Windows 7 paging file

The Windows 7 paging file is a virtual memory component used to increase the size of RAM in case there is not enough free space on the RAM while the PC is running. This system tool is built into the Windows operating system for use on computers running it.

Some users are wondering if a Windows 7 paging file is needed, is it worth using this tool on a computer. Let’s figure it out.

Often the reason for the slow operation of the computer is the lack of physical RAM, which has a certain limited amount. Any computer has a physical device installed – random access memory, which has the names: RAM (Random Access Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). Generally, the more RAM a PC has, the faster the computer runs.

During the operation of the PC, the necessary data of applications and system tools used during the operation of the system are stored in the RAM. After turning off the computer, the RAM is cleared of the occupied data, because this is a temporary storage of information.

In the event of a shortage of RAM, it becomes necessary to add sufficient space on the hard disk, which can be used by the RAM at certain points in the work on the PC. This function is performed by the paging file – pagefile.sys, a special area located on the HDD.

If there is not enough physical memory, RAM uses the swap file, where some data that does not fit in RAM will be moved. Thanks to this, the operating system has enough resources to continue normal work on the PC. Otherwise, the computer would become very slow due to lack of memory.

As needed, Windows moves some data to the paging file when there is not enough free space on physical memory, or vice versa for software to use. As a result, virtual memory: physical memory and the page file ensures optimal PC performance in various situations, such as when using resource-intensive programs.

What paging file Windows 7 creates on a PC

By default, the Windows 7 operating system creates a paging file of a certain size on its own. The size of the Windows 7 paging file depends on various factors.

Typically, the size of pagefile.sys is set to the physical RAM available on the computer. For example, if your computer has 4 GB of RAM, then by default the swap file is the same size.

In some situations, it is necessary to increase the Windows 7 paging file by one and a half or two times. In other cases, the size of virtual memory needs to be reduced, and sometimes, it is advisable to turn it off.

To determine the optimal size of the Windows 7 paging file on a particular device, you need to experimentally make several changes to its size, achieving the best system performance.

Using a paging file does not solve the problem of computer speed, for this, it is much more rational, if possible, to increase the physical amount of RAM, because it works much faster.

Where is the paging file in Windows 7

The file “pagefile.sys” is located on the computer’s hard drive. The operating system places this file on the system partition, usually this is the Local disk “C:”.

Do the following:

1. Enter the Start button menu, launch the Control Panel.
2. In the “All Control Panel Items” window (view type: small icons), click on the “System” option.
3. In the “View basic information about your computer” window, click on “Advanced system settings”.
4. In the System Properties window, open the Advanced tab.
5. In the “Performance” section, click on the “Settings…” button.
6. In the Performance Options window, click the Advanced tab.
7. The “Virtual Memory” section shows the total size of the paging file on all drives on the computer.

How to change the swap file in Windows 7

Despite the fact that the operating system independently creates a paging file, the user has the ability to carry out some manipulations with the virtual memory of his PC.

The following changes to virtual memory are available in the OS settings:

• You can change the size of the paging file as you wish.
• The paging file can be moved to another hard drive partition.
• The paging file can be disabled and removed from the Windows operating system.

The Virtual Memory window lists the current page file size, recommended size, and minimum size. At the default settings, the item “Automatically choose the size of the paging file” is activated. The window highlights the computer drive on which the paging file is currently located.

Resizing, such as increasing the Windows 7 paging file, occurs as follows:

1. Uncheck the “Automatically choose the size of the paging file” box to unlock the ability to make changes.
2. Activate the item “Specify size:”.
3. Set the paging file size in the “Initial size (MB)” and “Maximum size (MB)” options.
4. Click on the “Set” button.
5. Click on the “OK” button.
6. A window will open with a warning that you need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
7. Restart your PC.

In a similar way, you can change the size of the Windows 7 paging file in order to reduce the size of virtual memory to the required values.

Moving the paging file to another hard drive partition

If necessary, the user can move the paging file to another computer disk: another hard disk partition or another physical hard disk. This operation is possible only if there are other partitions (volumes) or hard drives on this computer.

There are some advantages to moving the paging file to another drive:

• Faster processing of I/O requests.
• The file is not split into several parts, as it can happen on the system partition, if its size is increased.

The paging file will not be fragmented, and this increases the speed of accessing virtual memory.

This method has its drawbacks:

• The system will not be able to create a crash dump file, which may be needed to write debugging data in case of errors such as a blue screen (BSOD).

The paging file should be present only on one of the computer’s disks in a single copy.

Go through the following steps:

1. Select the system drive with the paging file.
2. Activate the “No paging file” setting, click on the “Set” button.
3. Agree to disable the swap file.
4. Select another partition (disk).
5. Select “Specify Size”.
6. Enter the size of the paging file you want in the “Initial size (MB)” and “Maximum size (MB)” fields.

It is desirable to set the same initial and maximum sizes so that the PC has a static paging file that is not subject to fragmentation.

7. Click on the “Set” button and then on “OK”.
8. Restart your computer.

How to disable the swap file in Windows 7

Now we will see how to delete the Windows 7 swap file on a PC.

You will need to do the following:

1. Select the disk with the paging file.
2. Activate the item “No paging file”.
3. Click on the “Set” button.
4. Click on the “OK” button.
5. Restart your computer.

Article Conclusions

The Windows 7 operating system has a special tool – the paging file, which adds additional virtual memory in situations where there is not enough physical RAM for normal PC operation. RAM interacts with a dedicated area on the computer’s hard drive, moving program data there when this information does not fit in RAM.

Virtual soldering – the Windows 7 paging file affects system performance, ensures optimal computer operation by offloading RAM in situations where there is not enough free space on physical memory.