10+ ways to free up RAM on your Windows or Mac device (2023)

As you use up all the available memory on your computer, your device may struggle to complete tasks. If you find that applications on your computer often crash and simple tasks take longer, you might be wondering how to free up RAM on your computer.

What is RAM memory?

Your computer's random access memory (RAM) is stored on a memory chip, usually located on the motherboard. This is where your computer stores short-term data. RAM is the storage center for all active and running programs and processes. Your computer uses information stored in RAM to perform tasks while simultaneously receiving and executing other functions.

When you use all available RAM memory, yourComputer performance may decreasebecause it does not have the necessary memory to carry out its tasks. Freeing up RAM gives your computer a chance to perform tasks. Depending on your computer, there are different ways to free up RAM space.

Here's How to Make the Most of Your RAM

It can be easy to consume your RAM as it supports a lot of features. Before you start removing programs from your computer, try these quick fixes to free up RAM space.

restart your computer

The first thing you can try to free up RAM isrestart your computer. When you restart or shut down your computer, all your RAM (saved data) is cleared and programs restart. This can kill some processes and programs running in the background that are using up your RAM.

update your program

It is important to run the latest versions of software and applications on your computer. Older versions of software and apps can take up more memory to process, slowing down your computer.

Try another browser

You could also try switching browsers, as some are known to use more data than others. If you haven't already, try a browser like Chrome or Firefox, which are generally good browsers.memory management.

clear your cache

If you are still low on RAM, the next option is to try clearing the cache. Sometimes your cache can take up a lot of disk space as it uses RAM for storage functions. The cache stores information that your computer uses to reload pages you've viewed before, rather than downloading them again. This can save you time while browsing, but if you're low on RAM, you can sacrifice it with minimal effect.

Remove browser extensions

many of youdaily work and home computinghave been simplified through the use of browser extensions. However, they also require storage space, so you should consider disabling or removing your extensions.

5 ways to free up RAM in Windows 10

If you're still having trouble freeing up your RAM, it could be that you have too many programs and apps without knowing it. Try these five ways to free up RAM on Windows 10 computers.

1. Scan memory and clean processes

You should monitor your computer's RAM usage so you don't run out of your supply before you really need it. To monitor your computer's memory, you can navigate to Task Manager to check processes. Here you can see which programs are running and how much space they are taking up.

To find your computer's memory:

1. Hold down the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys to open the Task Manager.
2. Select the "Processes" tab.
3. Click on the Storage column to see how much storage space they take up.

Now you can see which programs are taking up the most time and space on your computer. If you find something suspicious consuming your memory, consider removing programs you don't need or use.

2. Disable unnecessary startup programs

If you've been using your computer for at least a few years, chances are you've downloaded a fair amount of software that you've forgotten or no longer use. Once the Processes tab tells you which programs are taking up the most memory, you should go to the Startup tab to stop those that you no longer need.

To disable startup programs:

1. In Task Manager, select the Startup tab.
2. Click Startup Impact to sort programs from high to low usage.
3. Right-click to disable any unnecessary programs.

Startup programs are those that are activated when the computer starts up. When these programs are launched, they each occupy a small amount of RAM in the background without your permission. After a while, all software and programs can be added. Be sure to disable or remove the ones you don't need.

3. Stop running background apps

The next items that could be taking up RAM are your apps, which are set to automatically run in the background. You may have been using your computer for years before you noticed that some of these apps were eating up your RAM. This can quickly drain your memory, battery, and data bandwidth.

To exit background apps:

1. Go to computer settings.
2. Click on the "Privacy" category.
3. In the left pane, scroll down to Background Apps.
4. Disable any apps you don't use.

Apps are usually automatically configured to run in the background on your device. This allows them to see notifications and automatically update the software. Disabling this for apps you don't use can save RAM.

4. Clear pagefile on shutdown

When you restart your computer, paging files are not deleted or reset because they are stored on the hard disk instead of RAM. So if the RAM is storing files on the page, it won't be cleared with the rest on shutdown.

Deleting paging files on your hard drive will erase any RAM that may have stored them and help your computer run efficiently. You can set this to automatically clean up when the computer shuts down, just like RAM. To do this, open the registry editor:

1. Type "Registry Editor" into the Start menu search bar.
2. Click Yes to allow Registry Editor to make changes to your device.
3. Scroll left to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and select it.
4. Scroll to select "SYSTEM".
5. Select "Current Control Set".
6. Locate and select "Controls".
7. Scroll to select Session Manager.
8. Find and select "Storage Management".
9. Select ClearPageFileAtShutdown.
10. Enter the number "1" under the value data and click OK.

5. Reduce the visual effects

With improved technologies, there are many more possibilities for visual and computer effects. For example, you can disable animations and application icons that use memory for unnecessary effects. If you're low on RAM, there are some effects you can postpone until you free up more memory.

To access visual effects on your computer:

1. Open your file explorer.
2. Right-click "This PC" on the left to select Properties.
3. Click "Advanced System Settings" on the left.
4. Select the "Advanced" tab.
5. Select Settings from the Performance category.
6. Go to Adjust for best performance.

This setting disables all animated features on your computer. This frees up more storage space for you, but severely limits your computer's aesthetics. However, on the same tab, you can also customize which visual effects you want your computer to run.

5 Ways to Free Up RAM on Mac

For Mac users, there are many useful tools to monitor and free up RAM on your computer.

1. Repair Finder (also close Finder windows)

When you open a new Finder window, the data that each window displays is stored in RAM. Adjusting Finder preferences can cause your folders to open in tabs instead of new Finder windows.

To open Finder Preferences:

1. Click on Finder in the upper left corner of the screen.
2. From the drop-down options, right-click on "Settings".
3. Enable this option to open folders in tabs instead of new windows.

There is another way to clear RAM by merging Finder windows. To do this, select the "Window" drop-down menu instead of Finder. From there, select "Merge All Windows" to consolidate all Finder windows in one place. This saves disk space and tidies up your desktop.

2. Check Activity Monitor

To keep track of RAM usage on Mac, you can check Activity Monitor which shows how much memory is being used and what it is using. Use Activity Monitor to see which apps are taking up the most of your storage space. Delete the ones you no longer use.

To check Activity Monitor:

1. Search for "Activity Monitor" in the Spotlight search bar (Command + Space).
2. Click on the Storage tab.
3. Remove unwanted apps.

3. Check CPU Usage

You can also use Activity Monitor app to check status and CPU usage.The CPU is your central processing unit., and executes instructions from computer software information stored as RAM.

To monitor your CPU, simply select the "CPU" tab before the "Memory" tab. Here you can see if apps require more computing power than others.

4. Cleaner programs and apps

If you want to have a healthy and consistent amount of RAM, you need to keep your computer clean and tidy. A cluttered desktop will consume disk space much more quickly because macOS sees each icon on the desktop as the active window. Even if you think you can't organize your files, putting everything in a common folder can free up a lot of RAM.

5. Free up disk space

If you find that your RAM is completely full but you still need storage space, you can use your Mac's free disk space, known as virtual storage. This extra storage space resides on the Mac computer's hard drives so that it can continue to run applications. The feature is always on, but to use virtual memory you need to check if there is space in the driver's memory to swap.

Additional Ways to Free Up RAM on Windows or Mac

The best thing you can do is be proactive with your computer's memory so you don't have to worry about freeing up disk space. Use these additional ways to keep your RAM free.

Install a memory/RAM cleaner

If you feel like you don't have the time or you just can't get your computer organized, there are memory cleaner apps to help you out.Sanitize your computer. Many of these cleaners have special features to remove apps or extensions and allow users to manage their startup programs.

increase memory

You can always add more RAM to your computer if you have a lot of data that you don't want to delete. Buying and installing RAM is easy for a desktop computer, but it can be a hassle for laptops. Make sure you invest in the right type of RAM for your computer, as well as the right amount for your specific storage needs.

Scan for viruses and malware

When you download software programs or extensions to your computer, they most likely have a virus or malware attached to them. Once you have malware on your computer, it can steal your information and your RAM. To avoid ingestion of malware or viruses, tryPanda Security Antivirusto protect your computer and storage.

Now is the time to put an end to the file accumulation. Many of your computer's files take up space in RAM without you noticing. Now you know how to safely rid your computer of these unused files and free up RAM so your computer can run more efficiently.

Sources:Team Hope|Central do Windows|high technology|DigitalTrends