Instructions for changing Pagefile size and location on Windows

Occasionally, you will see a fix recommended by the Internet that asks you to change the location and/or size of the pagefile or pagefile.sys file on your Windows PC. The pagefile is a part of your system's virtual memory that Windows uses to extend the memory available for everyday tasks. If you know why you're being asked to do so, follow this guide to change the size and location of the pagefile in Windows.

Change Pagefile Size in Windows

When Windows is running low on physical memory (RAM), it accesses the pagefile.sys system file and moves all the least used bits of memory into that file. The system can then clear physical RAM for any additional tasks. Windows automatically manages the pagefile size by default, so only make changes if you really need to. Windows typically allocates about 1/8 of your total RAM or 4GB (whichever is greater) on your hard drive to the pagefile.

Follow the steps below to change the pagefile size:

Right-click the Windows button, select System , then select Advanced system settings .

In Performance under the Advanced tab , click Settings .

In the Virtual memory section of the Advanced tab , click Change . Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives in the Virtual Memory window , select the paging file drive, and click the button next to Custom size . Enter the Initial size and Maximum size values ​​for your pagefile, and click OK to save the changes.

It's best to restart your system for the changes to take effect. Also, if you're experiencing high memory usage in Windows, try increasing your virtual memory, although this may not completely fix the problem.

Change Pagefile Location in Windows

To change the pagefile location, follow the steps above until the Virtual Memory window opens, then uncheck the box next to Automatically manage paging file size for all drives . Select the default paging file drive, click the button next to No paging file , and click Set to effectively disable the paging file on the drive you selected.

Select the drive where you want to store the paging file, then click the button next to System managed size and click Set to apply the changes. Click OK and close all windows.

Restart your system for the changes to take effect.

You can refer to some articles below:

• What is Hiberfil.sys? How to delete Hiberfil.sys?
• What is pagefile.sys? Can pagefile.sys be deleted?
• What is Swapfile.sys, how to delete Swapfile.sys?