How Do You Fix the “Your Computer Is Low on Memory” Error on Windows 7/8/10/11?

Last updated on December 31st, 2024 at 2:30 pm

Are you constantly getting messages saying “your computer is low on memory” on your Windows device? Then, don’t panic. From exhausted RAM to system malfunctioning — there are several reasons behind the problem.

But, most causes are easy to fix without any hassle. So, let’s see how to fix the “your computer is low on memory” error.

Other Error Messages Related to Low Memory

You might not only see the “your computer is low on memory” error message. Some Windows users have reported the following related errors as well:

Your computer has insufficient memory (but it does not).

Some users report that when this alert appears, PC memory functions appropriately. However, the computer seems to misinterpret various memory indicators.

Your computer is running out of memory for Claymore.

This cryptocurrency miner appears to use excessive memory, resulting in low memory alerts.

Your computer’s memory is low, which causes black screen problems.

Low memory errors can also cause black screen issues, forcing users to restart their computers.

CutePDF Your computer is running out of memory warnings.

CutePDF is a PDF converter that frequently displays low-memory warnings. These messages are typically displayed when users attempt to print converted PDF files.

Excel requires more memory on your computer.

The low memory error message can sometimes be difficult to save an Excel file.

Your computer’s memory is running low for games like Dying Light, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and others.

If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably seen this error message a few times. Because games use large amounts of memory, they frequently cause low memory errors.

11 Methods to Fix “Your Computer Is Low on Memory” Error on Windows

No matter what type of low-memory error you are getting, there is a solution to fix it. After exploring the Microsoft community and many other online guides, we found these methods perfect for fixing the problem:

Method 1. Turn Off Programs Taking Too Much Memory on Your Device

Some processes that use a lot of memory will almost certainly give you a low memory error on your computer. In fact, when Windows OS has a high RAM or CPU usage issue, the following method of terminating the process that is using too much memory in the Task Manager is beneficial. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. To open a menu, press “Ctrl + Alt + Del” and select “Task Manager.”

Step 2. Under the Process tab, you can see which processes consume the most memory. Select “End task” from the context menu when right-clicking the process name. This should solve your issues.

End task

Method 2. Use Windows Troubleshooter

If a program or something else fails to function properly on your Windows 7/8/10/11 system, the Your Computer is low on memory error message may appear. In this case, you can resolve the problem by running Windows Troubleshooter and performing system maintenance.

Step 1. In the search box, type Troubleshooting.

Step 2. Select “View All” from the left panel and “System Maintenance.”

Use Windows Troubleshooter

Step 3. Select “Next” and wait for your system to complete the troubleshooting process.

Method 3. Run SFC Scans

You may also receive the error if your system files, such as registry files, are corrupted. For example, Windows computers have insufficient memory. To check for system file corruption, use Microsoft’s System File Checker. This utility tool can check the integrity of all protected system files and repair any damaged ones.

Step 1. In the Search box, enter cmd. Select Run as Administrator from the context menu when you right-click Command Prompt.

Run as Administrator

Step 2. Type the sfc /scannow command and hit Enter.

scannow

Step 3. Once the scanning process has finished, restart your computer. The issue will be resolved if corrupted system files cause the computer to run out of memory.

Method 4. Expand Your Virtual Memory

You can solve the computer’s low memory problem by increasing virtual memory. However, because there are no apps for this, follow the steps below to do it manually:

Step 1. Type sysdm.cpl in the Run dialog box, then click “OK” to open System Properties.

Step 2. Navigate to “Advanced system settings.”

Step 3. On System Properties, click “Settings” in the Advanced pane.

Step 4. In the Advanced pane, click “Change.”

 Expand Your Virtual Memory

Step 5. Untick the option next to “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”

  • Select “Custom Size.”
  • Then, set “Initial size” and “Maximum size.” (Your sizes should be larger than the Recommended size.)
  • Finally, click “Set” and then “OK.”
manage paging file size

Method 5. Scan Your Entire System

Some malicious files may alert you that your computer is running low on memory. The same programs will prompt you to download specialized software to resolve low-memory issues.

Of course, this is a scam, and you should not download or install anything on your Windows 11 computer.

In this case, you only need a powerful antivirus program and an antimalware tool. Then, to remove malware, run a full scan on your computer.

You can use the built-in antivirus in Windows or third-party antivirus solutions like McAfee, Norton, etc.

If malware infection was the main cause behind the low-memory error, the low-memory pop-up should disappear after using a security tool.

Method 6. Upgrade Your RAM

If you don’t have sufficient memory and frequently experience a computer low memory problem, you can upgrade your RAM. RAM upgrades can pace up your computer and reduce system freezes and hangs.

It is ideal not to attempt this if you are not a computer professional. Instead, you can seek assistance from a computer expert.

Method 7. Update Your Windows OS

Ensure you have the latest Windows version. Microsoft releases Windows updates regularly to improve system stability and address various issues. Updating your Windows operating system to the current version is one solution if your computer runs out of memory.

Step 1. Launch “Settings” on your Windows 11/10/8/7 computer. To see if a new version of Windows is available, go to “Update & security” and click “Check for updates” below the Update status.

windows update

Step 2. If there is an update is available, install it immediately and restart your computer.

Method 8. Disable Startup Programs

If you have a lot of startup programs, you might be bothered by the computer running out of memory. We recommend disabling these startup programs in this case. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Press the Win + R keys together.

Step 2. Type msconfig in the run command box and press Enter.

Step 3. On the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager, then right-click on one of the programs and select Disable.

Disable Startup Programs

Method 9. Check Disk Errors

You can use Command Prompt to perform a disk check.

Start Command Prompt as administrator and enter the chkdsk C: /f command. C should be replaced with the letter of your hard drive partition.

 Check Disk Errors

If you do not use the /f parameter, chkdsk displays a message indicating that the file needs repairing but does not correct any issues.

The chkdsk D: /f command can detect and repair logical problems with your hard drive. Run the /r parameter as well to repair physical issues.

Method 10. Delete Temporary Files

Another helpful way when your computer is low on memory is deleting junk and temporary files and folders. Here’s a free PC disk cleanup tool to help you get it done quickly.

Step 1. Go to Start, type Disk Cleanup, and run the program.

Step 2. Choose the disk you want to clean. Then, the tool will calculate how much space you can save.

Delete Temporary Files

Step 3. Choose Clean up system files.

Method 11. Uninstall Latest Programs

Uninstall any new software that you have recently installed on your computer.

Go to Start and search for the Control Panel. Next, select the recently added program(s) and click Uninstall.

Parting Remarks

RAM cleaners and optimizers are programs designed to increase the amount of memory available on your computer.

You can use any of them to increase the memory available in Windows 11, which is a less expensive option than purchasing additional RAM. Buying new RAM, on the other hand, is just as effective.

These are the best 11 solutions for dealing with the Your Computer is low on memory Windows error by our expert team.

If you cannot resolve these issues after following these guidelines, you should consider increasing your RAM. If you have further questions, please leave a message in the comments section below.

Moreover, you can check other Windows guides and fixes on this website.

Author Bio:

Dinesh Lakhwani

Dinesh Lakhwani, the entrepreneurial brain behind “TechCommuters,” achieved big things in the tech world. He started the company to make smart and user-friendly tech solutions. Thanks to his sharp thinking, focus on quality and the motto of never giving up, TechCommuters became a top player in the industry. His commitment to excellence has propelled the company to a leading position in the industry.

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