Symptoms
- Notification or error specifically mentions low or out of memory
- Programs may become sluggish or crash around the same time
- Task Manager shows high RAM usage when checked
- May happen consistently with certain programs or many open tabs/windows
Likely causes
- CommonToo many programs or browser tabs open at once for the installed RAMModern browsers and applications can use a surprising amount of memory, especially with many tabs or windows open.
- CommonA memory leak in a specific programSome software gradually consumes more and more memory the longer it runs without releasing it properly.
- PossibleInsufficient installed RAM for current workloadsOlder or budget systems with limited RAM struggle more easily with modern software demands.
- PossibleVirtual memory (page file) misconfigured or disabledWindows uses disk space as overflow memory, and if this is disabled or too small, low-memory errors happen sooner.
- Less commonMalware consuming system resources in the backgroundSome malicious processes consume significant memory without an obvious visible program.
What to do
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), sort processes by Memory usage, and close any programs or browser tabs you don't currently need.
- Restart programs that have been running for a very long time, especially web browsers, since memory leaks accumulate over time.
- Check Task Manager's Performance tab to see total RAM usage and how much is installed; if you're consistently near the limit during normal use, more RAM may genuinely be needed.
- Check virtual memory settings (System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory) to confirm it's set to 'Automatically manage' or has a reasonable size if manually configured.
- Restart the computer periodically, especially if it's been running for many days or weeks without a reboot, to clear accumulated memory usage from various processes.
- Run a malware scan to rule out a hidden process consuming memory in the background.
- If low memory errors happen consistently even with minimal programs open, and the system has 8GB of RAM or less, consider a RAM upgrade if your device supports it.
Tools and parts
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When to call a pro
If you're not sure how much RAM your PC supports or how to add more, a technician can check compatibility and install additional memory for you.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.