It is not uncommon to open the Task Manager and notice that the RAM is fully utilized, particularly if you are using Google Chrome. However, there is no need to worry as this is quite normal. In this article, we will explain how you can partially free up RAM memory in Windows 10 and 11.
Several factors contribute to the high utilization of RAM, particularly for users with 8 GB or less of memory. If you have more RAM, you are less likely to encounter this issue, at least for the time being.
It’s important to note that software, excluding games, can contribute to increased resource consumption. Various technologies and utilities are added over time, resulting in higher resource utilization.
Things you can do to fix the problem
The common advice you often hear in such situations is to purchase more RAM memory. While it is not a bad suggestion, it may not always be feasible or desirable to upgrade or expand your current system. However, there are alternative options available to help you free up RAM memory. In the following sections, we will explore some of these options that can assist you in optimizing your RAM usage.
Do not open many tabs in Google Chrome
Undoubtedly, it is one of the top browsers available today, but its memory consumption can be quite excessive. Despite efforts to optimize memory usage, the problem still persists.
One approach to mitigate this issue is to minimize the number of open tabs and avoid having multiple windows with numerous tabs. While this can alleviate the strain on your system’s RAM to some extent, it is not a foolproof solution. If you heavily rely on this browser for work or other demanding tasks, it might be worth considering upgrading your system’s memory capacity.
Use lighter browsers
While Google Chrome is notorious for its high RAM usage, it is interesting to note that this issue is not prevalent in similar browsers. Google Chrome is built upon the Chromium open-source browser software core. Interestingly, other browsers that utilize this core, such as Microsoft Edge and Brave, do not exhibit the same excessive RAM consumption.
In fact, both Microsoft Edge and Brave consume up to 1 GB less RAM compared to Google Chrome when running the same number of tabs. These browsers offer a comparable experience to Chrome, allowing you to seamlessly install your favorite extensions without any issues.
Disable apps at startup
One commonly overlooked practice is checking the software that runs on computer startup. When we boot into Windows, several applications can automatically launch, often without providing significant utility and merely consuming valuable system resources, including RAM.
To prevent these applications from running on Windows startup, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the Windows taskbar.
2. From the context menu that appears, select “Task Manager.”
3. In the Task Manager window, navigate to the “Startup” tab.
4. The “Startup” tab displays a list of applications that launch during Windows startup.
5. Identify the applications that are not of interest and right-click on them.
6. From the right-click menu, choose “Disable” to prevent the application from running on startup.
If you decide to re-enable a disabled program in the future, simply repeat the process and the option to “Enable” will be available for selection.
Disable Windows Defender
While it is not recommended, there may be situations where disabling Windows Defender temporarily can be considered, such as when playing games on a computer with limited RAM. However, we advise against permanently disabling it and particularly discourage doing so while browsing the internet.
To temporarily disable Windows Defender, follow these steps:
1. Open the Windows search engine and type “Windows Security“.
2. Select the “Windows Security” option to open the security settings.
3. Click on “Virus & Threat Protection” in the menu.
4. Look for the “Manage Settings” option and click on it.
5. You will see the “Real-time Protection” option. Click on it to toggle it to the “Off” state.
To enable Windows Defender again, simply follow the same steps and toggle the “Real-time Protection” option back to the “On” state. It’s a straightforward process without any complications.
Should I upgrade the RAM?
The need to upgrade your RAM depends on your current memory capacity. If you have 8 GB or less, it would be advisable to consider upgrading to 16 GB. However, if you already have 16 GB, it may not be as necessary, although doubling the amount is still a viable option.
Now is a great time to consider expanding your RAM. You can find kits containing two modules that add up to 16 GB for prices ranging from 45 to 60 euros. These are excellent prices that may not remain available for long, as prices are expected to increase towards the end of the year.