A window pops up not enough memory. What to do if there is not enough virtual memory. Insufficient RAM

When working with heavy programs, many Windows 10 users periodically encounter a system message about insufficient memory on the computer. What this warning indicates, what kind of memory is in question, and what needs to be done in this case, we will talk in this article.

To free memory for programs to run normally, save the files, and then close and restart any open programs.

Naturally, the message is about the RAM and virtual memory of the system, and not the place on the hard disk. Among the most common reasons for the appearance of a warning about insufficient memory are:

1. Too many running programs or processes
2. Not enough random access memory (RAM) on the computer for normal operation
3. Incorrect paging file configuration (or disabling it completely)
4. Out of space on the system disk, due to which the dynamic paging file cannot grow
5. Memory leak in one of the programs

The amount of RAM and the number of running applications

The first and second reasons, I think, do not require any special comments and are closely related. The solution is to increase the RAM size on the computer by purchasing an additional memory strip (for modern system for comfortable work, there should be at least 4 GB of RAM) and / or close unused resource-intensive applications (how much memory a particular process / program consumes using the task manager).

Setting up the swap file

As you probably know, the paging file is an extension of the computer's RAM and is a hidden pagefile.sys file on the system disk, into which Windows flushes the data of unused (but running) programs from RAM.

By default, the paging file size in Windows 10 is controlled by the system (and that's okay). There are MSFT recommendations (simplified) that in modern Windows it recommends setting the initial (minimum) paging file size equal to the amount of physical memory (RAM) installed on the computer. However, the maximum paging file size is limited to three times the amount of physical RAM. However, these recommendations are often violated by the users themselves or by all sorts of "system optimizers". In the event that the available space in this file is insufficient to accommodate new data pages of running applications, Windows may issue warnings about insufficient computer memory.

By definition, a paging file on disk is slower than RAM, so the more data is stored in it and the more actively it is used, the more the system will slow down from the user's point of view. Naturally, the decision to add more RAM is better than increasing the paging file size.

To avoid the warning, verify that the paging file is enabled and change the minimum and maximum paging file size.

Insufficient hard disk space

Make sure that the Windows system disk has enough space to accommodate the paging file of the sizes specified in the paragraph above. Everything, of course, is individual, but in the modern user edition of Windows, when the system disk has less than 8-10 GB of free space, this is not very good.

Memory leak

You can find a process with leaked memory using the task manager (Ctrl + Alt + Del), for this go to the tab Details and sort the processes by column Memory.

Look if there are any programs with abnormal memory consumption in the list (naturally, you need to be aware that there are resource-intensive applications in nature: games, graphics and video editors, a browser, etc.). Try updating / reinstalling / removing such a program (everything is very individual here, perhaps a bug with a specific program has already been described by the manufacturer or on a specialized forum). In some cases, it is worth checking whether it is enabled (this function sometimes helps a lot to save RAM).

In the event that the memory leak is associated with one of the drivers or system components, the utility will help determine the problem driver Poolmon (the technique is described in the article).

User question

Hello. I am trying to install one game, but when installing it, I get an error that there is not enough RAM!

How can you free her? Yes, by the way, the minimum of those. game requirements - PC meets. Is it possible to somehow tune the PC so that it consumes less RAM?

Good day!

In general, the question is pretty standard. With a shortage of RAM, not only errors may appear, with messages from Windows that "there is not enough memory ...", but also brakes can simply be observed, for example, when you open an application (often the PC does not respond to commands at all).

In general, Windows has a built-in mechanism for cleaning up memory, although it does not always work "as needed." This article will show you how to clear memory (release (more correct word in this context)) , as well as what to do to more efficiently "use" RAM. So...

To help!

Programs for cleaning memory in 2 clicks

Advanced SystemCare

An excellent program for optimizing and speeding up Windows. Allows you to remove all junk from your PC in a few mouse clicks, defragment disks, protect against viruses and threats. As for our topic of the article, the program has performance monitor (to open it just right click on the Advanced SystemCare icon (it appears in the tray next to the clock after installing the program) ).

After the performance monitor is open - look at the upper right corner, there will be a small window informing you about the CPU and RAM load. Actually, you need to click on the clear memory button (red arrow in the screenshot below), and after a moment - the memory will be freed from all unnecessary. In my opinion, the cleaning was done, just in 2 clicks!

Memory cleared in Advanced SystemCare - 1261 MB memory freed

Wise Memory Optimizer

A very simple and at the same time effective utility for freeing and optimizing memory. After installing and launching the program - you just need to press one button "Optimization" (your memory will be cleared in a couple of seconds!). The program supports Russian, is free, works in Windows 7, 8, 10.

By the way, it is possible to configure automatic optimization when the memory load reaches, say, up to 85%. Convenient - nothing needs to be started manually (i.e. once configured - the program will automatically optimize your memory).

What to do if there is not enough memory

Tip # 1: buy a memory stick

Perhaps this is the most effective and practical advice, especially since now prices for memory are quite democratic (especially if we are not talking about some newfangled things)... When you install one more additional memory strip, your performance will increase in a way that no program will do (unless, of course, the reason for the brakes is precisely the lack of RAM).

Tip # 2: close unused applications

For some reason, many users do not close applications, but simply minimize them (even in those cases when they are not going to use them at all in the near future). As a result, as new applications are opened, the amount of memory used grows and the computer starts to slow down.

Note: in some cases, even when you close the program, its process may remain hanging and load the memory and CPU of your PC.

Therefore, I recommend that when the first brakes appear - open the task manager (shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and see which apps are using the most memory. If the list contains applications that you are not currently using (let's say some browser) - just end the process.

Tip # 3: tabs in the browser

Because the browser is now one of the most necessary and popular programs, I want to focus on it. The fact is that many users have dozens of different tabs open in their browser. Each open tab is an additional. load on the CPU and RAM of your PC. Try not to open a bunch of tabs, especially when you don't need to.

Tip # 4: check startup

Many programs add themselves to startup during installation. And of course, when Windows starts, they are loaded into memory. (but whether they will be needed when turning on the PC is not yet known ...)... Therefore, I recommend configuring Windows startup.

First, open the system configuration:

• press the button combination Win + R;
• enter command msconfig;
• click OK.

Note: on newer versions of Windows, this tab will contain a link to the Task Manager. It is in the task manager, for example, in Windows 10 that startup is configured.

System Configuration - Startup Tab

By the way, note that Windows shows the impact on loading in front of each application: low, medium, high... Of course, first of all look for apps that have a high impact on downloads.

Tip # 5: restarting explorer

In some cases, the conductor can load your memory very heavily. (and not only her)... In these cases, it is recommended to close it and restart it.

To do this, just open the task manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc buttons), and right-click on Explorer - select "Restart", see the screen below.

If you closed the explorer, then you will have a black screen and nothing else on it. It is enough to reopen task Manager, press file / new task , and enter the command explorer... This will launch a new explorer.

New task (explorer)

Tip # 6: disable unnecessary services

There are many services in Windows, and by default, many of them are enabled and running. While, many users simply don't need some of these services. It is logical to save PC resources (especially if there are brakes) - you need to configure them, disable everything unnecessary.

To open the list of services, press:

1. Win + R (so that the "Run" window appears with the line "Open");
2. enter the command services.msc and press Enter.

Next, disable the services you don't need. For example: if you don't have a printer and fax, then you don't need services: "Print manager ", "Fax"... The list of services that need to be disabled will be individual for each user.

In general, this topic is quite extensive, I considered it in this article: (I also recommend optimizing your Windows).

Tip # 7: set up the swap file

By default, Windows automatically installs a paging file that is used to "expand" your RAM. In general, in most cases, the system itself corrects it and it is not worth interfering in its work. But in some cases, manually setting the paging file can slightly improve the computer's performance.

To configure the swap file: first open the tab \\ System and Security \\ System ... Next on the left in the menu, open the link "Additional system parameters".

Then you need to open the subsection "Additionally" , and go to the tab "Parameters" (see subheading performance, screen below).

How to set up the swap file:

• the optimal paging file is considered to be about 1.5 times the amount of installed RAM (too large a swap file won't speed up your PC!)... By the way, the more RAM you have, the less swap file, as a rule;
• if you have 2 ÷ 3 hard disks on your PC - place the swap file on the fastest of them (it is also recommended to place the paging file not on the system drive with Windows (if possible));
• the paging file is hidden by default. To see it, enable it in Explorer, or use Total Commander. The paging file is called pagefile.sys (don't delete it by accident ...).
• by the way, it is recommended to defragment the paging file. There are specials for this. utilities:

Tip # 8: performance options in Windows

By the way, when you configure the paging file, do not close the Windows performance settings. In the tab "Visual effects" check the box next to "Provide the best performance" ... It will also affect the responsiveness and speed of your PC.

Provide the best performance

In addition to this, I also recommend installing the classic theme, turning off gadgets, etc. all the bells and whistles and applications that inexperienced users love to install. All this takes up enough memory, and of course slows down the PC.

That's it, I hope you won't see errors with insufficient memory anymore.

This instruction tells you what to do if, when you start a program, you see a Windows 7 or 8 (or 8.1) message that the system does not have enough virtual or just memory and “To free up memory for the normal operation of programs, save the files and then close or restart any open programs. "

I will try to take into account all possible options for the appearance of this error, and also tell you how to fix it.

Which memory is insufficient

When in Windows 7, 8 and Windows 8.1 you see a message that there is not enough memory, it means first of all RAM and virtual memory, which is, in fact, a continuation of the RAM - that is, if the system does not have enough RAM, then it uses file swap windows or, alternatively, virtual memory.

Some novice users mistakenly mean free space on a computer's hard disk by memory and wonder how this is: there are many gigabytes of free space on the HDD, and the system complains about a lack of memory.

Reasons causing the error

In order to fix this error, first of all, you should figure out what caused it. Here are some possible options:

• You have opened a lot of things, as a result of which there is a problem with the fact that the computer does not have enough memory - I will not consider how to fix this situation, since everything is clear here: close what is not needed.
• You really have little RAM (2 GB or less. For some resource-intensive tasks, 4 GB of RAM may not be enough).
• The hard disk is full to capacity, so there is not enough space on it for virtual memory when automatically adjusting the paging file size.
• You yourself (or with the help of some optimization program) adjusted the paging file size (or disabled it) and it turned out to be insufficient for the programs to work normally.
• A separate program, malicious or not, causes a memory leak (gradually begins to use all available memory).
• Problems with the program itself that is causing an "out of memory" or "out of virtual memory" error.

If I'm not mistaken, the five described options are the most common causes of the error.

How to Fix Out of Memory Errors in Windows 7, 8, and 8.1

And now, in order, about how to fix the error in each of the listed cases.

Low RAM

If your computer has a small amount of RAM, then it makes sense to think about buying additional RAM modules. Memory is not expensive now. On the other hand, if you have a very old computer (and old-style memory), and you are thinking about purchasing a new one soon, the upgrade may not be justified - it is easier to temporarily come to terms with the fact that not all programs start.

Low hard disk space

Despite the fact that the volumes of today's HDDs are impressive, I myself have often seen that a user has 1 gigabyte or so of free from a terabyte - this not only causes the error "not enough memory", but also leads to serious brakes during work. It is not worth bringing to this.

Well, the main advice is that you should not store a lot of films and other media that you will not listen to and watch, games that you will no longer play and similar things.

Windows paging file setup gave an error

If you manually configured the Windows paging file settings, then there is a chance that these changes led to the error. Perhaps you did not even do it manually, but tried some kind of program designed to optimize Windows performance. In such a case, you may need to increase the paging file or enable it (if it was disabled). Some old programs will not start with virtual memory disabled at all and will always write about its lack.

Memory leak or what to do if a separate program takes all free RAM

It happens that a separate process or program begins to intensively use RAM - this may be caused by an error in the program itself, the malicious nature of its actions, or some kind of failure.

You can determine if there is such a process using the task manager. To run it in Windows 7, press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager from the menu, and in Windows 8 and 8.1, press Win (logo key) + X and select Task Manager.

In Windows 7 Task Manager, open the "Processes" tab and sort by the "Memory" column (you need to click on the column name). For Windows 8.1 and 8, use the Details tab, which gives you a visual overview of all the processes running on your computer. They can also be sorted by the amount of RAM and virtual memory used.

If you see that some program or process uses a large amount of RAM (a large one is hundreds of megabytes, provided that this is not a photo editor, video or something resource-intensive), then you should figure out why this is happening.

If this is the program you want: Increased memory usage can be caused by both normal operation of the application, for example, during automatic updates, or operations for which the program is intended, or crashes in it. If you see that a program is using a strangely large amount of resources all the time, try reinstalling it, and if that does not help, search the Internet for a description of the problem in relation to a specific software.

If it is an unknown process: it may be something malicious and it is worth checking your computer for viruses, there is also the option that this is a failure of some system process. I recommend searching the Internet by the name of this process in order to figure out what it is and what to do about it - most likely you are not the only user who has this problem.

Finally

In addition to the described options, there is one more: the error is caused by the instance of the program that you are trying to run. It makes sense to try downloading it from another source or to read the official support forums for this software, there may also be described options for solving problems with insufficient memory.

Progress does not stand still, the released applications and programs put forward all new requirements for technical specifications User's PC. To watch videos of high quality and good editing, you need to spend a lot of processor resources. Constant updates operating system are leaving less and less space on the hard drive, and the installed applications take up almost all of the RAM. As a result, the user can turn on their computer and detect an out-of-memory notification.

If we consider memory as a resource, then for all programs and applications it is of the greatest value. As soon as it starts to be missed, the user, regardless of what operating system he has, will see the following message:

There is no unambiguous reason, you need to consider the situation as a whole:

• too small amount of RAM;
• the swap size is either not large enough or is completely absent;
• a large number of running processes that constantly need to consume computer memory;
• too much information on the hard drive;
• the presence of viruses and other malicious software on the computer, the installation of programs whose developers put forward high demands on memory consumption.

Each situation must be considered separately and eliminated without any effort.

RAM

Random access memory is the space in which information is stored. This data then goes to the central processor for further processing. Provided that its volume is too small, the computer starts to malfunction, it slows down, and as a result, there is an error about insufficient memory.

A very common practice is those situations when only one are written on the official website of the developer minimum requirements to RAM, and when working with installed applications, much more memory is consumed. For example, the program "Adobe Premiere" has a minimum volume requirement of 8 GB, but at the same time it consumes much more, up to absolutely all free space.

Advice! If the RAM has not been updated for a long time, the user has an old PC, then it is advisable to buy additional modules in a specialized store. When buying, you should focus only on your budget.

Paging file

It is understood as virtual memory. If the RAM is some information on this moment does not use, then it is sent to the swap file. This is necessary in order for the RAM to perform urgent and priority tasks, and then everything else. It is also needed in order to make faster access to available data.

Therefore, it is very important to have a paging file, namely virtual memory, even if the user has a lot of RAM. If the size is insufficient, the system may give an error, so the next step is to increase the amount of virtual memory.

Consider these actions using the example of Windows 7 OS:

1. You need to find the icon "My Computer" on the desktop, click on it with the mouse and in the top menu "Open Control Panel".

   

2. In the "View" section, you can select the size of the icons, you need to change the indicator to "Small". In the window "Configuring computer parameters", the user will find the "System" section, which must be clicked once.

   

3. On the left side, you need to find "Additional system parameters", which you need to click again once. The system will make a request for consent, to which you need to press the Enter key or answer "Yes".

   

4. The user will be taken to the "System Properties", where in the top menu, select the "Advanced" section. At the very top there is a block "Performance", where on the right you need to click on "Parameters".

   

5. The performance parameters will open, where you need to click on "Advanced" again, find the "Virtual memory" block and click on the "Change" button there.
6. The final window is "Virtual memory", where the user will see a checkbox next to the item "Automatically select size ...". This checkbox must be removed, find the item "Specify size" and write your data in this line. For the changes to take effect, you need to click on "Set" and complete "Ok".

   

Advice! The debate continues about the size of virtual memory to be specified in this column. Experts recommend prescribing the value that is 150% of the total amount of RAM. However, you can choose another volume at your discretion.

Processes

It should be understood that a process is a collection of any information that an application cannot do without during operation. If the user starts the program, then it will automatically create 2 or more processes, which can be both system and own. It is important to know that each of the processes takes up a certain amount of RAM.

To see this information, just go to the "Task Manager", namely in the "Processes" tab.

If the RAM is small, then some processes will simply not have enough space to perform the assigned tasks, as a result of which a corresponding window from the system will appear about the lack of memory.

Decide this problem can be done very easily with the dispatcher. To get into it, it is enough to simultaneously press the "Ctrl", "Shift" and "Esc" keys, and carefully look at the amount of memory consumption. Provided that the total value is more than 95% ("physical memory" at the bottom of the window), it is enough just to close those applications that the user is not currently using. To do this, you can use the button in the lower right corner "End process".

HDD

It is the main repository of available data. Moreover, it also contains a swap file. Provided that the hard disk is almost completely full, the system will give errors about insufficient memory, and in general, it will not work correctly.

Dealing with this problem is quite simple, just get rid of extra files and applications. The Ccleaner program can be an excellent helper. It is effective for both Windows 7 and later users, including Windows 10.

One application

Considering processes as the cause of the lack of memory, it was agreed that sometimes only one application can occupy all the free. Often these are malicious programs that were purposefully developed for these purposes. It is not difficult to find such software:

Now you can start uninstalling.

It is worth noting that when this error occurs, most often you need to pay attention to the amount of your RAM, namely, to focus on the first reason. Buying additional modules almost always solves the problem of insufficient memory.

Video - Windows 7 computer is low on memory, what is it

The Android operating system is installed on most mobile devices. It's no secret that smartphones and tablets can easily replace a computer or laptop in their capabilities thanks to powerful hardware and a large amount of memory. There are a huge number of applications for this OS. According to official statistics, almost 2 million programs have been downloaded in the Play Store. Many owners of portable devices, especially inexperienced ones, install a lot and store a lot of photos, videos and other files. The peculiarities of the mobile operating system over time lead to the appearance of an error indicating that there is not enough free memory. As a result, it is almost impossible to use a smartphone or tablet, since the speed of work slows down, and it is simply impossible to save a file or update installed programs.

The error "not enough space in the device memory" is okay - it can be easily eliminated

What can be done when this error appears on Android, despite the fact that in fact there is still free space? Let's find out why this message appears, and also look at ways to solve the problem.

Reason for the message

If you have it, chances are it has a decent amount of internal storage. The best choice devices with at least 16 gigabytes of memory are considered. However, not everyone can afford to purchase such a "capacious" device, so they have to be content with 8 or even 4 gigabytes. And if someone has an old gadget, the storage capacity can be measured even in megabytes. Obviously, what more space, all the better. But even if you have a sufficient amount of internal memory, this does not mean that you will never have such a problem. You will most likely encounter it a little later.

The Android operating system is designed so that applications and temporary files primarily use internal memoryeven if you have an SD card installed. Latest version the operating system generally has a problem with full support for the flash drive. Apparently, Google wants to follow the path of Apple, abandoning memory cards altogether.

For the first time, the error "not enough space in the device memory" can be encountered on the very first day of work, trying to install a large number of programs from the Play Store. If you managed to avoid this, during operation, the entire application cache (temporary files) will gradually take up device memory.

Even if you transfer applications to the card, some of the files required for operation will still be stored on the internal storage. The more often you use programs, the faster free space can run out. The leaders in memory consumption are games, especially modern and demanding ones, as well as browsers and various instant messengers. For example, if you actively communicate through the popular WhatsApp in Russia, chats and received media files will gradually fill up the free space. Some applications are not transferred to external storage at all, since the developers did not foresee this possibility.

So, what can be done if the system says that there is not enough free space, although in fact it is?

How to free memory

You can free up device memory on Android using various means, both built into the system and third-party utilities. Let's consider each of the options.

Cleaning of temporary files

The most affordable option for fighting for free space on the device is from temporary files using the settings menu. To do this, go to Settings and open the Memory section. You will see how much space is left, how memory is allocated, and how much space each type of content takes up. To clear the cache, click on the corresponding item in the menu. After a few seconds, the system will show how much space has been freed.

Some mobile device manufacturers install additional utilities that cannot be downloaded from the Play Store, which are equipped with a system cleaning function. Explore the capabilities of the firmware, and if necessary, use it for its intended purpose.

Using special cleaning utilities

The Play Store has a whole section dedicated to applications for deleting temporary files and monitoring system status. Enter the Play Market, enter Cleaner in the search bar and download the required utility. The leaders in popularity are Clean Master and SD Maid. They give control over the system and allow you to free up a significant amount of device memory. For some functions you will need. To clean it, run the application, select the appropriate menu item, mark the files that you want to delete, and wait until the process ends.

Clearing the cache via Recovery

Sometimes it turns out that cleaning Android with standard system tools, as well as third-party programs, does not bring results - the error still appears. In this case, you can try clearing the system cache. Put your Android smartphone or tablet into Recovery mode. To do this, simultaneously hold down the power and volume buttons up. The keyboard shortcut may differ for some brands and models. You can find information on how to put your device into Recovery mode on our website.

In the main recovery menu, select the Wipe Cache Partition section, and after the end of the process, reboot in normal mode. As a result of the procedure, personal data will not be affected, and memory will be added, since all temporary files will be deleted.

Transfer apps and files to SD card

Another effective method can become the transfer of applications to the memory card. This may slow down the application speed. It should be remembered that some manufacturers deprive the user of the program transfer function using standard system tools. In this case, you will need to get root rights and use third-party utilities.

Let's immediately consider the process of transferring to a USB flash drive using standard means. Go to Settings - Applications. In a few seconds, you will see how much space each program takes up, and you can sort by that parameter. Find the application you are interested in in the list, click on it. If transfer is possible, you will see an active "Transfer to SD card" button. Transfer the largest programs, and then do not forget to clean the device using the appropriate programs. You get more free space on your internal storage.

If some application cannot be transferred, get root rights and try to transfer data using the Link2SD utility. Remember that you will use such software at your own peril and risk, and in the event of their incorrect operation, you yourself will be responsible for the damaged device.

Removing unnecessary or rarely used applications

Despite your best efforts, you still don't have enough memory? Make a revision of the installed programs on your Android device. Perhaps you have software that you use very rarely or never use at all, but it takes up precious space. Open application settings, select the program you don't need at the moment, and uninstall it. If you actively use social media, we advise you to use the mobile versions of the site through a browser, instead of installing clients. The same Facebook can take up to 400 megabytes.

Reset app preferences

With prolonged and active use of some applications, their size can grow to be obscenely large. Such a sin is seen in many programs. We advise you to periodically delete the data of the most "voracious" programs. This will free up precious megabytes and improve the stability of Android. To do this, go to Settings - Applications, select the desired program from the list, and then click on "Clear data". All settings will be reset.

In some cases, only resetting the settings of all programs can help, especially when the system is unstable due to overflowing memory, giving other errors along the way. To do this, open Settings - Applications - All, press the menu button and select "Reset settings".

Resetting system settings to factory defaults

Well, the last but the most effective remedy is to reset the device to factory settings. You will lose all data, but your device will work like new. You can perform a reset both through the settings menu and through the Recovery mode. In the first case, you need to go to Settings - Restore and reset - Reset settings. In the second, transfer the device to, select wipe data / factory reset. After that, go through the procedure of setting up your Android smartphone or tablet from the very beginning.

Conclusion

Obviously, the memory shortage problem is popular with Android device owners. This problem can be solved in several simple ways, but in most cases it will not be possible to completely get rid of it. We can only hope that Google in its future updates to the operating system will make sure that the internal drive is not clogged with all kinds of garbage.

Do you often encounter this problem? Share your experience with it in the comments.