pagefile.sys too big: How to Reduce the Space Used

The pagefile.sys file can take up a significant amount of disk space. In this guide, we'll explain how to reduce the space used by this paging file on Windows.

Index

• Introduction
• What is pagefile.sys?
• Why does pagefile.sys get too big?
• How to reduce the space used by pagefile.sys
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction

The pagefile.sys is an essential system file for Windows to function properly. However, it can grow to take up a lot of disk space. Let's see how we can manage and reduce the space used by this file.

What is the pagefile.sys?

The pagefile.sys is a file used by Windows as virtual memory. When RAM memory is full, data is moved to the paging file to free up RAM space. This process helps keep the system stable and running.

For more details, you can consult the Microsoft's guide

Why does the pagefile.sys become too big?

There are several reasons why the pagefile.sys can become too large:

• Automatic configuration of paging file size by Windows
• High RAM memory usage
• Applications that require a lot of memory

How to reduce the space used by the pagefile.sys

By following these steps, you can reduce the space taken up by the pagefile.sys:

1. Access advanced system settings:
   1. Press Win + Pause on your keyboard, or from search type "Advanced Settings"
   2. Click on "Advanced System Settings" in the left panel.
2. Configure the paging file:
   1. In the "System Properties" window, make sure you are in the "Advanced" tab
   2. In the "Performance" section, click on the "Settings" button
   3. Go to the "Advanced" tab and in the "Virtual Memory" section, click "Change."
   4. Deselect "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives."
   5. Select the system drive (usually C:), click on "Custom size" and set a starting and maximum value. For example, you can set an initial value of 1024 MB and a maximum of 2048 MB.
   6. Click on "Set" and then on "OK".
3. Restart the system:To apply the changes, you need to restart the computer.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)

What is the paging file?

The paging file, or pagefile.sys, is a system file used by Windows to extend physical memory (RAM) by using disk space.

Is it safe to reduce the size of the pagefile.sys?

Yes, it is safe, but it is important not to reduce it too much. Leaving at least 1 GB of space for the paging file is a good practice to avoid performance problems.

Can I completely disable the pagefile.sys?

It is not recommended to completely disable the paging file, as it can cause system instability and application crashes.