How to Move the Pagefile to Another Drive in Windows

The pagefile, or virtual memory, is used by the operating system to store data when your physical RAM is fully utilized. Sometimes, moving this file to a different drive can help optimize system performance or free up space on the primary drive. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to relocate the pagefile.

Step 1: Open Virtual Memory Settings

  1. Press Win + X and select System.
  2. In the window that appears, click on Advanced system settings on the right side.
  3. In the Performance section, click on Settings.
  4. Go to the Advanced tab, then click the Change button under Virtual Memory.

Step 2: Disable Pagefile on the Current Drive

  1. Uncheck the box for Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
  2. Select the drive where the pagefile is currently located (typically Drive C:).
  3. Choose No paging file and click Set.
  4. If a warning appears, confirm to proceed.

Step 3: Set Up the Pagefile on the New Drive

  1. Select the drive you want to move the pagefile to.
  2. Choose Custom size.
  3. In the Initial size and Maximum size fields, enter the recommended values (typically 1.5 to 2 times the size of your RAM).
  4. Click Set and confirm the change.

Step 4: Restart Your System

To apply these changes, restart your computer. Once it reboots, the pagefile will be located on the new drive, which can free up space on the primary drive and potentially improve overall performance.