Deleting pagefile.sys in Windows 10 is a task that involves changing some system settings to remove a file used for virtual memory. This is often done to free up space on your hard drive. The process is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure you don’t run into any issues.
How to Delete pagefile.sys in Windows 10
Deleting pagefile.sys will free up space on your hard drive and reset the virtual memory settings for your system. Here are the steps to accomplish this:
Step 1: Open System Properties
Right-click on "This PC" and select "Properties."
This will open up the System Properties window, where you can make adjustments to your computer’s settings.
Step 2: Access Advanced System Settings
Click on "Advanced system settings" on the left-hand side.
This will bring up the System Properties dialog box with the Advanced tab selected, which contains settings for performance, user profiles, and startup and recovery.
Step 3: Open Performance Settings
Under the Performance section, click on "Settings."
This will open the Performance Options dialog box where you can tweak visual effects and virtual memory settings.
Step 4: Navigate to Virtual Memory
In the Performance Options window, go to the "Advanced" tab and click on "Change" under Virtual Memory.
This is where you can modify the virtual memory settings, including the pagefile.sys file.
Step 5: Disable Paging File
Uncheck the box "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives," then select "No paging file," and click "Set."
By doing this, you’re telling Windows not to use a paging file, effectively disabling pagefile.sys.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
Click "OK," apply the changes, and restart your computer.
Restarting your computer will apply the new settings and remove the pagefile.sys from your system.
After completing these steps, your computer will no longer use a paging file, and the pagefile.sys file will be deleted, freeing up disk space.
Tips for Deleting pagefile.sys in Windows 10
- Ensure you have enough physical RAM before disabling the paging file to avoid potential performance issues.
- If your system becomes unstable, you can always re-enable the paging file by following the same steps and selecting "System managed size."
- Consider moving the paging file to another drive instead of deleting it if you have multiple drives.
- Back up your system before making these changes to avoid losing important data.
- Monitor your system’s performance after making these changes to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pagefile.sys?
pagefile.sys is a system file used by Windows to extend physical memory by using disk space as virtual memory.
Is it safe to delete pagefile.sys?
Yes, but ensure you have sufficient physical RAM. Deleting it can free up disk space but may affect performance if your system runs out of RAM.
Can I move pagefile.sys to another drive?
Yes, you can change its location to another drive by selecting that drive in the Virtual Memory settings and setting the appropriate size.
Will deleting pagefile.sys improve performance?
Not necessarily. It will free up space but may degrade performance if your system relies on virtual memory.
How much RAM do I need to delete pagefile.sys?
It’s recommended to have at least 16GB of RAM to safely disable the paging file without affecting system performance.
Summary
- Open System Properties.
- Access Advanced System Settings.
- Open Performance Settings.
- Navigate to Virtual Memory.
- Disable Paging File.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
Deleting pagefile.sys in Windows 10 can be a good way to free up some extra space on your hard drive, especially if you’re running low. However, it’s essential to ensure you have enough physical RAM to support your system’s needs without relying on virtual memory. If you notice any performance issues after disabling the paging file, you can always re-enable it or move it to another drive. Always back up your system before making significant changes to avoid potential problems. For more detailed guides on optimizing your computer’s performance, keep exploring our site.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.