How to reduce Windows' reserved RAM and free up system memory
By
Oluwademilade Afolabi
Summary
This article explains how Windows reserves a portion of system RAM for hardware and system processes, often without users realizing it. It details what Windows RAM reservation is, why it happens (system stability, hardware mapping, SuperFetch/Prefetch), and provides step-by-step methods to reduce or reclaim reserved RAM, including adjusting virtual memory, disabling SuperFetch, modifying Registry settings, and using third-party tools. The article aims to help users free up memory for better performance, especially on systems with limited RAM.
Source
Key quotes
· 5 pulledWindows reserves a portion of your RAM for system processes and hardware mapping, often without you even realizing it.
If you're running a system with 8GB or less of RAM, every megabyte counts.
Disabling SuperFetch can free up memory, but it may also slow down app launch times.
The Registry hack is not for the faint of heart — one wrong move and you could destabilize your system.
Before you go tweaking settings, understand that Windows reserves RAM for good reasons — system stability and performance.
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