Now, Microsoft is producing mostly 64-bit versions of Windows 10. For fast and flawless processing, 64-bit operating system requires larger RAM capacity. Despite the commendable RAM size, sometimes it becomes necessary to utilize the page file memory. A page file is an extension of RAM and it stores the data of RAM which has not been used lately. The CPU reads the pagefile as one singular data and thus reading is comparatively faster than reading data from multiple locations. The RAM allocates a definite size for pagefile, but users can change the size depending on their requirement. So, users have the freedom to expand the commit limit depending on their requirement.
Page File Management location is
C:\pagefile.sys(Assuming C is the local drive in the computer)
This is a hidden file. For your information, page file management is set to automatic by default. You can always customize the size, but you need to be very careful before fidgeting with these files. You must have admin privilege and a good knowledge about handling system files.
Factors For Choosing Page File Size
Let’s have a look at the optimum page file size for 64-bit versions of Windows 10. There are some important factors, which decide the best page file size. These are:
- Crash dump setting
- Peak system commit charge
- Quantity of infrequently accessed pages
1. Crash Dump Setting
Microsoft recommends the following:
| SYSTEM CRASH DUMP SETTING | MINIMUM PAGE FILE SIZE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|
| Small memory dump (256 KB) | 1 MB |
| Kernel memory dump | Depends on kernel virtual memory usage |
| Complete memory dump | 1 x RAM plus 257 MB (Remember 1 MB of header data and device drivers, can sum up to 256 MB of secondary crash dump data) |
| Automatic memory dump | Depends on kernel virtual memory usage. For details, see the Automatic memory dump. |
2. Peak System Commit Charge
Commit charge is the total virtual memory that consolidates all the processes to fit in the physical memory and the page file memory. A system may come with or without a page file. If the system has a page file, then commit charge may be considered as the maximum potential page file usage. If the system does not have a page file, then commit charge is counted but the virtual addresses are then included in physical memory (RAM).
3. Infrequently Accessed Pages
Check out the minimum page file size and the maximum page file size.
| MINIMUM PAGE FILE SIZE | MAXIMUM PAGE FILE SIZE |
|---|---|
| Varies based on-page file usage history, amount of RAM (RAM ÷ 8, max 32 GB), and crash dump settings. | 3 × RAM or 4 GB, whichever is larger. This is then limited to the volume size ÷ 8. However, it can grow to within 1 GB of free space on the volume if required for crash dump settings. |
