One of the primary reasons your PC might transition from snappy to sluggish after prolonged use is that you’ve exhausted your available memory. If your RAM is insufficient for the tasks you’re performing, or if numerous background applications are running, hitting your memory limit can significantly slow down your PC, making it feel like you need a complete replacement. However, if you understand RAM, you know that’s likely not the case. In fact, simply taking steps to free up some memory could extend the lifespan of your current system.
## How to Clear Up RAM on Windows
Windows applications have a notorious appetite for memory. While this isn’t inherently negative – more and faster memory can lead to enhanced application performance – some apps are notorious RAM hogs, especially after running for extended periods. Here’s how to reduce the amount of RAM your PC demands currently, freeing up resources for other tasks.
### Step 1: Reboot Your Computer
If you’re not in the middle of any critical projects, a quick reboot often resolves minor RAM issues. Both Macs and PCs can accumulate background activity from unused apps, leading to RAM consumption that isn’t truly necessary. Save your current work, restart your computer, and resume your activities to see if your performance has improved.
### Step 2: Shut Down Unnecessary Background Apps
Numerous apps and processes run silently in the background, consuming RAM without obvious signs of activity. To identify these culprits, use the Task Manager on PCs, which displays all running activity, including background apps. Select apps that serve no purpose and choose to quit them. If a reboot helps free up substantial RAM, you can also simply close some of the applications currently running. Conversely, if a reboot offers little improvement, you may need to minimize the number of applications that automatically launch with your PC. Here’s a quick guide on how to modify startup programs.
### Step 3: Overclock Your Existing RAM
In specific cases, you can overclock RAM similar to overclocking a CPU. This process is slightly complex, requiring you to establish a baseline, manually overclock, and carefully monitor your progress to avoid overwhelming your RAM. Overclocking RAM is only possible on select PCs. If you’re interested, we have a comprehensive guide on how to overclock RAM for a detailed explanation.
### Step 4: Empty Your Browser Cache
Your browser cache stores temporary files to expedite the loading of certain websites. While this doesn’t directly affect your computer’s RAM, it impacts how efficiently browsers utilize data. When the cache becomes overly full, it can mimic a RAM shortage. Fortunately, browsers offer quick options to clear the cache when needed, usually accessible within the tools or settings section.
### Step 5: Switch to a Different Browser
Some browsers consume more RAM than others, while some manage data more efficiently for a streamlined experience. If you persistently encounter problems when opening numerous tabs, switching to a different browser might be worthwhile. We regularly benchmark the latest web browser releases from all major developers. Explore our coverage of the best browsers to find the perfect fit for your needs.
### Step 6: Check Your Extensions
Extensions and add-ons enhance your browser’s capabilities, offering tools for convenience, password management, quicker access to specific content, and app integration. However, many extensions rely on background processes for monitoring and operation, running constantly while you use the browser. An excessive number of extensions can strain your browser’s RAM usage. Examine your installed extensions and remove any you don’t genuinely need.
### Step 7: Keep Your Apps and Operating System Updated
Updates not only fix bugs and introduce new features but also optimize certain processes, often leading to lower RAM consumption. Avoid letting apps or your OS linger without updates for extended periods; they likely use more RAM than necessary. Update and restart when you have time.
### Step 8: If All Else Fails, Consider RAM Upgrade
If none of the above steps provide relief, upgrading your computer’s RAM might be the solution. The process is straightforward, even for laptops, and there are numerous games and applications that perform significantly better with increased memory. If you’re gaming with 16GB of RAM or less, consider upgrading to enhance your experience.
## How to Clear Up RAM on Mac
macOS lacks the same extensive RAM-freeing options as Windows – overclocking RAM isn’t an option – but many of the principles remain relevant, providing methods to try. Let’s explore some of the most crucial approaches.
### Step 1: Close Down Background Apps
Similar to the Windows method, navigate to System Preferences and use the Activity Monitor on Macs. This allows you to view all running apps on your Mac and choose those you don’t need to quit. Additionally, consider checking apps set to launch at login, especially if they’re unnecessary.
### Step 2: Switch to a Different Browser
As mentioned earlier, Opera functions exceptionally well on macOS and could be a valuable alternative if you favor numerous open tabs. Additionally, the other browser tricks, such as minimizing the number of running extensions, also apply here.
### Step 3: Clean Your Desktop
Operating systems manage icons and folders differently on desktop home screens. Shortcuts themselves are unlikely to cause significant problems. However, a cluttered desktop, especially on macOS, can consume more RAM than necessary and interfere with normal operations. Maintain a clean desktop, limiting it to a few essential icons and folders. Avoid automatically saving files directly to your desktop; instead, configure the location for screenshots on your Mac.
### Step 4: Keep macOS Updated
Efficiency gains from updates are worthwhile over time. If you need help updating, consult our guide on how to update macOS.
## Free Up RAM FAQ
Macs may operate slightly differently from PCs, but their memory still fills up for the same reasons. Running too many applications, too many browser tabs, resource-intensive apps exceeding your laptop’s specifications, or various other factors can contribute. It could be as simple as needing a reboot after prolonged uptime – hours, days, or even weeks. The good news is that there are numerous methods to enhance your Mac’s free RAM.
### Can I Use Windows RAM on a Mac?
It’s possible, but the chances of it being as compatible as purchasing memory designed for Windows PCs are slim. You’d need to ensure the correct generation, form factor, and speed compatibility with the Windows PC. Using PC RAM in a Mac is more likely to work than the reverse, but either way, the process is unlikely to be successful. It’s best to stick with approved memory designed for their respective platforms.
### Will More RAM Always Make My Computer Faster?
More RAM only enhances a computer’s speed if it initially lacked enough. RAM speed can influence how quickly a computer (Mac or Windows PC) runs, but again, only if it’s the performance bottleneck. Typically, a faster processor or graphics card will have a more substantial impact on performance, depending on the specific application you’re using.
