Alexis Kestler
If you‘re someone who frequently opens multiple programs and forgets to close background windows, or if you run resource-heavy tasks all at once, you‘ve likely seen the dreaded "out of memory" error.
As your friend, let me explain what‘s happening here. Essentially, your RAM is maxed out distributing memory to all your open programs. When your operating system is left with no spare memory to run the next app or task, it throws this "out of memory" error.
The good news? In many cases, you can fix this yourself in just a few minutes. I‘ll walk you through some quick troubleshooting steps, explain what causes the error, and give you several methods to resolve it for good. Stick with me, and you‘ll be able to vanquish that "out of memory" message in no time!
First up, try these two fast fixes:
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Close any apps you aren‘t using. This frees up RAM for the programs you need.
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Simply restart your PC. This resets the RAM and often solves the issue.
If you‘re still seeing the error after trying the quick fixes, don‘t worry – we‘ll get to the bottom of this! Let‘s start by going over what typically triggers that "out of memory" warning in the first place:
What‘s Causing Your "Out of Memory" Error
1. Not Enough RAM
This is the most straightforward reason. If your PC doesn‘t have sufficient unused RAM to run a program, game, or other process you‘re trying to start up, you‘ll get slapped with an "out of memory" error.
According to Microsoft, the minimum RAM for Windows 10 is just 2 GB, but for optimal performance, most PCs need at least 8 GB. If you‘re constantly maxing out your memory, an upgrade could be in order.
2. Too Many Startup Programs
When you first boot up your computer, background processes and apps set to auto-launch at startup gobble up RAM. If these unused, lingering programs take up too much memory, there won‘t be enough free space left to open the app or game you want.
3. Outdated Hardware
If you‘re still using an ancient PC from the 1990s or early 2000s, outdated components like low RAM and weak processors often can‘t keep up with today‘s data and processing demands. Upgrading your hardware can help if age is the issue.
4. Memory-Intensive Tasks
Working with big files like editing 4K video, rendering 3D models, or playing a graphics-heavy game requires a ton of memory. Trying to run too many of these types of demanding tasks at once can overwhelm your RAM.
5. Memory Leaks
This techy term refers to programs that fail to properly release reserved memory after using it. Over time, the unused leftover memory chunks build up, leading to the dreaded "out of memory" error.
6. Malware
Sneaky malware like spyware running silently in the background could be eating up your RAM without you even realizing it. Be sure to scan for viruses and other nasties.
As you can see, insufficient available RAM is at the root of nearly all "out of memory" issues. Now let‘s go over your options to take control back from that pesky error message!
Increase Your Virtual Memory
Since low RAM is typically the culprit, the first thing to try is boosting your available memory. Here‘s how to increase your page file, also called virtual memory:
Step 1: Open the About Your PC settings by searching for it or clicking the start menu.
Step 2: On the right, click "Advanced system settings."
Step 3: Choose the Advanced tab.
Step 4: Under Performance, select Settings.
Step 5: Click the Advanced tab again.
Step 6: Select Change under Virtual Memory.
Step 7: Uncheck "Automatically manage…"
Step 8: Click Custom Size and set the initial and max to at least 1.5 times your RAM amount.
This virtual memory basically uses your hard drive space as extra temporary RAM. The more you allocate, the more memory apps can utilize if your actual RAM fills up.
Tame Excessive Startup Programs
As mentioned before, too many auto-starting background apps gobble up precious RAM. Here‘s how to reclaim some of that memory by disabling unneeded startup programs:
Step 1: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Step 2: Go to the Startup tab.
Step 3: Select any high impact apps and click Disable.
This frees up RAM so your most-used programs don‘t run out of memory. Only disable apps you don‘t need launching automatically at startup.
Scan for Malware
Sneaky viruses and spyware could be stealing your RAM. Windows Security can scan for malware:
Step 1: Search for Windows Security and open the app.
Step 2: Click Virus & threat protection.
Step 3: Select Scan options.
Step 4: Choose Full scan and click Scan now.
This comprehensive scan sniffs out any potential infections. Remove anything dangerous it finds.
You can also use a third party antivirus like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender for enhanced protection. Avoid shady software, links, and downloads that could introduce malware in the first place.
Update Outdated Programs
Using outdated apps is asking for trouble. Developers constantly release patches and upgrades that fix bugs, close security holes, and refine performance.
If you suddenly get an "out of memory" error when using a particular program, updating it or reinstalling the latest version often helps.
Overall, be vigilant about keeping all your software up to date – including operating systems, web browsers, media players, and any utilities you use regularly. Modern versions run much smoother.
Restart Windows Explorer
Specifically if the "out of memory" error appears when interacting with files in File Explorer, try restarting Windows Explorer:
Step 1: Open Task Manager.
Step 2: Right click Windows Explorer.
Step 3: Select Restart.
This resets the file managing processes, often clearing any memory issues.
Add More RAM
If you‘ve tried all the above fixes and are still plagued by "out of memory" errors, physically installing more RAM could be your last resort.
Many desktop PCs have open memory slots you can use to add RAM sticks yourself. Laptops are trickier – you‘d need to take it into a repair shop for a RAM upgrade.
Adding more gigabytes of physical memory isn‘t cheap, but it‘s an investment that can give older systems new life and speed up PCs for years to come.
Prevent Future "Out of Memory" Errors
To avoid more frustrations down the road:
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Regularly close unused programs to free up RAM
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Limit the number of auto-starting background apps
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Keep all software updated to latest versions
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Use a 64-bit operating system if possible
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Upgrade to a PC with more RAM if needed
Following these tips will help you avoid and troubleshoot the dreaded "out of memory" error for good!
Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to help walk through tech issues step-by-step. Here‘s to many more hours of smooth sailing computer use!
