How to fix Windows 11 high memory usage caused by compressed memory and system processes

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix Windows 11 high memory usage caused by compressed memory and system processes. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Windows 11 uses a feature called memory compression to keep your computer running when physical RAM is full. While this is designed to improve performance, it can sometimes cause high CPU and memory usage, making your PC feel sluggish or unresponsive. This guide will help you identify and reduce excessive memory usage caused by system processes and compressed memory.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Restart your computer to clear temporary memory usage.
2. Close unnecessary browser tabs and background applications.
3. Check Task Manager to identify which process is using the most memory.
4. Run a full malware scan using Windows Security.

Detailed Instructions

Identify high memory usage in Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click More details if you are in the simplified view.
3. Select the Processes tab.
4. Click the Memory column header to sort processes by memory usage.
5. Look for System, Memory Compression, or specific applications consuming excessive RAM.

End unnecessary background processes

1. In Task Manager, select the process using high memory.
2. Click End task in the top-right corner.
3. Warning: Do not end processes you do not recognise, especially those labelled Windows or System, as this may cause your computer to crash.

Disable unnecessary startup apps

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Click the Startup apps tab.
3. Right-click applications you do not need immediately after booting and select Disable.

Disable memory compression (Advanced)

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter: Disable-MMAgent -mc
3. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Run a malware scan

1. Click the Start button and type Windows Security, then press Enter.
2. Select Virus & threat protection.
3. Click Scan options.
4. Select Full scan and click Scan now.

Troubleshooting

Check for Windows updates

1. Click Start > Settings.
2. Select Windows Update from the left-hand menu.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install any available updates and restart your computer if prompted.

Adjust virtual memory settings

1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Click the Advanced tab.
3. Under Performance, click Settings.
4. Click the Advanced tab again.
5. Under Virtual memory, click Change.
6. Ensure Automatically manage paging file size for all drives is checked.
7. Click OK and restart your computer.

Note: If your computer continues to freeze or run slowly after following these steps, you may need to upgrade your physical RAM or have your hardware checked for faults.

If the issue persists, please Open a Ticket with our support team.

Related guides:

• Computer running slow
• Browser not loading pages
• Applications freezing or crashing
• Blue screen of death (BSOD) - restart steps

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