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Pagefile.sys is Huge: How to Delete or Resize it
Even if your pagefile.sys is huge, deleting it isn’t recommended
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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If your system drive is runninglow on free space, a huge pagefile.sys might be behind it. The paging file is used as virtual memory and an integral part of your OS.
Though, it can sometimes occupy quite a significant amount of disk space. Today, you’ll learn what you can do about your pagefile.sys size and how to free up valuable storage space on your PC.
Do I need pagefile.sys on my computer?
To answer that you must first understand its role in your OS. When your computer determines the available RAM is insufficient, the paging file steps up, acting as a temporary storage for the data that hasn’t been used recently.
This way, it frees up RAM for other, more important programs. In other words, it helps your computer run smoothly and prevent system crashes even whenphysical memory is heavily used.
The paging file also acts as a backup to your RAM. The latter keeps data only temporarily and resets itself when the PC is switched off or if there’s a power shortage.
In contrast, pagefile.sys store information about the computer’s state much longer, making it accessible even after a crash or power interruption.
The pagefile.sys file can become too large when:
Its large size sometimes makes it a target for those who want to free up some space. However, pagefile.sys is crucial to your system operations, and deleting it could have serious consequences.
If you remove the paging file, you remove your temporary memory storage and RAM backup. This could tank your PC’s stability, slow down its performance, and cause frequent software and system crashes. Delete it at your own risk!
The only scenario in which removing pagefile.sys is maybe safe is when your PC has a much larger amount of RAM (think 32GB and up).
However, that’s not the case with most users, so we’d recommend resizing the file instead or adding more RAM. If anything, you should be thinking aboutincreasing your virtual memory.
Before you can do anything with the paging file, you first need to be able to view it:
Now you should be able toview and manage all hidden files on your PC, including pagefile.sys and its properties.
We suggest you skip directly to the resizing part, but if you’ve chosen to ignore our warnings and are determined to remove it, you can learn how below.
How do I fix a huge pagefile.sys?
1. Delete pagefile.sys
Even if your pagefile.sys is huge, resize it to a smaller value instead of deleting it. This will free up some disk space and allow you to retain vital virtual memory. Reducing is also a much safer option!
2. Resize pagefile.sys
Typically, Windows manages thepaging file size. If you’re wondering what to put, you can follow this rule of thumb: the paging file should be from 1.5x to 3x the amount of RAM installed.
This way, it’s big enough to fit your entire RAM if needed but small enough not to occupy a significant amount of your disk space. Keep in mind that reducing the paging file size or deleting it altogether won’t help with amemory leak.
And there you have it! Now you know what to do when your pagefile.sys becomes huge.
If you’re running low on disk space, you might want to take some measures, e.g.,removing unnecessary programs,reducing the number of startup processes, or regularly updating your system.
Did you manage to fix your low storage space issue? Leave your comments or questions in the section below.
More about the topics:Computer Memory,RAM,Windows 11
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
