Move pagefile sys to another drive
Show On Windows 10, virtual memory (paging file) is a feature that stores unused, modified pages in RAM (random-access memory) to the hard drive allowing to prioritize more physical memory for more frequent processes and apps. Using this process helps to improve performance and reduces the chances of the system, locking up if it runs out of memory. Although for the most part, the feature works automatically, if needed, you can move the paging file (pagefile.sys) to another drive to increase the overall performance, or if you work with reads and writes intensive applications, then you want to reduce the number input/output (I/O) activity on the main drive. Whatever the reason it might be, Windows 10 includes an option to move the page files to another drive using the Settings app. In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to move virtual memory to another drive. How to move virtual memory to another driveTo move the Windows 10's virtual memory file to a different drive, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will automatically create a new pagefile.sys file containing the virtual memory content in the new location to improve performance. As a rule of thumb, you should only move the pagefile.sys file to another drive that's equal or better in performance than the main drive with the Windows 10 installation. For example, if you're using a traditional rotating platters hard drive, you can use another Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid-State Drive (SSD) to store the virtual memory. Still, if you're using an SSD, it wouldn't be very logical to move the paging file to a mechanical drive. If this is the case, it would be best to install Windows 10 on the SSD to improve performance, rather than moving the virtual memory. In the case that you no longer need this configuration, or it's not working as expected, you can revert the changes using the same instructions, but on step No. 9, make sure to check the Automatically manage paging file size for drivers option and continue with step No. 16 and the remaining steps. The above instructions use the option that allows Windows 10 to automatically configure the size of virtual memory, but if you want to adjust this setting manually, you can refer to this guide. Confirming virtual memoryIf you want to confirm that virtual memory is working on the new drive, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, you know if Windows 10 is using the new location for virtual memory. If you want to hide the system files again (recommended), you can use the same instructions, but on step No. 5, check the Hidden items option, and on step No. 8, check the Hide protected operating system files option. Get the best of Windows Central in in your inbox, every day! Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community. Should pagefile be on C drive?Keep your page file on the C:\ drive with your Windows Operating System. Leave the default LET WINDOWS MANAGE THE PAGE FILE SIZE.
Is it okay to delete pagefile sys?Pagefile. sys is an extremely important file when it comes to keeping your Windows computer running smoothly. It helps give your PC's RAM more breathing room when physical memory can no longer hold more data. You can delete it, but only do so when you know your computer's RAM has enough capacity to stand on its own.
Why is pagefile sys so big?Otherwise known as 'virtual memory', a huge pagefile. sys can indicate that it might be time to upgrade the system's RAM and that virtual memory is being relied on too heavily. Virtual memory is only used when RAM reaches its limits and only the least-used data that are typically held in RAM is sent there, usually.
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