pagefile.sys is too big >20GB

Question

I run windows 10 with 8GB of ram and 128GB SSD. I am constantly bombarded with warnings about being low on memory and Windows wants me to close some application. I looked into this and found out more about the pagefile system. I let windows handle all memory allocation so now it grabs 20GB of my HD space and still throws errors about not having enough memory. I have to restart my PC at least once a day to clear the memory issue but it always comes back. Why is windows having so much trouble with memory allocation and what is the fix? 

Thanks

Answer 1

You can also change the size of the page file space to the same value for both minimum and maximum file size. Since the page file is only used as a quick access dynamic memory for current OS needs, it does not need to be more than, for example, 2048 mb. You could also try 1024 mb, if the system seems to run slower than before, increase the page file size. 

Type "Control Panel" in the Cortana search box, then select "Control Panel, Desktop Application" in the search results.

With Control Panel view open, select "System". 

Select "Advanced System Properties". 

Click on the "Advanced" tab. 

In the Performance field, select/click on "Settings"

In the Performance Settings window, click on the Advanced tab.

In the "Virtual Memory" field, click on "Change..."

Next, uncheck the "Automatically manage Page file size for all drives", then click on the "Custom Size" button.

Next, enter the desired page file size in the "Custom  Size" fields.

Either enter a minimum and a maximum page file size in the fields, or enter the same file size in both fields.

With the same page file size in both the minimum and maximum size fields, the paging file will be a fixed constant size, helping to minimize SSD wear and file fragmentation.

My system has 16Gb of RAM and the constant paging file size is set to the recommended 2932 mb allocation, on the D:\ drive, for all drives.

Answer 2

I will post the error when it happens again. When I check the TaskManager, the physical memory is always around 50 to 60% utilized, never maxed out.  Chrome usually has the most memory 0.5 to 2GB depending on how many pages are open. Should I look at something else in TaskManager? 

Thanks

Answer 3

• What is the exact error message you receive?
• Did you check the Task Manager for applications with memory leaks?

Answer 4

Ok sounds good, I am now checking for memory leaks per the instructions on this page: 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/determining-whether-a-leak-exists

I will report back when I am out of memory. 

Thanks

Answer 5

Should I look at something else in TaskManager? 

Yes, you must check for memory leaks!