91 % memory on boot???

Question

Hello, I need absolutely anybody to help me out here, I don't even know what to do. Today I woke up, and the first thing I saw was this monstrosity.

I took this screenshot like 5 minutes after the boot and its just like that ever since, I can't even watch youtube normally without it freezing. Here are some other screenshots i think would be helpful:

Please, if someone would be willing to help, it would be amazing.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Henry! I will help you with this.

I see what you're pointing out now—the RAM itself is nearly maxed out, with only 398 MB available out of 7.4 GB. This is a classic case of running out of memory, which explains the slow performance and freezing you're experiencing.

Since the physical RAM is fully utilized, here are some specific actions to address this:

Quick Fixes

1. Close Unnecessary Applications:
   • In Task Manager, go to the "Processes" tab and shut down any applications you don’t need. Even background apps can be heavy on memory.
   1. Restart Your Browser (Firefox):
      • If you have multiple tabs open, save your work and try restarting the browser. Browser tabs, especially ones with media (like YouTube), can be notorious for memory consumption.
      1. Reduce Startup Programs:
         • In Task Manager → "Startup" tab, disable unnecessary programs from launching at startup.

Medium-Term Solutions

1. Increase Virtual Memory:
   • Since your RAM is being overworked, boosting your virtual memory can help.
   • Follow these steps:
     • Search for “Advanced system settings.”
     • Under “Performance,” click on “Settings.”
     • Navigate to the “Advanced” tab and click “Change” under "Virtual Memory."
     • Set a custom size—try something like 16 GB (initial size) and 20 GB (maximum size).
2. Run a System Cleanup:
   • Clear temporary files using Disk Cleanup to free up space and reduce load.

Long-Term Upgrade

1. Upgrade RAM:
   • Your system has 7.4 GB of RAM installed, but Task Manager mentions only 1 of 2 slots is used. Adding another 8 GB stick would double your memory and give you breathing room for heavier workloads.
2. Switch to a Lightweight Browser or Apps:
   • If upgrading isn’t possible right away, consider using a more memory-efficient browser like Microsoft Edge or Brave.

Let me know how it goes or if you need more guidance—I’m here to help you.

Answer 2

I highly recommend to close out all the apps, and check back if memory consumption is reduced.

If it's still same, I recommend to upgrade the memory for better performance.