Leaks in the computer’s memory can be annoying and slow down a computer running Windows 10 or Windows 11. When a program or process doesn’t release memory properly, it can slow down the system, make things take longer to do, or even cause the system to crash. This article will explain what a memory leak is, why it happens, and how to fix it.
Table of Contents
What is a Memory Leak?
A memory leak is when a program or process keeps holding onto a memory that it doesn’t need. This means that the computer can use less and less memory as time goes on. When more memory leaks happen, the system might become less stable and run slower.
Common Causes of Memory Leaks
There are many things that can cause memory leaks, such as:
- Memory leaks can happen when code isn’t written well and doesn’t free up memory the right way.
- Software bugs are mistakes in the code that make it impossible to free up memory.
- Device drivers don’t handle memory well because they are broken or out of date.
- The parts of the hardware that don’t work right or lose memory are called “hardware faults.”
- Apps made by people other than Apple: Some of these apps may lose memory.
Identifying the Memory Leaks
Memory leaks can be hard to find, but here are some things to keep an eye out for:
- System speed is slow
- Memory use that is above average
- The system stops moving or breaks
- Messages saying that people don’t remember enough
- The disk moves around more.
How to fix memory leaks in Windows 10 and 11?
You can fix memory problems and make your Windows 10 or 11 computer run better by doing the following:
Restart Your Computer Regularly
By restarting your computer, you can clear the memory and close any programs or jobs that might be taking up too much memory. It’s a fast and easy way to wake up your computer.
Update Windows and Device Drivers
Your operating system and tool drivers should always be the latest versions for the best results. Manufacturers often release updates that fix bugs and fix problems with memory leaks.
Close Unnecessary Programs and Processes
When you close apps and jobs you don’t need, you free up memory and make it less likely that memory will leak. Find apps that use a lot of resources with the Task Manager and close them if you don’t need them.
Close the Problematic App
Most memory leaks in Windows 10 happen when you open a bad program. Most of the time, this game takes up all of your RAM, making it hard to use any other apps.
In this case, you can fix the problem by stopping the app that is giving you trouble on your PC. In Task Manager, you should be able to see how much RAM each app is using. The trouble could be an app that uses a lot of memory but doesn’t make sense.
- Right-clicking the Windows icon will bring up a menu. Pick “Task Manager” from this list.
- Click on the Processes tab in Task Manager.
- You will see a list of apps and how much space each one needs.
- If an app is using up too much memory, you can right-click it and choose “End task” to close it.
Repeat the steps above for each app that needs a lot of memory. If that fixes your Windows 10 memory leak problem, you know which app was to blame. Then you can manually get rid of those apps from your computer.
Disable Startup Programs
When you turn on your PC and it starts losing memory right away, it could be because an app starts up when the PC does. When your computer wakes up, these apps run on their own.
In this case, you can take the app off the list of programs that start up when the machine does. The app will no longer start automatically when you turn on your computer.
- If you press the Windows and I keys at the same time in Windows 10, the Settings app will open.
- Click on Apps in the Settings window.
- Use the left button to select “Start.”
- Find the app you don’t want to run when your computer starts up in the right pane.
- Set the control switch for that app to “off.” Do this for each app you don’t want to start when you turn on your computer.
Check for Malware or Viruses
Malware and bugs can slow down and even erase the memory on your computer. Using good security tools to scan your computer often will help you find and get rid of any dangerous programs.
Use Resource Monitor to Identify Memory Leaks
With Windows’ Resource Monitor, you can find apps and programs that use too much memory. Check to see if the way the memory is used does anything strange.
Manage Startup Programs
Some apps start right away when you turn on your computer. This uses up space that could be used for something else. Stop memory leaks by turning off apps that don’t need to run when the system starts up.
Use Windows Troubleshooters
Windows has tools built in that can find and fix common system problems right away, like memory leaks. To fix problems with the memory, run the right troubleshooters.
Disable Unnecessary Visual Effects
The images in Windows use up memory. To save memory, turn off animations, effects of transparency, and any other visual upgrades you don’t need.
Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
Your system can use the space on your hard drive as temporary memory if you have virtual memory. Change how the virtual memory is set up so that it has enough space. This will make sure that people don’t forget things.
Use System Restore
You can use the System Restore tool to get your computer back to a previous state if you recently updated software or made system changes that caused memory leaks.
Conclusion
Leaking memory on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer can slow it down and make it less stable. Memory leaks are easy to find and fix if you follow the steps in this guide. Your system will run better and be easy to use after you do this.
FAQs
Can a memory leak cause a computer to crash?
Yes, memory leaks can make a computer crash because they slowly use up all the available memory. This makes the tool hard to use and dangerous.
Is it important to make sure your devices have the latest drivers?
Device drivers need to be kept up to date because old or broken drivers can cause memory leaks and other speed issues. Most of the time, changes made by the company that made the product can fix these types of problems.
What if I can’t figure out what’s causing a memory leak?
If you can’t figure out where a memory leak is coming from, you can get important information and tips from expert help or troubleshooting forums for Windows.
Can software from a third party cause leaks?
Yes, bad or old third-party software can cause memory leaks. Even if the software came from a different company, it’s important to keep it all up to date.
Should I change how I set up the virtual memory?
Changing the virtual memory settings can help stop memory leaks by giving more temporary memory space. It’s best to give your computer the right amount of virtual memory based on its specs.
