Users are not even aware of some components of the Windows operating system. For example, about the page file. Nevertheless, this is a rather important element, which in some cases significantly improves computer performance. Well, in some it is simply not needed. This article will show you how to manually clear the Windows 7/8/10 paging file. You will also learn what it is and how to disable this component.
What is a page file
First of all, we’ll take a look at what a swap file is. If to explain in simple language, then this is a file in which all data that did not fit in the RAM is placed. This situation may occur if you have a very small amount of RAM, which is not enough to simultaneously run several heavy programs at once.
On the other hand, if the computer has more than eight gigabytes of RAM installed, the page file is often not needed. Accordingly, it is better to clear or disable it, so as not to occupy space on your hard drive. According to some owners of personal computers, it completely slows down the operation of the operating system. But one thing is for sure: the hard drive because of it crashes faster.
How to clean swap file
Now you know what a page file is. If you do not experience problems when starting several large applications at once, then you can refuse it. But first, let's figure out how to clear the swap file.
This action is performed through the system registry. You should immediately warn that by setting the wrong parameters for some files, you can "spoil" the operating system, so do all the actions at your own peril and risk. So let's get started:
- Press Win + R on your keyboard.
- Enter the regedit command.
- Click on the OK button to start the system registry.
After that, you need to find the ClearPageFileAtShutdown file. It is located along the following path along which you need to follow:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
Having opened the final folder, you will see a list of files located in it on the right side of the window. Double-click on ClearPageFileAtShutdown to open its options window. In the Value text box, enter the number 1. In this case, the switch on the right should be in the "Hex" position. As a result, click on the OK button and restart the computer.
Now you know how to clear the page file through the system registry. Perform each action very carefully so as not to make critical changes.
How to disable the Windows 10/8/7 swap file
Agree that it’s extremely inconvenient to clean the page file every time. Therefore, if you do not need this system element, it is easiest to disable it. By the way, the instruction on how to clear the swap file is very similar to this one. You initially also need to open the registry and go to it along the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
Only this time you need to change another file - DisablePagingExecutive. Also double-click on it to open the options menu. In the window that appears, in the "Value" field, enter the number "1" and click OK.
Now you know how to disable an item. It only remains to restart the computer for the changes to take effect, and the swap file becomes inactive.