Reasons for Using Hard Drive as RAM on Windows 10
On Windows 10, it’s possible to let part of your hard drive work the same way as RAM (Random Access Memory). What is RAM? It is also known as virtual memory which is crucial for system stability. By adding RAM, you’re able to improve the performance of your PC.
Now the question is – how to use hard drive as RAM on Windows 10. I’ll offer you a guide with detailed steps to increase virtual memory of Windows 10 so as to boost the computer performance a bit more.
Tutorial on How to Use Hard Drive as RAM on Windows 10
The process of setting up virtual RAM on Windows 10 can be roughly divided into two stages: determining how much virtual memory is needed and configuring the virtual memory.
Stage 1: Determining the Virtual Memory Needed
There is no accurate answer of how much virtual memory is the best choice. Therefore, the amount of virtual memory mainly depends on your actual needs.
- How much RAM you have
- How much you tend to use at most
If you are not sure about this, you need to check first.
The first way:
Open all the programs and applications you would normally use at the same time; if you discover your system become slow or unstable, this indicates more virtual memory is needed.
The second way: how to test by using Task Manager.
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del or typing Task Manager into Windows search and click on this desktop app from search result.
- Shift to the Performance tab and then select Memory from the left pane.
- Take a look at the value under Committed (which is the total of your RAM and virtual memory). The number on the left side is how much in use and the number on the right is how much available at most. If the left number is close to the right one, you have to increase your virtual memory.
Stage 2: Configuring the RAM by Using Hard Drive
Microsoft allows you to use an external hard drive as RAM on Windows 10. You should open Control Panel, access Advanced system settings, and choose the external hard drive to configure manually. Please follow the 12 steps below to set up virtual RAM on Windows 10 now.
How to set up and configure RAM using external hard drive:
- Activate search box by clicking on it in taskbar or by pressing Win + R in the keyboard.
- Type control panel into the search box and click on the Control Panel desktop app from the result.
- Click on System and Security in the main window of Control Panel.
- Click on the System option in System and Security page. Now, you can see clearly of how much RAM you have and how much is usable.
- Click on the Advanced system settings from the left side.
- Make sure that you stay in the Advanced tab.
- Now, click on the Settings button under Performance area.
- Shift to the Advanced tab.
- Click on the Change… button in the lower right.
- Now, you’re able to let Windows Automatically manage paging file size for all drives or type accurate value into the textboxes following Initial size and Maximum size.
- Click on the OK button in all the opening windows to confirm.
- Click on the Restart Now button in the prompt window to apply these changes.
This tells exactly how to increase RAM using hard drive on Windows 10.