High RAM usage in Windows 11: why it happens and what to do
High memory usage in Task Manager is not always a problem. What matters is whether the PC is actually slowing down and which program is using the memory.
1. Find out what is using memory
Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and click the Memory column on the Processes tab to sort it. The program at the top is most likely the cause. A browser with many open tabs is one of the most common culprits.
The Performance > Memory page shows In use and Available separately. Windows uses part of the free memory as a cache for frequently used files; that memory is handed back as soon as a program needs it, so it counts as "available".
For a more detailed view of how much each program uses, Microsoft's Process Explorer can help.
2. Reduce startup apps
Programs that start automatically every time fill up memory from the start. On the Task Manager > Startup apps tab, Disable the ones you don't need. For a detailed list: Autoruns.
3. Close programs you don't use, and restart
Some programs use more and more memory the longer they stay open. Closing and reopening them, or restarting the PC, is often enough. If a program's memory keeps growing even while it sits idle, it may have a bug; update it or report it to its developer.
4. If "Runtime Broker" uses a lot of memory
Runtime Broker is a Windows component that manages permissions for Microsoft Store apps. According to Microsoft, if it uses more than 15% of memory, an app on the PC may have a problem. You can right-click Runtime Broker in Task Manager and select End task; if the problem continues, find the app causing it and update it.
5. Don't turn off virtual memory (the page file)
"I have lots of RAM, turn off virtual memory" is advice you will see often. According to Microsoft's documentation, the page file is system-managed by default and grows and shrinks on its own as needed. A page file is also required for Windows to write a crash log (memory dump) when the system crashes. Turning it off gains nothing and can make programs fail when memory really does run out. Leaving it at the Windows default is best.
6. You don't need "RAM cleaner" programs
These programs usually just empty the memory Windows uses as a cache; a few minutes later Windows fills it again. Microsoft's official performance tips include no such tool. Finding the program that really fills memory (step 1) is always more effective.
7. Make sure the memory isn't faulty
If the PC often freezes or shows blue screens, test the memory: open Run with Windows + R, type mdsched,
select OK and choose Restart now and check for problems. The test runs automatically at startup; the result is
shown as a notification when you sign in. If errors are found, contact the PC maker or the seller.
Still not enough?
If memory really is too small for the programs you use (for example 8 GB with demanding games or video editing), the lasting fix is adding more. Check the maker's support page for how much your PC supports.
Related: speed up Windows 11 · increase FPS in games
