Windows Says There Is Not Enough Memory: What to Do
How to tell if it's a lack of RAM, a disk problem, or faulty RAM, before buying anything.
Windows warns you there isn't enough memory to continue. Before considering buying more RAM, there are several checks that might fix it at no cost — or confirm that you do need to upgrade it.
1. Close what you don't need right now
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) → sort by the
"Memory" column → close what you aren't actively using. If you don't
know what
RAM is or how it
works, that guide gives you the full context.
2. Rule out a disk space problem
When RAM fills up, Windows uses part of the disk as "emergency memory" (virtual memory). If the disk is also almost full, that backup system fails too, and that's when this specific error shows up. Our guide on freeing up disk space covers this in detail.
3. Rule out faulty RAM (not just insufficient)
Windows includes a diagnostic tool many guides don't mention. Press
Windows + R, type mdsched and Enter. Choose
"Restart now and check for problems". The machine will restart and
scan the physical memory for genuine hardware errors, not just
quantity.
This matters because "low memory" and "faulty memory" are different problems with different solutions — the first is fixed by closing programs or upgrading RAM; the second, by replacing the failing module, no matter how much RAM you have installed in total.
4. Reduce the apps that start with you
Task Manager → "Startup apps" tab → disable the ones you don't need opening automatically. Each one uses memory from the very first second, even if you aren't using it.
5. Adjusting virtual memory manually (last resort)
Windows manages this automatically, and in most cases there's no need to touch it. Only if you're still seeing the error after the steps above: search for "View advanced system settings" → "Advanced" tab → "Performance" → Settings → "Advanced" tab → "Change" (virtual memory) → uncheck "Automatically manage" and set a custom size.
Warning: adjusting virtual memory by hand without knowing the right values to use can make performance worse rather than better. It's a last-resort adjustment, not the first one.
Tip: if after all this the error keeps happening with normal use (not just very demanding programs), your machine probably simply needs more RAM installed — our guide on how much RAM you need for your use helps you decide how much.
Frequently asked questions
Does this error mean my RAM is broken?
Not necessarily — the most common cause is simply having more programs open than your RAM can handle. Use the mdsched tool to confirm whether there's also a genuine physical problem with the module.
Can I fix it without buying more RAM?
In many cases yes: closing unnecessary programs, freeing up disk space (for virtual memory) and disabling startup apps is usually enough. Upgrading RAM is the definitive solution only if the problem persists with normal use.
What is mdsched and is it safe to use?
It's Windows Memory Diagnostic, an official tool included in the system. It restarts the machine and scans the physical memory for errors, with no risk to your files.