In general, users come across “Your Computer is Low in Memory” error message, while running resource intensive programs like Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook on the computer.
The same or similar type of error message is also reported by users playing Call of Duty and other high resource demanding games online games.
While this error message is more common on computers with Low RAM capacity, it can also occur on mid-range and high-end computers with high RAM capacity.
Fix for “Your Computer is Low in Memory” Error in Windows 11/10
If your computer is frequently coming up with “Your Computer is Low in Memory” error message, you should be able to fix the problem using the following steps.
1. Close Browser Tabs and Programs
An easy way to cut down the amount of resources being used on your computer is to close or terminate multiple browser tabs, apps and programs that you are not currently using.
After this, you should find a considerable improvement in the overall functioning of your computer.
2. Close Processes Using High Memory
The next step is to open Task Manager and close Windows processes that are using a high amount of resources on your computer.
1. Right click on Start button and click on Task Manager.
2. On Task Manager screen, right-click on the Program or process that is using High Memory and click on End Task.
3. Repeat the above step to close other applications and services that are using a high amount of memory on your computer.
3. Scan Computer for Malware
High Memory usage can also be caused due to presence of Viruses and Malware on the computer.
You can scan your computer for malware using the Antivirus program installed on your computer and also by using Microsoft Defender Offline Scan.
4. Troubleshoot Windows Store Apps
You can make use of the built-in Troubleshooter in Windows 11/10 to find and fix problems with Windows Store Apps installed on your computer.
1. Go to Settings > System > In the right-pane, click on Troubleshoot.
2. On the next screen, scroll down and click on Other troubleshooters.
3. On the next screen, click on the Run button located next to “Windows Store Apps”.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions as the Troubleshooter tries to find and fix problems on your computer.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Store Apps > click on Run the Troubleshooter option.
5. Increase Virtual Memory
Increasing the amount of Virtual Memory on your computer allows programs to use virtual memory in addition to RAM.
1. Press Windows + R keys > Type SystemPropertiesAdvanced and click on OK.
2. On System Properties screen, click on Advanced tab, scroll down to “Performance” section and click on the Settings button.
3. On Performance Options screen, click on Advanced tab > scroll down to “Virtual Memory” section and click on the Change button.
4. On the Virtual Memory screen, Deselect Automatically manage option, select the Drive and select System Managed size option.
5. Click on OK and Restart the computer to apply the changes made.
6. Run Disk Cleanup
1. Type Disk Cleanup in the Search bar and click on Disk Cleanup App.
2. On the next screen, click on Clean up System files button.
Note: You may be prompted to enter Admin Password.
7. Run System File Checker
Run SFC Scan Command to check the System Files on your computer for Errors.
1. Type Command Prompt in the search bar > right-click on Command Prompt App in the search results and click Run As Administrator option.
2. On Command prompt screen, type sfc /scannow and press the Enter key on the keyboard of your computer.
3. Wait for the Scan to be completed.
Restart your computer to see if the problem is now fixed.
8. Check Hard Drive for Errors
It can take a very long time to check Hard Drive for errors. Hence, use this step only if you suspect the Hard Drive and do not interrupt this process.
1. Type PowerShell in the Search bar > Right-click on Windows PowerShell App and click on Run as Administrator option.
2. On the PowerShell window, type chkdsk.exe /f /r and press the Enter key on the keyboard of your computer.
If prompted to Schedule volume to be checked on next restart, type Y.
3. Close PowerShell Window, Restart your computer.
Patiently wait for Windows to scan the Hard drive for errors and repair bad sectors (if any), as this process can take a long time (5 to 12 hours or more).