Question:

“Despite having a newly constructed PC with 48GB of physical RAM and running Windows 11, I’m encountering persistent low virtual memory errors. I’ve tried both automatic and manual settings for the paging file size, even setting it to 50GB, yet the problem persists. The physical RAM usage never reaches full capacity, and the page file size seems sufficient. What could be causing these low virtual memory alerts, and how might I resolve the issue?”

Answer:

When you’ve built a new PC with ample physical RAM, such as 48GB, and you’re still receiving low virtual memory errors on Windows 11, it can be quite perplexing. The virtual memory system uses a combination of RAM and a portion of your hard drive, called the paging file, to manage your computer’s workload. Even with your paging file size set to automatic or manually increased to 50GB, these errors shouldn’t typically occur unless there’s an underlying issue.

1.

System Misconfiguration:

Your system settings might not be optimized for your hardware configuration. This includes incorrect BIOS settings that may not be recognizing all the physical RAM.

2.

Memory Leaks:

Certain applications can have memory leaks, causing them to use excessive amounts of virtual memory.

3.

Outdated Drivers:

Out-of-date drivers, especially for your motherboard and chipset, can lead to inefficient memory usage.

4.

Hardware Issues:

Faulty RAM sticks or issues with other hardware components can cause errors that might be misinterpreted as virtual memory issues.

Troubleshooting Steps:

–

Update System Drivers:

Ensure all your drivers are up to date, particularly those for the motherboard and chipset.

–

Check for Updates:

Make sure Windows 11 is fully updated, as patches can resolve known issues.

–

Monitor Applications:

Use the Task Manager to monitor which applications are using the most memory and investigate any anomalies.

–

Run Memory Diagnostics:

Use Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for RAM issues.

–

Adjust BIOS Settings:

Access your BIOS and verify that all your RAM is recognized and correctly configured.

–

Increase Paging File Size Manually:

If automatic settings aren’t working, set the initial and maximum size of the paging file to be at least 1 to 1.5 times the amount of physical RAM.

If after these steps the issue persists, it may be worth consulting with a professional or reaching out to a community of experts who can provide more personalized assistance. Remember, while virtual memory errors are a nuisance, they often signal something that needs attention and can usually be resolved with systematic troubleshooting.