How to move pagefile.sys for dummies?


  1. Posts : 469
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #1

    How to move pagefile.sys for dummies?


    I'm the dummy here. I have a system with a relatively small (250 GB) SSD for Windows 7 and another larger SSD and several external USB drives (various TB sizes). I am always near low disk space on C: despite having move almost all my user file off. The largest culprit is the pagefile.sys which I understood could be moved, which would free up about 24 GB. Whilst I created a paging drive on the secondary SSD, the pagefile.sys on C: could not be removed, as Windows says it is in use. which suggests it is using it even when I tell it NONE on C:

    To test this, in System Properties > Performance Options (advanced) > Virtual Memory, Automatic is unchecked, I turned back on the pagefile on C: with only a minimum 800 MB. After a reboot I turned it off again so that C: shows none and X: shows my 32 GB paging file.

    Problems:
    1) Sill cannot delete the pagefile.sys from C: (as it is in use)
    2) Extensive use of the system (open a few chrome tabs) and the system complains about a low memory condition and warns to close apps.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 72,041
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Soho,

    You should be able to use the methods in the tutorial below to move your page file to another drive and remove it on C.

    Performance & Maintenance - Virtual Memory Paging File - Change | Vista Forums
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 469
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I see the problem. "You cannot move the page file to an external or removable drive" so even though my secondary SSD is faster, it is external and therefore cannot ACTUALLY be used, even though the virtual memory dialog shows none on C: and a paging file on X: (external SSD). Thank you.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 72,041
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    You're most welcome.
      My Computer


 

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