Nothing halts productivity as much as a slow computer. Watching your beloved work friend grind to a halt just as you need to finish a project can be one of the most frustrating work-related dilemmas. As time goes on, these problems only get worse.
So without having to go out and lay down the money for a new laptop, how can you actually speed up your computer? The answer lies in RAM, your computers short term process memory. We give our hints and tips for how to free up ram and speed up your device.
What is Ram?
Ram stands for Random Access Memory. Its job is to hold information and short term memory on the programs currently running on your computer. The more RAM your computer has, the more tasks it is capable of performing at once.
When RAM is running low on a computer, it will use a device called the page file to store memory. This is much slower than RAM and will cause your computer to grind to a halt. Clearing RAM space allows your computer more room to remember its short term plans, thus it will not need to use the page file and stay fast.
When your computer turns off, all data in the RAM is lost as it is a short term memory storage. This is why long term files (the items you want to save) are put on a hard or solid-state device.
How to Free Up Ram Quickly
Firstly, try restarting your computer. Much of your RAM will be wiped clean, giving your computer memory capabilities a fresh start. Before you shut down, check for any updates to your software or operating system and allow the computer to upgrade.
Check Your Browser
The second easy fix is to check your internet browser. Some browsers use a lot more memory than others, so it may be advisable to use a new application for surfing the web.
Browser extensions can also cause problems with memory. Try to remove some of the ones you do not need or are not using frequently to speed up the application.
Check System Processes
Using CTRL+ALT+Delete will bring up a list of processes in a menu known as the Task Manager. This will show you all the processes and applications currently running on your system. Select processes and click on memory to see which programs are eating up your RAM.
Any applications that are running in the background but not applicable can be shutdown. Delete any programs permanently if you no longer use them, as they could be starting up every time your system comes on. Doing this will allow your computer more RAM as it will now be running less consuming applications.
Halt Background Apps
Background apps are another type of system process and there is a quick way to disable them. Click on privacy under computer settings. In the panel titled ‘background apps’ turn off those you are not currently using.
If you need the apps later, you can return to this menu and turn them back on.
Check Start-Up Programmes
When you turn your computer on, it can often take a while after the operating system has loaded before it is fully responsive. This is due to start up programs kicking into action using up your computer resources. They can be a memory sapping pain and should be addressed.
Follow the direction above for entering the task manager, but go to the startup menu instead of processes. This will give you a list of the programs booting up when your computer begins. organize them by startup impact and disable or delete any you do not need.
Reduce The Visual Effects on Windows
Windows looks pretty and it is very helpful. But all these effects and handy tips that pop up have a price. That price is RAM.
Open file explorer, click on ‘This PC’ then go to properties and advanced system settings. From here, in performance, you can click ‘adjust for best performance’. This will tell windows to concentrate on cutting down the visual effects and increasing your RAM speed.
How to Clear Ram on a Mac
Most of these tips on how to increase computer memory also work for Mac. However, some command prompts can be different. Click the link below for more information on how to upgrade RAM on a Mac.
https://setapp.com/how-to/upgrade-ram-on-mac
Clear the Page File When Shutting Down
Ram is a short term memory and every time your computer shuts down, the RAM gets cleared. However, the back up for RAM, the page file, keeps any information it is used for. Clearing this should help the speed of your computer.
Click on your start menu and type Regedit. Click on the regedit run command and it will take you to a registry editor. You will then need to go to;
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
After this, click on clearpagefileatshutdown, set the value data field to 1, and click ok.
Fix Corrupt Drivers
Conflicts in driver files can appear over time due to several reasons, mainly updates that conflict with other programs and applications. These conflicts can lead to lots of trouble, one of which is using lots of RAM.
Using the device manager in the control panel, scroll down your list of devices. If you see any with a yellow exclamation mark next to them it means you have a driver conflict. Right-click on the device and update the driver using the command prompt.
Adding More Ram
Of course, a simple but less cost-effective solution to increasing computer memory is to add more physical Ram. Contact an advisor with your computer make and model and let them know what your aim is. They will give your advice and hopefully help you install the extra memory you need.
If our guide on how to free up RAM fails, it may just be time to get yourself a new computer. Our website has offers and great prices along with plenty of advice to help you find a new system that is right for you. Come and browse our website today!
