The Pagefile is a file used by Windows that is kept on the hard-drive. Pagefile is also known as Virtual Memory. It acts as an additional cache for things that might be kept in RAM, but stored this way because either RAM is too full or the data might be needed to made persistent.
If you frequently run out of RAM, increasing the pagefile will help to keep your programs running properly could stop crashes caused by low memory.
Some things you need to know
- Data stored in the in the Pagefile is not optimal as hard-drives are much slower to access then in physical RAM.
- Important: Pagefile/Virtual Memory is not recomended on SSDs as the file can be written to and read from fairly frequently and can cause premature wear on the drive. If you’re not worried about wear, you may still set a page file.
You may also move the pagefile to a mechanical drive or set the file to a static amount.
Also to note: as SSD tech matures, the agility of flash increases thus lowering potential wear.
Changing the settings
Use Cortana to search for “Advanced system settings“:
Clicking into Advanced system settings will bring up the “System Properties” view. In the “Advanced” tab, click “Settings…” under the “Performance” section:
This will bring up the “Performance Options” view. Continue to the pagefile settings by clicking “Change…” under “Virtual Memory” in the “Advanced” tab:
Lastly, you should be presented with the “Virtual Memory” view where you will be able to control your pagefile settings:
You can set a static size, move the pagefile to another drive or simply let Windows take control of the virtual memory with dynamic allocation.