How to free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting: 8 easy methods

Last update: 28/02/2025

How to free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting it

You need to know How to free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting itWindows 11 is an efficient operating system, but over time, the RAM can fill up and affect the performance of the computer. And in fact, it directly affects the fluidity of the computer.

In this article you will learn how toHow to free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting it and above all, ultimately, to improve the performance of your PC without interrupting your daily tasks. Don't worry, as always, this is a tutorial written by experts and we will explain it to you step by step so that you don't get lost. 

Why does the RAM memory fill up in Windows 11?

How to free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting it

RAM is essential for system performance, as it stores temporary data for running programs. However, with continued use, some processes can take up too much RAM, causing slowness and crashes. This can be due to the following:

  • Background apps not closing properly.
  • Browsers with many tabs open.
  • System processes that consume excessive resources.
  • Accumulation of temporary files.
  • Using heavy programs without enough available memory.
  • Outdated drivers causing memory management issues.

To avoid slowdowns, it is important to free up space in the RAM without having to restart the computer. In any case, and as we always say, en Tecnobits We have a team of software and hardware experts and that is why if you use the search engine you will find very interesting related articles. An example of this is this one about What is DDR4 RAM and how good is it compared to DDR3? We also have this envelope How to see RAM speed in Windows 10 that may interest you

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Close unnecessary applications and processes 

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A quick way to free up RAM is to close programs and processes that are no longer used:

  • Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • Go to the Processes tab.
  • Find the programs that are consuming the most memory.
  • Right click and select End Task.

This will free up memory by closing processes that are no longer needed, allowing the system to regain performance immediately.

Disable background apps

Windows 11 Startup Apps

Many apps continue to run in the background, consuming RAM unnecessarily. To disable them:

  • Press Win + I to open Settings.
  • Go to Apps > Background Apps.
  • Disable non-essential ones.

This will prevent them from taking up resources when you are not using them, improving your computer's performance on a daily basis.

Optimize browser usage

Browsers can consume a lot of RAM, especially if you have a lot of tabs open. To optimize their usage, do the following:

  • Close tabs you don't need.
  • Use extensions that manage the RAM, as “The Great Suspender.”
  • Clear cache and cookies regularly.
  • Use optimized browsers like Microsoft Edge or Brave, which manage resources better.

Reducing the browser load can free up a significant amount of memory. Pay attention because the browser can be one of the sources that consume the most and that is why it has to be a priority within this how to free up RAM memory in Windows 11 without restarting it.

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Use Windows 11 Memory Cleanup

Clean up your hard drive with Disk Cleanup in Windows 11

Windows 11 has tools to free up RAM without restarting:

  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
  • Go to the Performance tab and select Memory.
  • Check consumption and close unnecessary processes.
  • Use Disk Cleanup (Win + R and type cleanmgr).
  • Turn on Storage Sense in Settings to have the system clean up temporary files automatically.

Deleting temporary files will also help improve your computer's performance.

Disable unnecessary visual effects

Visual effects may consume additional memory. To reduce their impact:

  • Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
  • Go to the Advanced tab > Performance > Settings.
  • Select Adjust for best performance.

This will improve system speed by reducing the load on RAM without compromising the system's appearance too much.

Increase virtual memory

If RAM is insufficient, you can increase virtual memory:

  • Open Settings (Win + I).
  • Go to System > About > Advanced system settings.
  • Under Performance, click Settings.
  • Go to Virtual Memory and increase the paging file size.
  • Set a custom value based on the size of your RAM (usually twice the physical memory is a good starting point).

This will allow the system to use some of the storage as additional memory and improve performance.

Use programs to free up RAM

There are tools designed to optimize memory usage, such as:

  • RAMMap: Allows you to view and free occupied memory.
  • Wise Memory Optimizer: Helps manage RAM usage automatically.
  • CleanMem: Reduce unnecessary memory consumption.
  • Process Lasso: Manage processes in real time to improve system efficiency.
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These programs can help improve system performance efficiently without the need for constant manual intervention.

Check drivers and system updates

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause excessive RAM usage. To ensure your system is up to date:

  • Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for any pending updates.
  • Access Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
  • Expand the System Drivers category and update important drivers.
  • Restart any processes that have been optimized after the update.

Keeping your system up to date can prevent performance issues and improve RAM efficiency. And that's all the methods on how to free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting it.

How to free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting it: conclusion

Knowing how to free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting is key to maintaining system performance. By applying these strategies, you can optimize resource usage and ensure smooth operation without having to restart your computer. From closing unnecessary processes to optimizing the browser and increasing virtual memory, all of these actions will help improve your PC's efficiency and ensure a smoother, more responsive experience. We hope this article has helped you learn how to free up RAM in Windows 11 without restarting it. See you in the next article! Tecnobits!