Understanding Pagefile.sys: Can It Be Deleted?

For those who delve into Windows files, Pagefile.sys is a familiar term. However, comprehending its full functionality isn't easy. In this article, Software Hacks will explain what Pagefile.sys is, whether it can be deleted, and if disabling its functionality is advisable.

1. What is Pagefile.sys?

Pagefile.sys is a subsidiary file generated during computer usage. Specifically, it's a sub-file of the RAM system. As you may know, a computer system usually has RAM capacities of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and even up to 1.5TB RAM for WorkStation and Server machines. However, for basic computers, they are usually equipped with 8GB to 16GB of RAM. With this capacity, it may not be sufficient for multitasking activities. For instance, if you use Chrome browser with 10 tabs continuously, your RAM will be heavily consumed. Pagefile.sys is created to support RAM. When the RAM capacity is full and there's no more space to store data, the system will transfer data to Pagefile.sys. Pagefile.sys is responsible for storing essential data from RAM. Surely, the speed of files stored in Pagefile.sys will never be as fast as RAM. This occurs because RAM is directly connected to the CPU through leads, while the hard drive must connect through the Chipset before reaching the CPU. Or in simpler terms, the speed of RAM is much faster than the hard drive.

Exploring the Functionality of Pagefile.sys

By now, you must have understood the full utility of Pagefile.sys. This is perhaps one of the most critical files on your computer. If your computer has low RAM capacity and multitasks frequently without Pagefile.sys, you're bound to encounter the 'Your Computer is low on Memory' error continuously. This is a fundamental issue when using a computer with insufficient RAM and no virtual RAM to handle overloaded capacities.

Concerned about Pagefile.sys Performance?

The Windows operating system is meticulously and intelligently programmed. The data stored in Pagefile.sys are background processes and infrequently accessed data. Meanwhile, actively used applications remain stored in RAM for faster access. To make it easier to understand, Software Tips will provide an example: Suppose you're multitasking with three applications: Chrome, Skype, Word. Among these three, Chrome and Word are the ones you're actively using, while Skype is only used for messages. Thus, the system categorizes Skype as a less active application and transfers it to Pagefile.sys when RAM capacity is full. The system prioritizes less used applications for Pagefile.sys storage.

Pagefile.sys Storage Location

Pagefile.sys is stored on the main drive of your computer (the drive where Windows is installed). Typically, files related to system performance and management are hidden by the manufacturer. As a result, you won't be able to see Pagefile.sys through conventional means. You need to use relevant commands to access and intervene in the system for Pagefile.sys to appear for monitoring.

3. Checking the Size of Pagefile.sys

As you know, Pagefile.sys stores data from RAM, so it contains both used and free storage space. To check the size of Pagefile.sys, open the RUN window (Windows + R) and type 'Dxdiag'. Information about Pagefile.sys will be displayed directly below the RAM size.

Pagefile Size on Software Tricks Computer

The Page File usage on the Software Tricks computer is 5752MB (equivalent to 5.7GB), and the available (empty) Page File size is 3418MB (equivalent to 3.4GB).

4. Should Pagefile.sys Functionality be Disabled?

If you've read part 1 and understand the purpose of the Page File, you might be thinking that deleting it will speed up data storage directly in RAM significantly. This is true if you have a large enough RAM capacity for your operations. However, if your computer has limited RAM, using Pagefile is a much better option. Furthermore, if your computer is tight on storage space, deleting the Pagefile can also free up a considerable amount of storage. For example, if Software Tricks' computer deletes the Page File, it can free up nearly 10GB of hard drive space.

5. How to Delete Pagefile.sys

Step 1: Access Control Panel by typing Control Panel in the Search box on the Start bar.

Step 2: Type Advanced into the search box to open View Advanced system settings.

Step 3: Then, select the Advanced tab and click on Settings… to configure.

Step 4: Proceed to select the Advanced tab and choose Change…

Step 5: Here, you proceed with the following settings:

• Uncheck the option Automatically manage paging file size for all drives
• Select your C: drive and choose No Paging File, then click Set to save.

That's it, you've successfully deleted Pagefile.sys.

6. How to Increase PageFile Size

To adjust the size of the PageFile, proceed to Step 5 of Section 5 above. Then, configure as follows:

Select Custom size and set the desired capacity for the Page File.

• Initial size (MB): Minimum capacity
• Maximum size (MB): Maximum capacity

Thus, Software Tips has elucidated the essence of Pagefile.sys. Can Pagefile.sys be deleted? Should the Pagefile.sys feature be disabled? Wishing you all success!