When you're in a hurry and notice your Windows 11 PC starting to stutter, many of us experience the same thing: we check the Task Manager and see RAM usage through the roof without really knowing what's going on . Sometimes you don't even have any games, demanding editors, or anything particularly important open, and yet the system seems determined to hog half the hardware.
This is even more noticeable on computers with little installed RAM or on machines you use for everything: gaming, video editing, work, browsing with a thousand tabs open… If Windows 11 decides to reserve 8, 12, or even 15 GB of memory, it's normal to think it's being excessive. The reality is that the system is designed to manage memory aggressively, but that doesn't mean you can't take action. In this guide, you'll see how to use Low Memory Mode and other Windows 11 settings to reduce RAM consumption , prevent crashes, and get the most out of your PC without having to spend any money upfront.
What Windows 11 is really doing with your RAM
Before changing anything, it's important to understand what's happening under the hood. Windows 11, like previous versions, is designed to make the most of available memory , not to leave it unused. This means the system reserves RAM for caches, services, and applications it anticipates you'll need soon.
This explains why, even without any demanding programs open, you might see 40-60% RAM usage on 16 or 32 GB systems . The system anticipates you have more space and allows itself to load more into memory so things open faster. However, if this reserve clashes with your actual needs and you require more memory (for gaming or editing, for example), you'll experience stuttering, lag, or occasional freezes.
There's another important point: when the system runs out of physical RAM, it starts using the disk's page file (virtual memory) . This acts as "emergency RAM" but is significantly slower, even with a fast SSD. If you notice everything is sluggish, the system is probably relying too heavily on this file.
That's why combining new Windows 11 features—like performance mode for games or handheld consoles—with classic optimization settings is so useful. The goal is to reduce unnecessary memory consumption without compromising system stability.
Low memory mode in Windows 11 geared towards gaming and portable consoles
On some Windows 11 devices designed for gaming (such as certain handheld consoles with an Xbox-like interface), a feature colloquially known as " low memory mode" is becoming increasingly popular . In practice, this involves a series of settings focused on prioritizing the game and reducing the use of secondary services and processes.
On devices like the ROG Ally and similar models, this idea materializes in an Xbox-style full-screen experience , which acts as an optimized gaming environment. When activated, the system disables or reduces some of the usual Windows load, achieving savings of up to 2 GB of RAM in some cases—a crucial factor when you have 16 GB shared with the GPU.
Activating this experience when available is simple: open Windows settings, go to the Gaming section, and look for the Fullscreen experience option . Enabling it to activate at startup will restart your system and boot directly into this console-like interface, reducing the overhead of typical desktop processes.
Not all standard desktop and laptop PCs have this mode exactly, but you can replicate the philosophy: it's about configuring Windows so that, when you're going to play a game or run something very demanding, it has the fewest possible services, background applications, and visual extras taking up memory.
Disable apps that load at startup
One of the quickest ways to reduce RAM usage is to eliminate everything Windows 11 tries to load at startup. There are utilities you might only use occasionally that sneak into the startup process and remain running, consuming memory day after day.
To check them, you can use the Task Manager itself. From there you'll see which programs have automatic startup enabled and what their estimated impact on performance is. In your daily use, this reduces both RAM consumption and system startup time.
Computers that haven't had this type of cleanup in years often have all sorts of things: game launchers you don't use, software updaters that can be run manually, printer tools, cloud services you don't use... Each of these small pieces adds a few megabytes of RAM to the boot process , and when they accumulate, the impact is noticeable.
The great thing about this step is that it's reversible: even if you disable a program at startup, you can still open it manually whenever you want . You simply stop it from loading in the background every time you turn on your PC.
Close background applications and processes
Another major memory drain comes from applications you think you've closed but that are still running in the background. Many leave processes running for convenience (updates, synchronization, notifications, etc.), and over time you can accumulate dozens of processes that consume several gigabytes of RAM.
From the Windows 11 Settings app, you can control which apps are allowed to run in the background. Within each app's advanced settings, you'll usually find a section similar to Background app permissions , where you can prevent them from running when you're not actively using them.
If you want to delve deeper, Task Manager or tools like RAMMap are your best friend. In the Processes tab, sort the Memory column and you'll see at a glance which programs and services are consuming the most resources. Common sense is key here: only close what you know isn't critical to the system , avoiding Windows services or antivirus software if you're unsure of their purpose.
With a couple of cleanups like this a day, especially when you're about to open a game or a heavy editor, you can free up between 1 and 3 GB of RAM on computers with a lot of resident software , without making any drastic changes to the system settings.
Switch browsers and manage extensions and tabs
For many people, the browser is the application they spend the most time open and also the one that consumes the most RAM. Chrome, for example, is known for its appetite: with just a few active tabs, it can easily exceed 1.5 GB of memory consumption , especially if you have many extensions installed.
Alternatives like Microsoft Edge, and other lighter browsers, tend to consume less RAM. It's not uncommon to see a more optimized browser use half the RAM of Chrome with the same number of tabs open . If you frequently work with many websites open at once, the difference is significant.
Regardless of which browser you use, you should check your extensions. Every extension that loads at startup adds extra processes and resource consumption, and some poorly optimized or outdated extensions can drastically increase memory and CPU usage without you really benefiting from them.
Ideally, you should only keep active the extensions you use frequently, and if there are some you use only occasionally, keep them installed but disabled. This way, they won't be constantly using up RAM , but you can reactivate them in seconds when you need them.
And of course, if you notice your PC starting to slow down, check how many tabs you have open. Closing the ones you won't be using in the short term is one of the most direct ways to free up several hundred megabytes or even several gigabytes of RAM , depending on the websites and web applications you have loaded.
Uninstall programs and services you don't use
Some applications, even after you close them, tend to reactivate on their own or leave behind resident components. If you notice that a particular program always appears at the top of the Task Manager's memory list for no reason, consider uninstalling it completely and looking for a lighter alternative.
In Windows 11, you can see a list of all your installed apps in the app settings. It's a good idea to review this list from time to time and remove anything you haven't used in months . The less software you have installed, the less likely something is running in the background without you noticing.
In addition to visible programs, there are background services that may be consuming memory without providing any benefit. Using the system configuration tool (msconfig), you can filter services to hide Microsoft services and focus on third-party ones. There you'll see, for example, program update services that you don't need running all the time.
The key here is to proceed with caution: don't disable services blindly or touch those you don't recognize. Focus on clearly dispensable things, such as specific suite services you only use manually (Adobe updaters, launchers for particular games, etc.), always keeping in mind that you can re-enable them if you miss something.
In short, a short "software cleanup" session every now and then frees up RAM and also reduces the risk of conflicts, errors, and crashes caused by old or poorly maintained applications.
Restart vs. suspend: why it helps with memory
It might sound like typical advice from a novice computer technician, but restarting remains one of the most effective ways to clear rogue processes and memory debris . After many hours of use, it's normal for some programs not to release all the RAM when closing or to leave processes in a strange state.
If you frequently put your computer into sleep mode for days on end, all those "leftovers" remain. By completely shutting down and restarting, only the essential components and your startup configuration are loaded, returning the memory to a clean and controlled state.
It's also worth checking the Fast Startup option in Windows power settings. This feature causes the system to partially save the kernel state to disk instead of shutting down completely, allowing it to boot faster. This speeds up startup, but in return, it may keep certain loads running that you don't want if you're trying to troubleshoot performance issues.
If you disable fast startup and shut down your computer instead of putting it to sleep, you ensure that each boot is as clean as possible. It's a minor inconvenience, but it can make a significant difference on computers with limited RAM or many installed programs.
As a general rule, if you notice your PC is sluggish and you haven't turned it off for several days, a complete restart is usually the first sensible step before making deeper configuration changes.
Adjust visual effects and animations in Windows 11
Windows 11's modern interface comes loaded with animations, transparencies, and pretty effects that, while not excessively heavy, do increase RAM and GPU consumption , especially on modest computers or those with iGPUs sharing memory.
In the system's advanced performance options, you can specify that you prefer to prioritize performance over appearance . Choosing this option disables many visual flourishes in Windows: window animations, shadows, transparencies, etc.
If you don't want to go to extremes, you can also customize in detail which effects are kept and which are not. For example, you might want to keep font smoothing but remove minimize and maximize animations, which offer little in terms of actual use and do consume resources.
On PCs that are already running on fumes, this small aesthetic sacrifice can translate into a much smoother experience when moving windows, switching applications, or opening menus . It doesn't free up as many gigabytes as closing applications, but it helps ensure that the limited RAM available is focused on what you're actually doing.
Don't forget that some applications (browsers, office suites, editors) also allow you to enable or disable internal animations and graphic effects, which can contribute to a lighter and less memory-intensive environment.
Virtual memory and paging file: how they can help you
When physical RAM is full, Windows uses the page file, an area of the disk used as backup virtual memory . It's not magic: it's considerably slower than real RAM, but it prevents crashes when applications demand more memory than you have installed.
On computers with very little RAM (4-8 GB), having the page file properly configured is essential to prevent the system from crashing. Leaving it on automatic management is usually the best option for most users, as Windows dynamically adjusts the size according to your needs.
There's an interesting detail: the contents of RAM are erased upon shutdown, but the page file can remain with old, unused data. If you want the system to clear this file every time it shuts down, you can enable a registry option that forces the page file to be cleared on shutdown.
This does not increase the amount of available RAM, but it can help prevent the system from carrying over "garbage" in virtual memory usage, as certain persistent performance issues are mitigated after a few complete shutdowns.
In any case, it is advisable that the disk where the paging file is stored has enough free space (at least that healthy 10% margin) so that Windows can work without being limited by storage as well.
Manage RAM shared with the integrated GPU
On laptops and PCs without a dedicated graphics card, the integrated GPU uses part of the main memory as shared VRAM . This means that, of your 8 or 16 GB, a portion is reserved for graphics use, reducing what's available for the rest of the system.
In some drivers, such as those from AMD Radeon or manufacturer tools (ASUS and others), you can define the maximum amount of RAM the GPU can use. If you've allocated too much, you might be reducing the system's available memory for general tasks , especially if you don't play very demanding games.
Lowering that limit can free up some usable memory. Don't go too far, as this can throttle games or other graphics applications, but finding a middle ground gives you a reasonable balance between graphics performance and memory for the rest of the system.
This adjustment is especially relevant on portable consoles with Windows 11 and 16 GB of shared RAM: freeing up even 1-2 GB of reserved VRAM when you don't need it can make the difference between a system that barely navigates and one that moves with some ease even with several apps open.
Also check your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI to see if you have options to allocate memory to the integrated graphics; some manufacturers allow you to control this parameter directly from there for finer control.
Check the status and configuration of the RAM memory
It's not always a Windows configuration issue: sometimes the problem lies with the hardware itself. One of the RAM modules might fail or stop being recognized correctly by the motherboard, so instead of the actual 16 or 32 GB, the system is only using a portion without you noticing.
A quick look at the system properties or Task Manager will tell you how much RAM Windows detects. If you see less than you should, you'll need to open your computer (if possible) and physically check the modules and slots, and, if necessary, test the memory with specialized tools to rule out errors.
You also need to consider XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD) frequencies and profiles, which allow for higher speeds than standard, but these profiles must be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI. If you don't, the RAM will operate at a lower speed than expected , which doesn't significantly affect the amount of RAM it can handle, but it does impact overall performance.
A failing memory module doesn't always cause immediate blue screens of death. Sometimes you'll notice an erratic system, with applications closing unexpectedly, constant stuttering, or seemingly abnormal RAM usage . A memory test can help you determine the cause before making unnecessary configuration changes.
In short, it's worth checking from time to time that the RAM you think you have installed is the one Windows is actually using, and that it's working at the expected speed and without errors.
Avoid fake “RAM optimizers” and rely on the right tools
The internet is full of programs that promise to "free up RAM" and make your PC fly, but in practice most of them do the exact opposite of what you want: they force Windows to empty the RAM into the disk's page file , which causes more access to storage and, consequently, slower performance.
In modern versions like Windows 10 and 11, the system itself is designed to dynamically optimize memory usage , freeing up what isn't needed and always prioritizing foreground windows. If an external optimizer interferes, it usually disrupts this logic and causes unnecessary delays.
These kinds of tools were only acceptable on very old and extremely limited computers, where any maneuver to squeeze out a few extra megabytes could make a difference. In 2026, with Windows 11, the most sensible thing to do is let the system do its job and focus on actual adjustments : closing apps, controlling startup, checking your browser, etc.
The same applies to running multiple antivirus programs simultaneously. Two separate security engines trying to monitor everything at once double RAM and CPU usage , and can also cause conflicts. A single, well-configured antivirus (Microsoft Defender is usually sufficient for most users) is more than enough.
If you suspect malware, you can use third-party scanners with their trial versions, but avoid leaving multiple security solutions running simultaneously in the background . Also, research what those RAM optimizers do before installing them.
When does it make sense to physically expand RAM?
All of the above focuses on getting the most out of what you already have, but there will come a point where, if your PC usage is very demanding, there simply won't be enough memory for everything you want to do at once . At this point, optimization won't help: you need more gigabytes.
In the current context, a reasonable amount of RAM for Windows 11 is 8 GB for very basic uses, 16 GB as a comfortable standard for intensive browsing, office work and some moderate gaming, and 32 GB or more if you edit video, work with virtual machines or play very recent and demanding games.
If, after applying startup adjustments, closing processes, cleaning your browser, etc., you still see your RAM at its limit every time you open a couple of demanding applications, it's a sign that it's time to consider a physical upgrade . This involves checking your motherboard (or your laptop) to determine:
How many memory slots do you have, how many are occupied, and what specific modules are you using? You might have enough free space to add more without removing anything, or you might need to replace smaller modules with higher-capacity ones.
You'll also need to check the maximum supported capacity and compatible RAM type (DDR4, DDR5, frequencies, etc.). From there, you can decide if the expense is worthwhile and how much you want to upgrade to avoid running out of space again in a short time.
It's important not to confuse a problem of poor management or misconfigured software with a genuine lack of resources. But when you've already addressed system-side issues and everything is still barely running, upgrading your RAM is one of the investments that most significantly improves your everyday experience in Windows 11.
By combining good control over background applications, sensible startup settings, browser and visual effects, along with taking advantage of game-oriented or "low memory" modes when available, it's relatively easy to get Windows 11 to reduce its RAM consumption to a reasonable level and stop monopolizing resources , allowing you to get the most out of it for both gaming and work without the constant feeling that the system is holding you back.
