Free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting your computer: Complete guide and updated tips

The RAM in a PC acts as the temporary working space where Windows and all the applications you use store critical information while they run. If you have enough RAM (for example, 16 or 32 GB), you'll rarely notice problems. But if your computer is smaller or you have a lot of programs open, It is common to encounter slowdowns, crashes and even serious failures.

The real problem arises when Windows 11 reaches its memory limit and starts to use virtual memory, which slows down the entire system. Although Windows manages RAM correctly in most cases, Certain applications, background processes, or even small memory leaks can cause it to become completely saturated.. In addition, over time, there may be "leftovers" from closed programs or zombie processes that take up RAM space without contributing anything useful.

Why is it so important to free up RAM?

When should you consider freeing up RAM?

• When you experience sudden slowness when opening programs or switching between browser tabs.
• If heavy graphics games or applications They close unexpectedly without apparent error.
• When you notice that the hard drive is working excessively and the fan keeps running, a sign that virtual memory is being used to the fullest.

How much RAM is enough today?

For basic tasks (office automation, browsing and multimedia), 8 GB may be enough, although 16 GB is the most recommended for average users and 32 GB if you work with video editing, gaming or intensive programming.

Can I free up RAM without closing my open windows?

It depends on how much free space you have and which programs are the culprits. You can free up some by closing only background processes or browser tabs, but if your system is at its limit, you'll eventually have to close some heavy programs.

Is a reboot the only solution? Pros, cons, and alternatives

Restarting your computer is usually the first piece of advice any computer scientist gives for a simple reason: it clears the RAM completely and eliminates residual processes.. It's almost like starting from scratch. However, it is not always the most practical:

• If you have multiple documents open, unsaved work, or long processes in progress, restarting can result in the loss of important information.
• Plus, with modern SSDs and Windows 11, it doesn't take long to boot, but it's still an awkward process to shut everything down and start over.

Luckily, there are numerous tricks and actions you can take before you get to this point. to free up some (or a lot) of RAM without having to restart your entire computer. If you still want to learn more about RAM, we recommend saving this article What is DDR4 RAM and how good is it compared to DDR3?

Practical solutions to free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting

Next you have All the proven and effective methods to recover RAM memory immediately, categorized by their simplicity and practical impact on the system.

1. Close open applications and processes that you do not need

It is the first step and, although it may seem like common sense, Not everyone closes inactive windows or programs after using them.. Additionally, many apps stay open in the background even if you think they're not running anymore.

How to close them completely?

• Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager.”
• In the “Processes” tab, locate applications with high memory consumption.
• Right-click on them and choose "End Task" to close them completely. Note: Make sure you have nothing unsaved beforehand.
• Also check if any app has gone to the system tray (icons near the clock); they're often still open even if you don't see them. Close them from there.

2. Remove unnecessary startup applications

Every time you turn on your PC, Windows 11 can run dozens of programs in the background.Many of them are unnecessary and only consume RAM and resources without benefit.

To manage startup apps:

• Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the tab "Start".
• You'll find a list of programs configured to run alongside Windows.
• Right-click on the ones you don’t want and select “Disable.”
• You can leave only the really necessary ones activated (antivirus, important drivers, etc.).

3. Review and close background applications and services

Some apps continue to consume memory even when you think you've closed them (such as music or messaging clients, syncing programs, etc.). They usually reside in the icon area near the clock on the taskbar.. Click on their icons and close any you don't need using the corresponding option.

4. Close tabs and manage browser extensions

The browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.) is probably the program that consumes the most RAM on most computers, especially if you tend to open dozens of tabs at once or overuse extensions/plugins.

• Close all unused tabs usually.
• Check the installed extensions: Deactivate or delete those that are not essential, since many remain active even if you do not use them.
• Considers opt for browsers that are more efficient in memory management If you're having trouble: Microsoft Edge and Firefox are often better options than Chrome on low-RAM computers.

5. Empty your browser cache and clean temporary files

The accumulation of temporary files and cache can progressively increase memory consumption. Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data from time to time and delete the cache..

Along with this, you can use the Disk Cleanup Windows to delete temporary files globally:

• Search for “Disk Cleanup” from the Start menu and launch it.
• Select the types of temporary files you want to delete and accept.

6. Uninstall apps you never use

We often install programs out of curiosity or stop using others, but associated processes or services continue to load every time we start the PC. Uninstalling programs you no longer need is a sure way to free up RAM and resources.:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
• Select the unnecessary programs and click “Uninstall.”
• You can also do this from Control Panel > Uninstall a program.

7. Use apps optimized for Windows 11

Not all programs consume the same amount of memory for similar tasks. For example, native Office applications typically consume much less RAM than using Google Docs or online editors in a browser, and Windows' built-in email client is lighter than alternatives like Thunderbird. If you have the option, prioritizes the use of apps designed specifically for Windows 11 that they are light and well updated.

8. Control the services running in the background

In Windows 11 Many system and third-party services remain active without you realizing itSome can be disabled if you know what you're doing:

• Access the utility msconfig (search for “System Configuration” in Start).
• Go to the “Services” tab; check “Hide all Microsoft services” (so you don’t disable anything vital).
• Uncheck the services of programs you know you don't use and apply the changes (a restart will be required for them to take effect).

Note here: do not disable services if you are not clear about their function., as this could cause instability or stop you from receiving updates.

9. Scan for malware or suspicious programs

Malware or unwanted programs can remain resident in memory, consuming resources without you knowing it.. Use specific programs such as Malwarebytes to make sure your computer is clean and running properly. Even if you have antivirus, it doesn't hurt to run an additional scan from time to time.

10. Clean RAM using optimization software (with caution)

There are numerous programs that promise to free up RAM automatically with a click. Some can be dangerous or overly aggressive, even shutting down important system processes. If you decide to use them, choose recognized tools and, if possible, paid ones., which allow you to select which processes to close. Among the best-known are Advanced System Care and Driver Booster, but always proceed with caution and never run automatic cleanups without knowing what you're closing.

11. Manage temporary files and storage

Disk space also indirectly influences memory performance, especially when Windows needs to use virtual memory. Turn on Windows 11 Storage Sense to automatically clear temporary files, cache, and the Recycle Bin:

• Go to Settings > System > Storage.
• Turn on “Storage Sense” and set how often you want it to run.
• You can customize which files you want to delete (temporary, downloads, trash, etc.).

12. Optimize the paging file (virtual memory)

The paging file is a space on your hard drive that Windows uses as “virtual memory” when the physical RAM becomes full. You can force it to clean automatically when you shut down your computer., which helps to avoid certain bottlenecks:

• Open Registry Editor (regedit) and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management.
• Look for the value “ClearPageFileAtShutdown” and change it to 1.
• This will cause Windows to empty the page file on shutdown.

Only do this if you're really good at managing the registry and understand the implications. And with that, we've concluded this guide on freeing up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting your computer. But first, let's give you a few last tips.

What to do if your PC is still slow after freeing up RAM?

If despite all these tips your PC is still running slowly, consider upgrading your hardware or performing a more in-depth checkup.:

• Defragment your disk if you are still using HDD (not necessary with SSD).
• Physically clean the computer and check temperatures.
• Back up your important files, and if all else fails, consider reinstalling Windows 11 from scratch to start clean.

With all these tips and tricks, you now have everything you need to free yourself. RAM in Windows 11 without restarting your computerFrom closing secondary programs and processes, controlling startup and services, optimizing your browser, or using automated tools wisely, to tips for your hardware and software. If you continue to experience issues after applying these recommendations, it may be time to consider upgrading your physical memory or reconsidering the use of certain applications. Keeping your system clean, up-to-date, and with memory under control is essential for enjoying a smooth computer and prolonging its lifespan, thus avoiding many of the most common headaches among Windows 11 users. We hope this guide on "Free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting your computer" has been helpful.