How to Increase Windows XP Virtual Memory for Games

Virtual memory is used when you run out space in your physical system memory (RAM, for Random Access Memory). If you are using Windows XP with less than 1 gigabyte of RAM, you may experience better performance by adjusting your virtual memory. Keep in mind that adding more physical memory will be a superior solution. You can also use a USB flash drive to store your virtual memory. (See Resources.)

Instructions

1. Right-click on "My Computer" and select "Properties." Make a note of how much system RAM you have (listed near the bottom). Click on the "Advanced" tab.

2. Click the "Settings" button in the Performance section. Click on the "Advanced" tab.

3. 

   Click the "Change" button near the bottom of this window. In the embedded window near the top, select your Windows drive (which is "C" by default). This drive is also identifiable as the one that possesses a "Paging File Size" entry.

4. Take the amount of physical system RAM you have and multiply this number by two. Click on the "Custom size" radio button and enter that calculated number into the "Initial size" field and the "Maximum size" field.

5. Click on the "Set" button to confirm the change. Click "OK" and restart your computer for the change to take effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Identical minimum and maximum virtual memory sizes will prevent Windows from constantly readjusting the size of this cache.

• If you have more than 2 gigabytes of physical memory, this procedure will probably not increase gaming performance.

References

• Windows virtual memory guide