The Best 20 Tips To Reduce High Memory Usage Of Your PC

RAM, which stands for Random-Access Memory, is a computer’s short-term memory for active, in-the-moment processes. As a result, your computer can access RAM extremely quickly. It is stored in a memory chip on your computer’s motherboard, which serves as your device’s primary memory hub. It has a significant contribution to the performance of your PC. So, we will discuss today the best 20 tips to reduce the high memory usage of your PC.

1. What RAM Can Do For Me?


RAM is the ultimate multitasker, enabling you to work on one program while loading another. The more RAM your PC has, the more tasks it can complete at once. When your computer slows down, it could be because your programs consume more memory than your RAM can handle.

The RAM is stored on a memory chip that can be found on your computer’s motherboard. RAM is where your computer stores temporary data. RAM is the central storage location for all active and running programs and processes. Your computer uses the information stored in RAM to complete tasks while simultaneously receiving and performing other functions.

2. How Do I Reduce High Memory Usage?


There are some ways to reduce memory usage on your PC. Firstly, you can start by:

  • Try turning off startup items using the task manager.
  • Open the task manager & navigate to startup.

Open the task manager & navigate to startup.

  • Select the apps you want to disable on startup and disable them in the startup menu. This can significantly help when you power up your PC by restricting the apps you don’t need on startup.

Tips to reduce high memory usage

Terminate unwanted programs and processes from the Task Manager

You can permanently turn off the apps you don’t need in the task manager. Open the task manager and select the apps you want to terminate or consume more ram than usual. Then hit disable. Terminate unwanted programs and processes from the Task Manager

Update software to the most recent versions

Although software updates can be inconvenient, you’ll be glad you kept your computer and programs up to date in the long run. Outdated software frequently necessitates more RAM, making updates critical for better RAM allocation. A faster multitasking experience could be just an update away.

Restricting the background running apps

Restricting the background apps can also reduce the memory usage on your PC. Navigate to Windows settings>apps. Then select the app’s advanced menu. You will get an option to select if you want to let the app run in the background. Set it to ‘never’ if you don’t want the app to run in the background. Restricting the background apps can also reduce the memory usage on your PC.

Reducing Windows Visual Effects

Reducing visual effects on your PC can also reduce the ram usage on your PC. Navigate to ‘settings>accessibility>visual effects. Then scroll down to animation effects & turn off the animation effects. Reducing visual effects on your PC can also reduce the ram usage on your PC.

Try out different browsers.

Some browsers are better designed than others for allocating and managing RAM usage. If you rely heavily on one browser and have noticed it is running slowly, this could be the cause. So, if you think your browser takes more ram than usual, you can try a different browser. If you are not a multitasker, try a lite browser.

Try this Extension

You can also try out this Extension called ‘the great suspender.’ The extension forces stop your tabs from opening in your browser, but you are not working on them. You can also set a time out for the tabs. Once you reopen the tabs, the tabs will automatically unsuspend. Try this Extension to reduce high memory usage of your PC

Get the Extension From Google.

Remove any Unused Extensions.

Yes, even those tiny helpful icons at the top of your browser can be memory hogs. If you find yourself clinging to browser extensions you rarely use, it may be time to uninstall them and see if your computer rewards you. When you have a lot of extensions on your browser, it always runs in the background consuming a lot more memory than usual. You can also terminate them if you don’t want to uninstall the extensions & start over again & again.Remove any unused extensions to reduce high memory usage of your PC

Try Rebooting your PC

Rebooting your PCIf you’re thinking about how to clear RAM, the answer may be more straightforward than you think. This can be a step for reducing RAM usage, as with most other issues your devices may encounter, simply restarting your computer when your PC is out of memory. Because RAM is only used for running programs, rebooting your device will clear your RAM. Some processes may be running in the background without your knowledge, and restarting tells those processes to stop and restores your RAM.

As mentioned earlier, these methods can reduce memory use very effectively.

3. What Causes High Memory Usage?


The overcrowding of numerous internal processes primarily causes the high memory usage issue. As a result, it aids in eliminating unnecessary programs and applications. If you are gaming online work on Excel or Google spreadsheet programs, the memory usage will be high. Nowadays, modern video editing apps take up a very high RAM. This also goes for modern games. If you are looking for what caused this high memory, use Open the Task Manager and look for any unnecessary programs.

4. What Is Good Memory Usage?


Generally, when you power on your PC and open the task manager afterward, you will find how much ram your PC consumes. When the computer is idle, the amount of RAM needed by system processes is used. Your operating system determines that. For Windows 10 & 11, it should be approximately 15-20% of your total memory. Most Linux distributions use less memory than Windows, so this would be approximately 10% of your total memory. Here is an illustration: 

  • 30% usage of ram on startup or when the PC is idle is a good memory use for a 4GB RAM
  • 20% usage of ram on startup or when the PC is idle is a good memory use for an 8GB RAM
  • 15% usage of ram on startup or when the PC is idle is a good memory use for a 16GB RAM

The less usage of RAM indicates that you have fewer apps running in the background.

5. How Do I Check My Memory Usage?


How do I check my memory usageChecking your memory usage is one of the easiest ways. Firstly Open task manager from your PC. Click on the performance tab & you will be able to see your memory usage.

6. How Do I Clear My RAM Cache?


RAM cache memory is a tiny portion of your system’s standard memory. Still, it operates at a very high speed, allowing applications/programs to use its speed to run their users faster. However, the free cache memory can decrease due to memory leaks or corrupt exe files, causing your computer to slow down. How do I clear my RAM cache

  • The easy way to clear a PC’s ram cache is by opening the task manager and observing which app takes up space. And disable them. 

7. How Do I Clear My RAM Cache in Windows 10?


We can use the theory I mentioned above to clear the ram cache on Windows 10. But apart from that, we can also clear the ram cache by turning off startup items. Follow the below-mentioned method:

Open the task manager & navigate to the startup

How do I clear my RAM cache Windows 10Select the apps you want to disable on startup and disable them in the startup menu. This can significantly help when you power up your PC by restricting the apps you don’t need on startup.This can greatly help when you power up your PC by restricting the apps you don't need on startup.

8. What Percent of Memory Usage is Normal?


Windows immediately reserves some of your memory, even if you don’t need it. This is done in preparation for use. This reserve can range between 20%-30% of the ram you have. Over 30% usage of ram is a high use of memory.

A PC should be using 1.8 to 2.4 GB of RAM on startup. The operating system itself uses 1.8 to 2.0 GB of RAM. The absolute minimum for your operating system is nearly a GB of RAM. So, with only the OS running, Windows 10 or 11 with 4 GB of RAM has only 2 to 3 GBs available for other programs.

9. How do I free up memory on my laptop?


  • Uninstall unnecessary apps and programs.
  • Close unwanted programs and processes from the Task Manager.
  • Reduce Visual Effects
  • Disable startup programs
  • Restricting the background running apps

10. How much free memory should I have?


A standard PC should have used around 1.8 to 2.4 GB on startup. If you’re not using any app and your PC is idle, you should have the rest of your memory free.

  • 2 GB free ram on startup or when the PC is idle is a good memory use for a 4 GB RAM
  • 6 GB free ram on startup or when the PC is idle is a good memory use for an 8 GB RAM
  • 12 GB free ram on startup or when the PC is idle is a good memory use for a 16 GB RAM

But remember, if your GPU reserves some memory for your hardware, these numbers will vary.

11. How do I know if my PC needs more memory?


If you want to reduce high memory usage from your PC, you should upgrade your PC’s memory. Out of RAM can cause the forced closing of apps, and apps meant to be run in the background are not run correctly. And another way to check your PC’s RAM usage is by opening the task manager. Then click on the performance tab & you will be able to see your memory usage. If the memory usage is high and you don’t have at least 10% of your RAM free. You should upgrade your RAM.

12. How much memory is too much?


There is nothing like having too much RAM in terms of performance. However, there is no benefit to having more than 16GB if you use your PC for Basic work. But if you do gaming or other professional work, 24-32GB of RAM is enough.

13. Is 8 GB of RAM good?


8 GB RAM is considered Enough for essential home and office use. But 8 GB of RAM is the bare minimum for any gaming PC. With 8 GB of RAM, you should be able to play the most released games without issue; however, some games may not play at their highest quality, and you may need to close other applications.

14. How can I tell if my computer uses all my RAM?


To check which apps or services are on your PC, Open the Task Manager and click on the memory option. Now you will see which app or service uses most of your RAM.

You can learn and turn off the process that takes too much ram through this process.

15. Should you clear the RAM cache?


Yes, you should clear your ram cache as it gives you more free ram and the PC runs smoothly when you have free ram. Some methods are mentioned above on ‘how to clear your ram cache.’

16. How to Reduce High Memory Usage: Clean Your RAM


If you want to clean your ram, there is no virtual way. You have to do it physically. You can remove the ram from your ram slot and gently clean it with a toothbrush. This will clean your ram. Don’t use water when you are cleaning your ram. Then gently put the ram back in your PC.

17. What is the difference between memory and storage?


Memory refers to the location of short-term data, whereas storage is the component of your computer that allows you to store and access data over time. Storage is typically in the form of a solid-state drive or a hard drive.

18. What happens when RAM is total?


When you use up your RAM, your computer’s performance may suffer because it lacks the storage needed to complete its tasks. When you free up RAM space, your computer can perform tasks.

19. Which of the following symptoms might indicate a problem with your computer memory?


You are randomly crashing or rebooting when performing memory-intensive tasks such as gaming, Photoshop, etc. Graphics distortion on your computer screen. Failure to boot or long beeps repeatedly indicates a problem with your computer’s memory.

20. More FAQ Tips To Reduce High Memory Usage Of Your PC


Is 70 percent RAM usage normal?

No, 70% usage of Ram is not normal. You should check which apps are causing more ram usage. It would be best if you terminated them or uninstalled them.

Is 20% RAM usage normal?

Yes, 20% ram usage on an idle PC is very normal. It indicates that your PC is in optimal condition.

How much memory should my laptop be using?

It depends on the purpose of your PC. If your PC is idle, 20% ram usage is good.

What is average CPU and memory usage?

10-15% CPU and 20% memory usage are expected. 

How many GB do I need for a home computer?

4-8 GB of ram is enough for a home computer if you do essential work and are not gaming.

Is 8 GB RAM enough in 2022?

Most modern PCs and laptops are now shipped with 8GB ram onboard. If you are not a multitasker and want to do basic stuff such as multimedia consumption and Word or Excel, 8 GB ram is enough in 2022.

Is 16 GB RAM enough?

16 GB ram is enough for modern computers. You can do basic to heavy multitasking tasks on this amount. And modern games should run on it too.

How much RAM do you need for Windows 10?

At least 4 GB ram is required for a Windows 10 PC to run at optimal performance. 

How do I increase RAM?

There is no virtual way to Increase your ram, and if you feel a shortage of your ram, you should upgrade your ram physically. 

Is 8 GB memory good for a laptop?

Yes, 8 GB of ram is enough for a laptop if you do essential work. Nowadays, modern laptops come with at least 8 GB of ram.

Does high memory usage slow down a computer?

Yes, high memory usage slows down a computer, and some apps and programs can crash if you are out of ram.

Is 32 GB RAM enough?

Yes, 32 GB ram is enough on a modern PC. You can play games offline and online, which are high in memory use, and you can also use them for your professional jobs.

Is 8GB RAM enough for Windows 11?

8GB of ram is enough for Windows 11, but if you want to do more professional jobs or gaming, you should consider adding another 8GB.

Should I upgrade my RAM from 8 GB to 16 GB?

You can check with the task manager if you feel like you are out of memory. I mentioned the process earlier. Then if you see 8 GB ram is not enough for you, you should consider upgrading it.

Is 12 GB RAM enough?

12 GB ram is also enough for modern computers as 16 GB. You can do basic to heavy multitasking tasks on this amount. And modern games should run on it too.

Is 6 GB RAM enough?

Technically, 6 GB RAM is enough for office and essential work. But upgrading your ram to 8 GB is better if you have an extra RAM slot left.

Is 8 GB RAM enough for office work?

Yes. 8 GB ram is very suitable for office work.

Is it better to have more RAM or storage?

There are no such things called too much ram or storage. If you require extra ram and have money for it, you can upgrade these. But if you do not require extra ram or storage, you should not waste your money on it.

Is 4 GB RAM enough for Windows 10?

We believe that 4 GB of RAM is sufficient to run Windows 10 without difficulty. In most cases, running multiple (basic) applications simultaneously is not a problem with this amount.

Conclusion


Lastly, RAM (random access memory) is one of the most critical components in determining the performance of your system. RAM provides temporary storage and access location for applications. RAM saves the information that your computer actively uses to be retrieved quickly. So, to reduce high memory usage, you need to keep your ram clean and uninstall unused apps from your PC. And there is not a thing as too much ram. If you can afford to use a minimum of 8 GB of ram and want to upgrade it, upgrade it by questioning yourself if you need it. Otherwise, don’t waste your money on extra ram that you won’t need anyway.

Leave a Comment