How to Clear Your RAM Cache and Free Up Memory

PDF download Download Article
Get faster performance by clearing your RAM cache
PDF download Download Article

RAM cache is the portion of your RAM (Random Access Memory) used to store frequently accessed data by your computer. When your memory gets full, you may experience performance problems, error messages, program crashes, and more. Clearing your RAM cache can free up some memory and make your computer run a little better. This wikiHow article teaches you how to clear the RAM cache on your PC and gives you tips for improving performance.

Easy Ways to Clear RAM Cache

  • Restart your computer to flush your RAM cache.
  • Install RAMMap to analyze RAM usage and clear RAM cache
  • Create a desktop shortcut to clear the RAM cache.
Section 1 of 5:

3 Ways to Clear Your RAM Cache

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The easiest way to clear your RAM cache is to save your work and restart your computer. When you restart your computer, all the data in your memory cache is cleared.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    RAMMap is a free tool you download from Microsoft to analyze your memory usage and clear the cache. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the following steps to create a desktop shortcut that will flush your RAM cache whenever you click it:
    • Right-click a blank space on your desktop and select New > Shortcut .
    • Enter %windir%\system32\rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks in the field where it asks you to enter the item location.
    • Click Next .
    • Enter a name for the shortcut (i.e., "Flush RAM Cache") and click Finish .
    • Double-click the shortcut on your desktop to flush your RAM cache.
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Other Ways to Free Up Memory

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Closing some background tasks and apps you're not currently using can free up some memory for your computer to use and improve performance.
    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    • Click the Processes tab.
    • Click a process that's taking up a lot of RAM (check the "Memory" column).
    • Click End Task .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Having too many tabs open in your browser uses a lot of RAM. Click the "x" icon in the tabs you're not using to close them .
    • If you have any extensions on your browser that you don't use, you may want to remove them as well.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your memory is getting full soon after starting your computer, you may have too many programs launching at startup. For some programs, you may need to disable launch at startup in the program's settings menu. [2]
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click the Settings/Gear icon.
    • Click Apps .
    • Click Startup
    • Click the toggle switch next to the apps you don't want starting up with your computer.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Temp files are temporary files used by various programs to temporarily store data, move files, manage settings, and more. [3] Over time, they can accumulate and start to eat up your memory. Use the following steps to delete your temp files:
    • Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
    • Enter %temp% in Run and click Ok .
    • Press Ctrl + A to select everything.
    • Press the Delete key.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Old software versions and driver versions may take up more memory. Newer versions of software and drivers may be optimized to use fewer resources, including memory. Be sure to update all the programs you use. You can update your drivers by updating Windows. Use the following steps to do so:
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click the Settings/Gear icon.
    • Click Windows Update (Windows 11) or Update & Security (Windows 10).
    • Click Windows Update (Windows 10).
    • Click Check for Updates .
    • Click Install Now .
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Visual effects can look pleasing, but sometimes you would rather your computer run properly than look pretty. Luckily, Windows allows you to optimize visual effects for performance rather than appearance. Use the following steps to adjust your computer's visual effects:
    • Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
    • Enter sysdm.cpl in Run and click Ok .
    • Click the Advanced tab.
    • Click Settings in the "Performance" box.
    • Select Adjust for best performance and click Apply .
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Page files have many functions. One of which is to store infrequently accessed data from the RAM. While RAM is cleared when you restart your computer, page files are not. Clearing the page files can help reduce the amount of RAM cache your computer uses. Use the following steps to set your system to clear the page file when your computer shuts down:
    • Type regedit into the windows search bar and click Ok .
    • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Control > Session Manager > Memory Management .
    • Double-click ClearPageFileAtShutdown
    • Set the "Value data" to " 1 ".
    • Click OK and restart your computer.
    8. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

Should you clear your RAM cache?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Buy-Unclaimed-Amazon-Packages-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Buy-Unclaimed-Amazon-Packages-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Buy-Unclaimed-Amazon-Packages-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Buy-Unclaimed-Amazon-Packages-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your computer uses the RAM cache to store data from frequently used applications so that it can be accessed more easily. Clearing your RAM cache may actually make those applications run slower. If it does work, it may only be a temporary fix.
Section 4 of 5:

Signs You're Having Memory Problems

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you start seeing error messages like "Low memory" or "System out of resources," this is usually a sign that your memory is full.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Why-Does-Your-Computer-Keep-Freezing-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Does-Your-Computer-Keep-Freezing-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Why-Does-Your-Computer-Keep-Freezing-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Does-Your-Computer-Keep-Freezing-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you experience frequent program crashes or freezing, this could also be a sign that you don't have enough memory to run that program.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Fix-a-Windows-Computer-that-Hangs-or-Freezes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Windows-Computer-that-Hangs-or-Freezes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Fix-a-Windows-Computer-that-Hangs-or-Freezes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Fix-a-Windows-Computer-that-Hangs-or-Freezes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you notice your computer is slow or unresponsive, this may be a sign that your computer is running out of memory.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clear-RAM-Cache-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you notice your computer is using more CPU than it should, this could be a sign that it doesn't have enough RAM to run the tasks it needs.
    5. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

Consider Buying More RAM

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Add-RAM-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Add-RAM-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Add-RAM-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Add-RAM-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While freeing up RAM may temporarily boost performance on your PC, it is often a band-aid solution to a greater problem: Not having enough RAM. Most PCs have expandable RAM slots on the motherboard. You will need to research your computer model to see what type of motherboard it has and what type of RAM chips it's compatible with so you can buy more RAM and install it .


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Find Out the Maximum RAM Capacity for Your Computer
      How to
      Increase the RAM on a PC
      How Much RAM Do You Have? Easily Check PC & Mac Memory
      See How Much RAM You Have on PC, Mac, Chromebook, & iPad
      How to
      Check Your Computer's Memory Usage: Complete Guide
      How to
      Install RAM
      How to
      Free Up RAM
      How to
      Upgrade and Install RAM on a Desktop or Laptop Computer
      4 Easy Steps to Avoid Damaging RAM During Installation
      How to
      Improve Your Computer's Memory
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlc65VrFs_8
      2. ↑ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/learning-center/take-control-of-windows-startup
      3. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/t/tempfile.htm

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,523 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement