- Optimizing Windows Performance by Managing Standby Memory and Memory Compression
- What is Standby Memory in Windows?
- Spotting High Standby Memory Issues
- 4 Ways to Fix High Standby Memory Problems
- 1. Reset Standby Memory
- 2.Disable Unneeded Startup Apps
- 3. Update Drivers
- 4. Tweak SysMain Service
- Understanding Windows Memory Compression
- Is Memory Compression Bad?
- Fixing High Memory Compression Issues
- Disable Memory Compression
- Increase Physical RAM
- Tweak Virtual Memory
- Update Graphics Drivers
- The Takeaway
- References
Optimizing Windows Performance by Managing Standby Memory and Memory Compression
As Windows users, we often face performance issues like high RAM usage, memory leaks, and system slowdowns. These can be frustrating, especially when you have a high-spec machine that should be running smoothly. The culprits? Two key memory management features – standby memory and memory compression. When not optimized properly, they can bog down your system.
In this article, we’ll share proven techniques to tame standby memory and memory compression for optimal Windows performance.
What is Standby Memory in Windows?
Standby memory refers to cached data that Windows stores for quick access later. This includes opened app code, filesystem cache, and unused physical memory.
The standby list grows as you use more apps and data. Windows doesn’t classify this cached standby data as "used memory." So even with high standby memory, Task Manager can show lower memory utilization.
This is perfectly normal up to a point. But excessive standby memory that’s not freed up can cause problems like memory leaks, paging, lags, and hangs.
Spotting High Standby Memory Issues
Here’s a simple way to check if high standby memory is slowing you down:
- Open Task Manager > Performance tab
- Launch Resource Monitor
- Check the blue-colored Standby Memory section under Memory.
If it’s using too much, take action to clear and optimize the standby list.
4 Ways to Fix High Standby Memory Problems
1. Reset Standby Memory
When Windows isn’t releasing standby memory properly, a reset often helps.
To reset:
- Fully close all open apps and File Explorer.
- In Task Manager’s memory tab, check if standby usage drops and overall utilization decreases.
If not, Windows has a memory leak issue requiring a restart to flush the standby list.
2.Disable Unneeded Startup Apps
Too many auto-starting background apps compete for resources, inflating standby usage over time.
Slim down boot-time processes for improved performance.
3. Update Drivers
Updated storage, graphics, chipset drivers can fix post-hibernate high memory issues. Get the latest drivers from manufacturer websites and disable automatic driver updates afterward for stability.
4. Tweak SysMain Service
Right-click the SysMain service in Services utility and disable it or change the startup type to Manual. This tweaks SuperFetch and ReadyBoost for better memory optimization.
Understanding Windows Memory Compression
When physical memory fills up, Windows compresses least-recently-used pages in RAM to free up space. This Memory Compression is managed by the Memory Management Agent (MMA) processSvchost.exe
Compressed memory shows up under "Committed" in Task Manager’s memory tab.
Is Memory Compression Bad?
Not always. Moderate compression levels are fine for most systems. It allows Windows to run more apps and data in available physical RAM before using swap or pagefiles on slower storage.
But excessively high compression levels lead to increased CPU usage and disk paging that bogs down your system.
Fixing High Memory Compression Issues
Here are some options if compression is slowing you down:
Disable Memory Compression
Use PowerShell (admin mode) to turn it off:
Disable-MMAgent –MemoryCompression
Restart afterward. Re-enable with:
Enable-MMAgent -MemoryCompression
Increase Physical RAM
Adding more physical memory reduces the need for compression. Consider upgrading RAM if feasible.
Tweak Virtual Memory
Adjusting pagefile settings can improve performance when compression is high. Set virtual memory to System Managed Size for optimal results.
Update Graphics Drivers
Faulty graphics drivers are a top cause of memory compression issues. Install the latest GPU drivers from your manufacturer.
The Takeaway
With the right optimizations for standby memory and compression, you can boost Windows performance and responsiveness. Monitor your memory stats, and try our recommended fixes. Let us know if you have any other tips for tackling memory issues!
