Blog

Losing access to your data due to a corrupted hard drive can be a distressing experience. Whether it’s precious photos, important documents, or critical work files, a corrupted drive can make your data seem inaccessible. While the situation can be complex, there are often ways to recover data from a corrupted hard drive, ranging from simple software solutions to professional services.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through a step-by-step process for attempting data recovery from a corrupted hard drive, focusing on methods you can try yourself before considering more drastic (and expensive) measures.

Important Warning: Data recovery can be delicate. If the hard drive is making unusual clicking, grinding, or buzzing noises, or if it has suffered physical damage (e.g., dropped), do NOT attempt DIY recovery. Continuing to use a physically failing drive can cause further damage and make professional recovery impossible. In such cases, skip directly to “When to Seek Professional Help.”

Understanding Hard Drive Corruption

Hard drive corruption can manifest in several ways and has various causes:

• Logical Corruption: This is the most common type. The drive itself is physically fine, but the file system (how data is organized on the drive) has become damaged. This can be caused by:
  • Improper shutdowns (power outages, forced shutdowns).
  • Software errors or bugs.
  • Malware or virus infections.
  • Bad sectors (small areas on the disk that become unreadable).
• Physical Corruption/Failure: This involves damage to the actual hardware components of the drive (platters, read/write heads, motor, circuit board). This requires specialized cleanroom environments and expertise.

This guide primarily focuses on solutions for logical corruption.

How to Recover Data from a Corrupted Hard Drive: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps systematically to attempt data recovery.

Step 1: Immediately Stop Using the Corrupted Hard Drive

This is the single most important rule. Continuing to use a corrupted drive can overwrite existing data, making recovery impossible.

• If it’s your primary OS drive: Do not attempt to boot from it. Create a bootable USB drive (see Step 3) or connect the drive to another computer.
• If it’s an external drive or secondary internal drive: Disconnect it immediately.

Step 2: Connect the Corrupted Drive to Another Computer (Safely)

To perform recovery without writing new data to the corrupted drive, it’s best to connect it as a secondary drive to a working computer.

• For 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch Internal HDDs (from a desktop/laptop):
  • You’ll need a USB-to-SATA adapter/docking station or an external hard drive enclosure. These devices allow you to connect the internal drive to another computer via a USB port.
  • Carefully connect the drive to the adapter/enclosure and then plug it into a working computer.
• For External Hard Drives:
  • Try a different USB cable.
  • Try a different USB port on your computer.
  • Try connecting it to a different working computer.
  • If it’s a 3.5-inch external drive, ensure its external power adapter is securely plugged in and working.
• For M.2/NVMe SSDs: You’ll need a compatible M.2 NVMe/SATA to USB enclosure or adapter.

Step 3: Check Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS)

Once connected, check if the operating system recognizes the drive, even if it shows as “Unallocated” or “RAW.”

• Windows:
  1. Right-click the Start button and select “Disk Management.”
  2. Look for your corrupted drive.
     • If it appears with partitions but shows as “RAW” or “Unallocated,” it’s a strong sign of logical corruption.
     • If it doesn’t appear at all, or appears as “Disk Unknown, Not Initialized,” it might indicate a more severe logical or physical issue.
• macOS:
  1. Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
  2. Look for your corrupted drive in the sidebar.
     • If it appears, note its status.
     • If it doesn’t appear, macOS isn’t detecting it.

Do NOT initialize or format the drive at this stage, as this will erase data.

Step 4: Run CHKDSK (Check Disk) – For Minor Logical Errors (Windows Only)

CHKDSK is a built-in Windows utility that can scan and fix minor file system errors. Use this with caution, as it can sometimes make data less recoverable if the drive is already unstable. Only attempt this if the drive is showing as RAW or unreadable, and you have no other recourse for simple file access.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Search for “cmd” in the Start menu.
   • Right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
2. Identify Drive Letter: In Disk Management (from Step 3), note the drive letter assigned to your corrupted drive (e.g., D:, E:).
3. Run CHKDSK Command: Type the following command and press Enter, replacing X: with your drive’s letter: chkdsk X: /f /r /x
   • /f: Fixes errors on the disk.
   • /r: Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.
   • /x: Forces the volume to dismount first if necessary.
4. Allow Scan to Complete: This process can take a long time (hours), depending on the drive size and severity of corruption.
5. Check Results: After the scan, CHKDSK will report its findings and what it attempted to fix. Try to access the drive normally.

Step 5: Use Data Recovery Software (Recommended for Logical Corruption)

This is the most effective DIY method for recovering files from logically corrupted drives. There are many reputable options, often with free trial versions that allow you to scan and preview recoverable files before purchasing.

Preparation:

• Download to a Different Drive: Download and install the data recovery software on your working computer’s main drive, not on the corrupted drive.
• Target for Recovered Files: Have an empty external hard drive or another healthy drive ready to save the recovered files to. Never save recovered files back to the corrupted drive itself.

Recommended Software Options:

• Recuva (Windows): Free and easy to use for recently deleted files or minor logical corruption. Less effective for severely corrupted file systems.
• Disk Drill (Windows/macOS): Offers a free trial (up to 500MB recovery on Windows, unlimited preview on Mac). Very user-friendly interface and good recovery rates.
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows/macOS): Free trial available (up to 2GB recovery). Known for good recovery capabilities.
• TestDisk & PhotoRec (Windows/macOS/Linux): Free, open-source, and powerful. TestDisk focuses on repairing partition tables and boot sectors, while PhotoRec recovers files by looking for signatures. These are command-line tools and might be intimidating for beginners but are highly effective.

General Steps for Using Data Recovery Software:

1. Install Software: Install the chosen data recovery software on your healthy computer.
2. Launch Software: Open the application.
3. Select Corrupted Drive: The software will list all detected drives. Select your corrupted hard drive from the list.
4. Choose Scan Type:
   • Start with a Quick Scan (if available) for faster results.
   • If that doesn’t yield results, proceed to a Deep Scan (also called “Deep Scan,” “Full Scan,” or “Partition Recovery”). This is more thorough and takes much longer.
5. Scan and Preview: Let the software scan. Once complete, it will display a list of recoverable files, often organized by file type or original folder structure. You can usually preview files (like images or documents) to ensure they are intact.
6. Select and Recover: Select the files you want to recover.
7. Choose Destination: When prompted, select your empty external hard drive or another healthy storage location as the destination for the recovered files. Do NOT save them back to the corrupted drive.

Step 6: Create a Disk Image (Advanced, for Unstable Drives)

If the drive is unstable and keeps disconnecting or making noises (but not outright physical failure), creating a disk image first can be safer. This makes a byte-for-byte copy of the drive to a healthy drive, and you then perform recovery on the image file. This minimizes strain on the failing drive.

• Tools like HDDSuperClone (Linux-based, advanced) or features within paid data recovery software (e.g., Active@ Disk Image, GetDataBack) can create disk images. This is a more advanced technique typically used by professionals or experienced users.

Step 7: Reformat the Drive (After Data Recovery)

Once you have successfully recovered your data, or if you decide the data is not recoverable by yourself, you can reformat the corrupted hard drive. This will erase all data and create a new, healthy file system.

• Windows:
  1. Open Disk Management (right-click Start button > Disk Management).
  2. Right-click on the corrupted drive’s partition(s) and select “Delete Volume” for each.
  3. Once the entire drive shows as “Unallocated,” right-click on it and select “New Simple Volume.”
  4. Follow the wizard to assign a drive letter and format it (NTFS for Windows, exFAT for cross-platform compatibility).
• macOS:
  1. Open Disk Utility.
  2. Select the corrupted drive in the sidebar.
  3. Click “Erase.” Choose a format (APFS or Mac OS Extended for Mac, exFAT for cross-platform) and schema (GUID Partition Map).

Note: Reformatting does not fix physical damage. If the drive continues to show problems after reformatting, it is physically failing and should be replaced.

When to Seek Professional Data Recovery Services

There are specific situations where DIY attempts are risky or impossible, and professional data recovery is your only option:

• Physical Damage: Clicking, grinding, buzzing, smoke, burning smell.
• Water or Fire Damage: Specialized cleaning and component replacement are required.
• Dropped Drives: Often results in head crashes or platter damage.
• Drive Not Detected: If the drive doesn’t even show up in BIOS/UEFI or Disk Management (and it’s not a cable issue).
• Mission-Critical Data: If the data is absolutely irreplaceable and essential for your business or personal life, do not risk further damage with DIY attempts.

Professional data recovery services have specialized cleanroom facilities, tools, and expertise to handle physically damaged drives. They can open the drive, repair internal components, and extract data. However, these services are typically very expensive.

Prevention: The Best Data Recovery Strategy

The absolute best way to avoid data loss from a corrupted hard drive is through regular backups.

• Cloud Backups: Use services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud for important documents and photos.
• External Hard Drives: Regularly back up your entire system or critical folders to an external hard drive.
• Automated Backup Software: Utilize Windows Backup and Restore, File History, Time Machine (macOS), or third-party backup software to automate the process.

By understanding the types of corruption and following these methodical steps, you significantly increase your chances of recovering valuable data from a corrupted hard drive. Remember to always prioritize safety and know when to call in the experts.

Are you squinting to read emails, websites, or file names on your Windows laptop? Modern high-resolution screens can sometimes make text appear uncomfortably small. Thankfully, Windows has several easy-to-use, built-in tools to help you make text bigger and improve readability without needing to be a tech expert.

This guide will walk you through the different ways to increase the font size on your screen, from making just the text larger to scaling up everything. As someone who has helped many friends and family members adjust these exact settings, I can assure you that a few simple clicks can make your laptop much more comfortable to use.

Method 1: The Easiest Fix – Making Just the Text Bigger

This is the best option if you only want to increase the size of the text without affecting the size of your icons, windows, and other screen elements.

For Windows 11 Users:

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select Display settings.
2. In the Display settings window, scroll down and click on Text size.
3. You will see a slider labeled “Text size.” Drag the slider to the right to increase the size of the sample text until it’s comfortable for you to read.
4. Click the Apply button. Your screen will adjust, and most text across Windows and in your applications will now be larger.

For Windows 10 Users:

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select Display settings.
2. In the Display settings window, look for the section called “Scale and layout.”
3. Click on the link that says Advanced scaling settings.
4. Under the “Custom scaling” section, you’ll see a heading “Make text bigger.”
5. Drag the slider to the right to increase the text size.
6. Click Apply.

This is the most direct way to solve the problem of small text and is often all that’s needed.

Method 2: Making Everything Bigger with Display Scaling

If you find that not only the text but also the icons, buttons, and application windows are too small, then adjusting the display scaling is the right choice. This will enlarge all elements on your Windows laptop screen proportionally.

For Windows 11 Users:

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select Display settings.
2. Near the top of the window, you’ll see a section called Scale & layout.
3. Click the dropdown menu next to Scale.
4. You will see several percentage options (e.g., 100%, 125%, 150%). The one marked “(Recommended)” is your screen’s default.
5. Select a higher percentage, like 125%, to make everything bigger. The change will happen instantly.

For Windows 10 Users:

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select Display settings.
2. Under the “Scale and layout” section, find the dropdown menu under “Change the size of text, apps, and other items.”
3. Select a larger percentage from the menu, such as 125%.

A quick note: While scaling works great for most modern applications, you might notice that some older programs appear slightly blurry at higher scaling levels. This is a common issue, but for most people, the benefit of comfortable viewing outweighs this minor drawback.

Method 3: For Quick, On-the-Fly Zooming – The Magnifier Tool

What if you only need to zoom in on a specific part of the screen temporarily? For this, the built-in Magnifier tool is perfect. It works like a digital magnifying glass without changing any of your permanent settings.

• How to quickly turn it on: Press the Windows key and the Plus key (+) at the same time. The Magnifier will appear and zoom in on your screen.
• How to use it:
  • Press the Windows key + Plus key (+) to zoom in further.
  • Press the Windows key + Minus key (-) to zoom out.
  • To close the Magnifier, press the Windows key + Esc.

The Magnifier is an incredibly useful accessibility tool for reading fine print or getting a closer look at images.

Method 4: Increasing Text Size in Your Web Browser

Often, the place we need bigger text the most is when browsing the internet. All major web browsers (like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox) share the same universal shortcuts for this.

• To make text bigger: Press and hold Ctrl and press the Plus key (+).
• To make text smaller: Press and hold Ctrl and press the Minus key (-).
• To reset to the default size: Press and hold Ctrl and press the number Zero key (0).

This allows you to adjust the text size on a site-by-site basis without affecting your laptop’s system-wide settings.

By choosing the method that best suits your needs, you can easily make text bigger on your Windows laptop and create a more comfortable and strain-free viewing experience.

Safe Mode is a crucial troubleshooting tool that boots Windows with only essential drivers and services. This clean environment helps isolate and fix issues like malware, driver conflicts, or software glitches that prevent normal startup. Here’s how to access Safe Mode whether your PC is working or not.

Why Use Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is great because it:

• Minimizes conflicts: Loads just core system files, avoiding problematic drivers or apps.
• Isolates problems: If an issue disappears in Safe Mode, you know a non-essential program or driver is causing it.
• Enables fixes: Uninstall software, run antivirus scans, perform restores, repair files, or reset settings.

Safe Mode Options Explained

• Safe Mode: Basic mode without network.
• Safe Mode with Networking: Includes network drivers for internet access.
• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Boots to command line only, for advanced users.

Method 1: Use System Configuration (msconfig) — When Windows Works

1. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Boot tab.
3. Check Safe boot.
4. Choose the type:
   • Minimal = Standard Safe Mode
   • Network = Safe Mode with Networking
   • Alternate shell = Safe Mode with Command Prompt
5. Click Apply, then OK.
6. Restart when prompted. Your PC will boot into Safe Mode.

To exit Safe Mode: Repeat these steps and uncheck Safe boot, then restart.

Method 2: Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) — When Windows Won’t Boot

1. From Sign-in Screen:

• At the sign-in screen, hold Shift and click Power > Restart.
• Keep holding Shift until the recovery menu appears.

1. Force WinRE If Windows Fails to Start:

• Power on and force shutdown during boot three times (hold power button when you see Windows logo).
• On the third try, let it boot to WinRE.

In WinRE:

1. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
2. After reboot, press:
   • 4 or F4 for Safe Mode
   • 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking
   • 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Windows will boot into the selected Safe Mode.

To exit: Just restart normally.

Method 3: Use a Bootable USB (For Extreme Cases)

If WinRE isn’t accessible:

1. Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on another PC to create a bootable Windows USB.
2. Boot your PC from this USB (check your PC’s boot menu key, e.g., F12).
3. At Windows Setup, click Repair your computer.
4. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and follow Method 2 steps.

What to Do in Safe Mode

• Uninstall problematic software/drivers via Settings > Apps or Control Panel.
• Run antivirus scans for malware removal.
• Use System Restore to roll back changes.
• Update or roll back drivers in Device Manager.
• Check disk integrity with chkdsk /f /r in an Admin Command Prompt.
• Repair system files with sfc /scannow.

By using these methods, you can reliably boot Windows into Safe Mode and troubleshoot most issues blocking normal operation.

Windows 10 includes a valuable feature called System Restore, which lets you roll your system back to a previous state using what’s called a restore point. These points capture system files, drivers, registry settings, and installed apps, giving you a recovery fallback if something goes wrong.

What is a Restore Point? A restore point is a snapshot of your system’s configuration at a specific time. It doesn’t touch your personal files (like documents or photos), but it can undo problematic system changes.

When Should You Create One?

• Before installing new software or drivers
• Before making system tweaks (e.g., registry edits)
• Before a major Windows update
• Periodically, just in case

How to Create a Restore Point in Windows 10

Step 1: Open System Properties

• Method A: Type “create a restore point” in the Windows search bar and select the result.
• Method B: Right-click Start > System > Click “System protection” in the left pane.

Step 2: Ensure Protection is On

• In the “System Protection” tab, check that protection is turned on for your system drive (usually C:).
• If it’s off:
  1. Select the drive > Click “Configure…”
  2. Choose “Turn on system protection”
  3. Set Max Usage to 5-10% and click OK

Step 3: Click “Create…”

• Click the “Create…” button at the bottom of the tab.

Step 4: Name the Restore Point

• Enter a descriptive name (e.g., “Before driver update”). Date/time are auto-added.
• Click Create.

Step 5: Wait for Confirmation

• Windows will take a few minutes.
• Once done, you’ll see “The restore point was created successfully.”

How to Use a Restore Point

1. Open “System Properties” > “System Protection” tab
2. Click “System Restore…”
3. Follow the wizard:
   • Click Next
   • Select a restore point
   • Optionally scan for affected programs
   • Click Next > Finish > Yes to confirm
4. Windows will restart and apply the selected restore point.

Tips & Warnings

• Not a full backup: Still back up personal files separately.
• Disk space: Ensure enough space for restore points.
• Safe mode: If needed, perform from Safe Mode.
• Plug in your laptop: Prevent power loss during the process.

By manually creating restore points, you’re building safety nets into your system workflow—a smart move for any user who customizes or frequently updates their PC.

A dead Ethernet connection on your Windows 10 PC can be incredibly frustrating—especially if you rely on it for reliable speeds during work, gaming, or streaming. While Wi-Fi has its perks, nothing quite beats the consistency of a good wired connection. So when Ethernet suddenly stops working, it can feel like hitting a wall. The good news? In most cases, the fix is within reach. Let’s walk through it.

Why Is My Ethernet Not Working?

Several things can go wrong, ranging from a simple unplugged cable to something deeper under the hood like corrupted drivers or misconfigured settings. Here’s a quick rundown of common causes:

• Loose or Damaged Cable
• Faulty Port (Computer or Router)
• Router/Modem Glitches
• Disabled Ethernet Adapter
• Outdated or Corrupt Drivers
• Incorrect IP or DNS Settings
• Firewall or Antivirus Interference
• Temporary Windows Bugs
• Actual Hardware Failure

Step-by-Step Fixes for Ethernet Issues

Start simple and work your way up. Here we go:

1. Check Physical Connections

Sometimes, it’s just the cable. Double-check that it’s snugly connected on both ends. Look for damage. Try another Ethernet cable if you have one handy. You can also test the same cable with another device to see if the issue is with your PC or the cable/router itself.

2. Restart Everything (Seriously)

Power down your computer. Unplug your router and modem. Wait a full minute. Plug the modem in first, then the router, and finally turn your PC back on. Often, a fresh reboot of all devices clears up connectivity issues.

3. Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Right-click the Start button > Settings > Network & Internet > “Network troubleshooter” (under “Advanced network settings”). Follow the prompts. It doesn’t always solve the issue, but it can catch low-hanging fruit.

4. Make Sure Ethernet Is Enabled

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options. If your Ethernet adapter icon is greyed out, right-click and select “Enable.” If it’s already enabled, try disabling and re-enabling it.

5. Update or Reinstall Ethernet Drivers

• Open Device Manager.
• Expand “Network adapters.”
• Right-click your Ethernet device > Update driver > Search automatically.
• If that doesn’t help, visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s site and download the latest LAN driver manually.
• Still stuck? Try uninstalling the driver in Device Manager and restarting your PC—Windows should reinstall a generic version.

6. Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, a clean slate helps:

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Network reset.
• Click “Reset now.”
• Your PC will reboot, and you’ll need to reconnect to networks again.

7. Use Command Prompt Fixes

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and enter these commands one by one:

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

Then close the window and test your Ethernet again.

8. Check Firewall or Antivirus

Temporarily disable third-party firewalls or antivirus software to see if they’re causing interference. If the Ethernet works while they’re off, you’ll need to add exceptions or adjust settings.

9. Check BIOS/UEFI (Advanced)

Sometimes the onboard Ethernet controller is disabled at the firmware level:

• Reboot and enter BIOS (usually Del, F2, or F10).
• Look for network or LAN settings.
• Make sure it’s set to “Enabled.”
• Save and exit.

When to Get Help

If none of the above works:

• Call your ISP: They can run diagnostics from their end.
• Check for hardware issues: A repair tech can test your Ethernet port. Or consider using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter as a backup.

A Quick Real-World Example

One night my Ethernet just gave up. My Wi-Fi worked, so I knew it wasn’t the internet itself. I checked cables, rebooted—nothing. Finally, I updated the Ethernet driver (thanks, Intel’s website), and just like that, it lit up. It turned out a recent Windows update had corrupted it. Drivers: often overlooked, but absolutely critical.

Final Thoughts

Ethernet not working on Windows 10? It’s usually fixable. Go step-by-step. Be methodical. Start with cables and adapters, then move through Windows settings, drivers, and deeper resets if needed. Most of the time, it’s not as bad as it seems.

Removing stubborn or corrupted printer drivers in Windows can resolve various printing issues and help with fresh installations. Here’s how to completely uninstall printer drivers in Windows.

Why Uninstall Printer Drivers?

• Fix print errors from corrupted drivers.
• Prevent conflicts when installing a new printer.
• Clear failed installations or unused drivers.

Method 1: Remove from Windows Settings

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners (Windows 11) or Devices > Printers & scanners (Windows 10).
3. Click on the printer > Select Remove device > Confirm.

Method 2: Delete from Print Server Properties

1. Press Windows + R, type printui.exe /s /t2, press Enter.
2. In the Drivers tab, select the printer driver.
3. Click Remove… > Choose Remove driver and driver package > Confirm.

Method 3: Uninstall Manufacturer Software

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Win11) or Apps > Apps & features (Win10).
2. Find the printer software (e.g., HP Smart, Epson Connect).
3. Click Uninstall > Follow prompts.

Method 4: Use Device Manager

1. Open Device Manager (Right-click Start > Device Manager).
2. Expand Printers or Print queues.
3. Right-click the printer > Select Uninstall device.
4. Check Delete the driver software for this device > Confirm.
5. Restart your PC.

Method 5: Clean Remaining Files (Advanced)

Only do this if you are experienced and have backups.

Delete Driver Files:

• Navigate to:
  • C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\x64 or w32x86
  • C:\ProgramData\[Manufacturer Folder]
• Delete folders linked to the uninstalled printer.

Clean Registry Entries:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter.
2. Back up your registry (File > Export).
3. Delete entries under:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows x64\Drivers
   • …\Print\Printers
   • …\Print\Monitors (related entries only)

Final Step: Restart

Always restart your PC after uninstalling drivers to ensure all components are properly removed.

By following these methods, you can fully uninstall printer drivers in Windows, ensuring a clean system ready for fresh installations.

If your Windows 11 PC starts slowing down during heavy multitasking or memory-intensive tasks, increasing your virtual memory can help. Virtual memory—also known as a paging file—acts as a backup to your system’s physical RAM. It uses a portion of your hard drive or SSD to temporarily store data when your RAM is full.

I’ve personally used this method to improve system responsiveness on devices with low RAM, especially during video editing, gaming, or running multiple apps simultaneously. This guide will walk you through how to increase virtual memory in Windows 11 in a safe and effective way.

What Is Virtual Memory in Windows?

Virtual memory allows your PC to compensate for RAM shortages by temporarily moving inactive data from RAM to a reserved space on your storage device. This space is called the paging file or swap file.

When configured properly, virtual memory can:

• Prevent system slowdowns and freezing

• Improve multitasking performance

• Allow larger applications to run smoothly

However, it’s important to set it manually and not rely solely on Windows’ automatic settings, especially on low-RAM systems.

How to Check Your Current Virtual Memory Settings

Before increasing it, you should first check the existing configuration.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S and search for Advanced System Settings.
2. Click on View advanced system settings.
3. In the System Properties window, under the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Performance section.
4. In the Performance Options window, go to the Advanced tab.
5. Look under Virtual memory and click on Change.
   

Here, you’ll see the current size and location of the paging file.

Step-by-Step: How to Increase Virtual Memory in Windows 11

Now that you’re in the Virtual Memory settings window, follow these steps to increase the paging file size.

Step 1: Uncheck Automatic Management

By default, Windows manages the paging file size automatically.

1. Uncheck the box “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives”.
   

This allows you to manually configure the settings.

Step 2: Select the Drive

1. Click on the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:).
   
2. Select the option Custom size.
   

Step 3: Set Initial and Maximum Size

Now you’ll need to set the Initial size and Maximum size (in MB).

Recommended Rule of Thumb:

• Initial Size (MB): Equal to your installed RAM (in MB).
  
• Maximum Size (MB): 1.5 to 3 times your RAM.
  

Example for 8 GB RAM:

• 8 GB = 8192 MB
  
• Initial Size: 8192 MB
  
• Maximum Size: 16384 MB (or up to 24576 MB if needed)

Note: Always leave enough free space on your drive. Do not allocate your entire storage to virtual memory.

Step 4: Click Set and Apply

1. After entering the values:
   • Click Set
   • Then click OK

2. You’ll be prompted to restart your computer to apply the changes.
   

Restart to activate the new virtual memory settings.

Optional: Move Paging File to Another Drive

If your system has multiple drives, especially an SSD + HDD setup, you can place the paging file on the faster drive (typically the SSD) for better performance.

Steps:

1. In the Virtual Memory window, select a non-system drive.
2. Set custom values as described above.
3. Select your system drive and choose No paging file to disable it there.
4. Click Set, then OK, and restart.

Important: Only do this if your secondary drive is faster or less occupied. Avoid placing the paging file on external or USB drives.

How to Confirm That Virtual Memory Has Increased

After restarting:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Performance tab.
3. Click on Memory.
4. Look for Committed memory. This shows used + available virtual memory.
   

If the available committed memory has increased, your changes have taken effect.

When to Increase Virtual Memory

You should consider increasing virtual memory if:

• You regularly see “Low Memory” warnings
• Apps crash when RAM usage is high
• You’re running large apps (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, video editors)
• Your PC has 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM and you multitask heavily
  

In my experience, virtual memory acts as a helpful safety net on low-RAM systems and improves stability during demanding workloads.

When Not to Rely on Virtual Memory Alone

While virtual memory helps, it is not a replacement for RAM. It’s significantly slower than physical memory, especially if stored on a mechanical hard drive.

If your system frequently hits its memory limits, consider:

• Upgrading RAM (if possible)
  
• Disabling startup apps
• Cleaning temporary files
• Using lightweight alternatives to memory-heavy applications

Tips for Managing Virtual Memory Wisely

• Avoid setting maximum size too high; it may waste drive space or cause system instability.
• Don’t disable virtual memory entirely, even if you have 16 GB+ RAM—some apps and processes still rely on it.
• Always keep at least 1.5 times your RAM available in virtual memory for smoother performance.
  

Troubleshooting: If Virtual Memory Is Not Increasing

If you face issues applying changes:

• Run Disk Cleanup to free up space.
  
• Ensure you’re logged in with administrator privileges.
  
• Check for disk errors using chkdsk in Command Prompt.
  
• Temporarily disable antivirus software (if it blocks system changes).

Final Thoughts

Learning how to increase virtual memory in Windows 11 is a practical skill that can boost your system’s performance and stability, especially if you’re on a low-RAM PC or laptop. While it won’t match the speed of real RAM, it’s a reliable backup that helps prevent slowdowns, crashes, and freezes.

I’ve used this method many times on older machines and laptops with limited memory. As long as you follow the sizing guidelines and monitor your system performance, virtual memory can be a valuable tool in your Windows 11 optimization toolkit.