall malware database gets updated every week, but the idea of a virus breach is not out of the question.

If you tried scanning your computer and nothing bad came out, you need to use something better to eliminate the malware.

Many tools can thoroughly scan your device for the newest malware and take action against any threats, including spyware, adware, and other cyber attacks.ESET HOME Security Essentialis an excellent example in that regard.

ESET HOME Security Essential

6. Make sure you meet the system requirements

If you keep running low on RAM while using Windows 11, your system might not be good enough to handle the operating system.

You need at least 4 Gigs of RAM to run it, but for the OS to run well, you need 8 GB, or 16 if possible. Check out our detailed post onWindows 11’s system requirementsto find out more.

How much RAM is the standard for Windows 11?

If you want toupgrade your desktop computer or laptop to Windows 11, the device has to have at least 4 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM).

While it is the minimum to operate Windows 11, you will need 8GB of RAM for better performance.

Does Windows 11 eat more RAM?

There are several reasons why Windows 11 could utilize more RAM than previous versions. The most important one is that it significantly improvesWindows 10in many ways.

It is a powerful operating system that provides a wealth of features but places a significant demand on the device’s hardware.

For a more detailed answer, check out ourpost on Does Windows 11 consume more RAM?

Is 80% RAM usage bad?

If you notice that your RAM usage is about 80% or more, you shouldn’t be concerned immediately. All the currently running software will most likely use your RAM.

For example, if you are using Google Chrome and have multiple opened tabs, your RAM usage will naturally skyrocket, and it’s not concerning.

High RAM should never be considered a problem unless no apps are opened, and the computer is experiencing this while idle; in this case, there are many reasons.

Users reported a plethora of similar issues that we will be addressing below. First, however, here are the most common ones:

How do I clear my RAM cache?

You could use the Windows Refresh tool that Microsoft provides; this tool removes all applications from your computer and leaves it in a new state.

However, other tools are more powerful and designed solely to assist your computer in regaining its groove and functioning as though it has recently been subjected to a factory reset.

Memory cleaners are programs that scan your computer and fix any issues that they find. They do this by defragmenting your hard drive, repairing the registry, and freeing up your computer’s memory by removing unnecessary or duplicate items.

However, some memory cleaners go above and beyond this essential function. So are these7 memory cleaner softwarethat we have hand-picked for you to try out.

Is 40% RAM usage normal?

Any amount close to 40% of your total RAM usage is considered normal because your Windows are actively using it.

Of course, the percentage will be lower if you have a high amount of RAM. So, for example, you won’t get 40% RAM usage while idling with 32GB of total available memory.

Since we are talking about efficiency and system resources, why don’t you check this article aboutenabling efficiency mode on Edgeto make the best of your device?

High RAM usage on Windows 11 will negatively affect your system’s flow, so solving this problem is mandatory. Let us know in the comments area below if you managed to do so.

High Memory Usage in Windows 11: How to Reduce It in 6 Steps#

How do I fix high memory usage in Windows 11?#

1. Check the RAM usage in the Task Manager#

2. Disable Startup programs#

3. Disable the SysMain service#

4. Defragment your hard drive#

5. Scan the system for malware#

ESET HOME Security Essential#

6. Make sure you meet the system requirements#

How much RAM is the standard for Windows 11?#

Does Windows 11 eat more RAM?#

Is 80% RAM usage bad?#

How do I clear my RAM cache?#

Is 40% RAM usage normal?#