Ii what is the paging file used for. Partitioning a hard drive using Partition Magic. When is moving the swap file justified?

Proper optimization of a computer allows it to quickly cope with assigned tasks, even with not the most powerful hardware. One of the most important moments optimization at low volume random access memory is setting up the paging file. Most users leave it up to Windows to decide what page file size to use to keep their computer running perfectly. This approach is fundamentally wrong, and self-configuration paging file will increase system performance.

What is the Windows paging file and why is it needed?

Each computer has RAM installed, the purpose of which is to temporarily store data in quick access for the processor. A hard drive can also act as storage for quick access to data, but its speed is significantly lower than that of RAM. The paging file is an area of the hard drive allocated for temporary storage of information. When free RAM runs out, the computer will write information to the paging file, and then can read it from there.

If we consider the operation of the paging file as an example, we can note the following scenario. When running several applications that actively consume RAM, some of them will be inactive (minimized). In such a situation, there is no point in storing them in RAM, thereby loading free place, And operating system Windows will move inactive programs to the page file. Active programs will be in RAM in order to be processed faster. When the user accesses a previously inactive program, its data will be moved from the page file to RAM, and some information from RAM will be sent to the page file.

When your computer does not have enough RAM to store data and the page file is not enabled or configured incorrectly, applications may crash or " blue screens death" when trying to run a productive program.

How to choose the right page file size

As noted above, the paging file is free space on the hard drive that is used to store data for quick access. Large capacity hard drives are inexpensive, and it may seem that if you install big size swap file on fast HDD or SSD storage, then you can minimize the amount of RAM installed in your computer, but this is not the case.

As practice shows, the operating room Windows system at large file paging and small constantly busy RAM will be accessed more often hard drive. This will lead to the following consequences:

Accordingly, on each computer assembly you must select right size swap file. By default, Windows is set to let the operating system independently choose how much memory to allocate to the paging file. This optimization method is not ideal, and better for the user configure the amount of allocated memory yourself.

On right choice The size of the paging file is influenced by many factors: the number of applications simultaneously used on the computer, the resource intensity of the tasks being performed, the number of programs running in the background, and much more. But first of all, you should focus on the amount of RAM installed in the computer, based on the following postulate: the less RAM in the computer, the larger the paging file should be.

If we take the average figures for the paging file size for computers, we can name the following values:

1 GB of RAM: paging file – 2048-2048 MB;
2 GB of RAM: paging file – 1512-1512 MB;
4 GB of RAM: paging file – 1024-1024 MB;
8 GB of RAM or more: no swap file needed.

By eliminating the paging file when you have a large amount of RAM, you increase the speed of your computer. This is due to the fact that the operating system does not have to access the disk, and all temporary data will be stored in RAM.

As you can see above, the size of the paging file is indicated in two numbers, for example, 1024-1024 MB. This is due to the fact that in Windows settings You can set the initial and maximum size of the paging file. On older computers where hard disks did not exceed tens of gigabytes in size, it made sense to set the initial size of the paging file lower than the maximum. Now that disk space is not so expensive, it is better to choose identical values for both columns. This is due to the following factors:

This reduces fragmentation hard section disk allocated for the paging file;
The Windows operating system does not have to constantly recalculate the size of the paging file. Due to this, the number of disk accesses from the system is reduced, which improves the overall performance of the computer.

Important: Some applications in the Windows operating system require installed file swaps. If the computer is running without a page file, programs may simply not start. In such situations, the system will notify you of this, and you will need to make appropriate changes to your computer settings.

How to increase or decrease the page file

The paging file settings can be made on any version of the Windows operating system. To do this, you need to go to the virtual memory settings menu:

Important: If you have multiple hard drives installed on your computer, it is recommended that you create a paging file not on system media. Exception from of this rule can only be if the system drive is a solid state drive (SSD) with high speed work, in comparison with others hard drives computer.

To changes made the paging file size has taken effect, you will need to restart your computer.

In essence, the page file is an “extension” of the computer’s RAM. All programs that run on a computer take up some amount of RAM: some require very little memory, while others require a significant amount of it.

If you simultaneously run applications that require a large amount of memory, it may not be enough. In such cases, virtual memory is used: Windows “moves” inactive applications from RAM to the page file.

Many of you will be indignant that working with a hard drive is slower than with RAM, they will say that you can’t do that, but everything is in order, nothing criminal has happened: when using a previously inactive program, data about it will first move back to RAM , and only then the program will be executed further. This operation is integral to all operating systems.

You can also find the paging file on the disk itself: this is the win386.swp file in the Windows directory for systems Windows series 9x/ME and the pagefile.sys file, which is located in the root of the disk where the system is installed, for WinNT/2000/XP.

Note: before searching for this file, you must set the system parameter - display hidden files and folders. One more attribute of this file– systemic. As a rule, files that are necessary for proper operation systems. This attribute is most often received boot files, drivers and configuration files.

So, we know where the swap file is and what it is needed for. Now you need to understand the optimal size of this file and how to configure it.

Initially, the size of the paging file depends on the tasks that the computer performs, but this is not the only parameter that affects its size. The volume also depends on the installed RAM in the computer.

Nowadays RAM has become cheaper, and many can boast at least four or eight gigabytes of RAM. Today, the role of the paging file is not as significant as it used to be, when the computer had 512 megabytes of memory, but we still talk about it - after all, not everyone has large volume random access memory.

The size of the paging file should not be set very large, since there is a threshold after which the paging file simply takes up extra space on the hard drive, but does not increase the speed of the computer.

For example, if you still use applications written under DOS, then it is advisable to make the page file larger, since DOS applications often have to use a large number of random access memory.

It is best to place the swap file on a fast hard drive (solid-state media is ideal for this task). If the hard drive is divided into several partitions, but the swap file is best placed on the first one.

Historically, the Win9x/ME family made heavy use of the page file, thus unloading RAM (which was expensive in those days). Computer hard drives were also expensive and small.

In this regard, Microsoft made the paging file dynamic (the file size increases according to the needs of Windows itself, and does not occupy a large volume constantly), but you can make the file occupy a static volume - in this case, the system will work with it faster due to the fact that you won’t have to constantly change the size of this file, and there will be no fragmentation on the disk.

Many people recommend that the page file size be equal to the amount of RAM. No one can tell you the exact size. Everyone acts at their own discretion. If the system has 512 megabytes of RAM, then the swap file should be at least a gigabyte in size. In this case it will be ensured best performance for everyday tasks.

If the memory capacity is more than a gigabyte, the swap size should be set to 1.5-2 times the size of the RAM. But there is an option when the page file does not need to be used so much: for example, a computer with eight gigabytes of RAM. The paging file size is usually a gigabyte, two at most.

So, let's measure the size of our swap file and add swap memory if necessary. In order to change the paging file, you need to go to “Computer”, click on empty space right click and select "Properties".

The “System” window will appear, where in the left top corner you need to find the link " Extra options systems." System Properties will appear. In this window, you need to go to the “Advanced” tab and find the “Performance” section there.

When opening “Performance” the user will be presented with “Performance Options”. In the window you need to go to the “Advanced” tab. This tab has two parameters: “CPU time distribution” and “Virtual memory” - this is what we need now. Click on the “Change” button and, first, examine the parameters that are available to us.

To configure the paging file size manually, you must uncheck the “Automatically select paging file size” checkbox. Then the user will need to select the disk partition on which the swap file will be located, and move the switches below to manually select this size (the default is “System-selected size”).

And at the very end indicate the minimum ( Original size) and the maximum size that the paging file will occupy on disk. For the system, at the very bottom of the window, it is displayed minimum size file, recommended and current size.

Many, after setting it up, will think: “How can I properly and optimally configure the paging file?” There are several tricks that experienced users use:

Let's imagine that you have several hard drives (not partitions) on your computer. IN in this case It is best to install the swap file on a different drive than the one on which the system is located. In this case, performance will speed up.
Important Note: The minimum size of the paging file must be limited to at least one gigabyte. In this case, it will be possible to avoid fragmentation on the hard drive and, as a result, slowdown of the entire system.
After any paging file adjustments, you must restart your computer to apply the changes and to start the defragmenter.

Interesting note: the page file contains a lot of information. When the computer is turned off, it may remain on the computer’s hard drive - this is no secret. But did you know that this file stores different passwords, logins and confidential information, which should not be shared? At a time when MS-DOS was more cost-effective, hackers could boot from this same DOS and, rummaging through the remains of the swap file, could find a lot of important (for you) information.

Thus, by following simple instructions, you can correctly configure not only the paging file, but also speed up your computer, saving yourself nerves and making the system work more stable.

Good day, dear friends, acquaintances, readers and other individuals. Today, as you understand from the title, we will talk about what it is swap file . If you are looking for text about setting it up and .

It would seem that what’s wrong with it, because everything is simple there? That’s how it is, but not always. This is a rather useful and convenient thing that lives in the operating system precisely in order to optimize work and somehow speed it up.

Anyway, let's get to the point.

Page file - terminology

Swap file- this is a kind of addition to (which deals with temporary storage of data for fast delivery them for processing) of your computer. Not so much an addition as its expansion or, one might say, continuation.

The fact is that when there is not enough RAM, the system has nowhere to go, and, of course, no one wants to freeze (and the computer is no exception), and therefore a kind of additional memory as a file. It would seem, why then do you need RAM if you can use it?

The speed of the hard drive, namely reading/loading data there and searching for it there, is much lower than the speed of RAM, and therefore the page file can only be used as an aid, but cannot be a replacement for RAM due to its lower bandwidth.

Principle of operation

The principle of the paging file itself is aimed at unloading RAM, i.e., if you simultaneously run many heavily loaded programs RAM(RAM), then one way or another, some of these programs will be inactive (minimized or simply not used in this moment) and, as a consequence, their data will be uploaded to a less fast area, i.e. to the swap file, and the data of currently active programs (say current game) will be located directly in RAM.

When you access an inactive program (i.e., for example, expand it), the data from it will go directly into RAM in order to speed up work. IN general outline it all looks something like this.

If there is an acute shortage of memory in the system, the paging file is used directly and data is also unloaded into it active programs. In case of absence\too small file(of course, taking into account the lack of RAM), a lot of problems can begin in the system, from the latter’s complaints about the lack of memory to program/system failures.

Where should the swap file be located?

In itself, this is a delicate thing and it is possible to distribute it out of the blue, but it is pointless, because by properly configuring it you can significantly speed up the speed of work.

We remind you that we have a detailed article on sizes. Here are the basic principles for placing it on disk:

If you have several physical(i.e., not one broken into parts, but several devices in general) hard drives, then locate the swap file;
If you have one hard drive divided into partitions, then place the page file on the disk C:/ or where the system is installed. If you partitioned the disk, then on any partition other than the system one;
After you have set the size or position, you actually need reboot(however, the system will warn you about this Windows and by itself);
How to see it position? Either using the task manager, or directly on the disk, but the page file itself can be hidden (it can be seen by turning on the display of hidden files and folders on systems) and is called pagefile.sys(so as not to be deleted inadvertently).

That's all, we can move on to the afterword.

The swap file is virtual memory necessary for normal use of some programs. In this article we will try to answer questions about why this file is needed, whether it can be enlarged or completely deleted.

Even a novice user who is just starting to master such a techno-monster as a computer has come across this term. To make this work a little easier, we will try to briefly and clearly explain what a swap file is and what it is used for. So, everything in order. The paging file, or as it is also called, the swap file, is nothing more than virtual memory that helps increase the performance of your computer by increasing the amount of RAM. For example, you launched several “heavy” applications on your machine at once, and 90% of 100 computers do not have enough RAM for you to work fully, so part of the load goes to the page file, and when the RAM is a little unloaded, the process goes to her field of activity.

Don’t worry, even though it’s called virtual memory, it’s quite possible to find it. For later systems it is called win386.swp and the file windows swap 7 is named pagefile.sys. By default, this file is hidden and is also a system file.

The optimal size of the paging file may vary, it all depends on what tasks you will perform on the computer and the amount of RAM. It should be noted that today, when the average user has more than 4 and 8 GB of RAM, the role of the paging file fades into the background. Before you increase the Windows 7 paging file, you should know that according to all recommendations, the size of the paging file should be identical to the amount of RAM, or one and a half to two times greater than it. This will give you the best performance from your computer.

You can configure the Windows paging file yourself, you just need to know a few things. First you need to go to the “My Computer” folder, right-click the mouse, select the “Properties” menu. Next, select the “Advanced” tab, and in the “Performance” section, click the “Options” button, look for “Virtual memory” and click “Change”. Uncheck “Automatically select paging file size”. Now everything is in your hands, you can independently set the minimum and maximum size that the paging file will occupy on your hard drive. How to increase the Windows 7 swap file, now let's figure out how you can clean or delete it. First of all, clearing the Windows 7 swap file is not recommended, as this can disrupt the operation of the system, and if it is done by an illiterate user, the consequences will have to be sorted out even longer, so it is better to consult with more experienced colleagues. But if you are still determined that we will tell you how to disable (delete) the swap file, the steps are similar to those in the process of increasing the volume. Just check the box next to “No paging file” and click the “Set” button. At this point, the operating system will sound a warning, but don't worry, it's just a way to get a little attention. We confirm by clicking the “OK” button, click “Apply” in the virtual memory window and restart the computer. The process is simple and fast.

Now you know everything about pagefile.sys, what kind of file it is, how to work with it, what you need to pay attention to, and much more. The only thing is that you forgot the pagefile.sys swap file, how to delete it, you can also restore it back without any difficulties. You just need to change the checkbox, but we didn’t tell you that.

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Not on the system one - if 2 or more hard drives. But if there is physically 1 disk, then there is no difference. Buy a lot of RAM and you don’t need this swap file.

Even if there is only one physical hard disk, then it is better to keep the swap file not on system partition. Now about more operatives. Who said bigger is better? Maybe you could also suggest installing 8GB noname module modules in one slot? Only compliance with the frequency and parity in combination with the correctly selected memory size based on the mother chipset and the existing processor, in 128-bit mode or more, will give a noticeable increase in performance

The swap file or swap file (from the original swap-file) is a hidden file virtual memory.

It is used by the system in case lack of physical RAM(aka RAM).

For example, a running application does not have enough memory, installed RAM. Then the swap file is used.

The application can write its data to it and also read it if necessary.

Located virtual storage on the computer's hard drive.

If there is insufficient physical RAM, swap is forced to be used constantly.

In this case, the process of exchanging data with hard drive It takes a lot of time and there is a significant loss of productivity.

If you don't have enough RAM and the system constantly uses the page file as additional storage, buy additional RAM.

If there is not another place (slot) to install it, purchase one bar, but with an increased volume.

The device will work more efficiently.

Optimal paging file size

Exist different sizes and the ratio of physical and virtual memory.

For acceptable performance The minimum size of the paging file must be equal to the size of the RAM.

Maximum permissible value- twice as much.

For example, your computer has 2 GB physical memory, which means the RAM should be 2GB or 4GB, respectively.

It's best to ask same values and make it static.

In this case, the system file is less subject to fragmentation.

Why was this done? It's simple.

This reduces the overall load on the system, which means increased performance.

Is it possible to improve performance if the swap remains dynamic? Certainly.

To do this, you simply need to run file cleanup after the operating system shuts down. Below we will tell you how to do this.

Clearing the swap file

To clear the paging file you need to command line register the command secpol.msc.

To do this we open Start→ in the command line enter secpol.msc→ press Enter.

After all the manipulations, it should open before us local politics security.

Click on it with the left mouse button. Additional items will open, as in the screenshot:

From the menu that appears, select "Security Options" and press the same left button.

If everything is done correctly, a list of tasks will appear in front of you.

Looking for a string "Shutdown: Clearing the virtual memory page file".

By using double click open it.

Changing the status "Disabled" on "Included" and click Apply.

From this moment on, the changes you have made will take effect.

After these actions, the swap will be cleared of excess garbage every time you turn off your computer.

It only took five minutes of time, and my productivity has already improved.

Selecting a file location

On some operating systems, you can store the paging file on multiple disks at the same time.

This has a detrimental effect on the performance level of the entire computer.

It is believed that it is best to place one swap in any segment hard drive, except for the system one.

To do this, we need to change the location of the swap file.

To perform this action, we need to first delete the existing swap file, and then re-create it, but in a new location.

We follow the path: Start → My computer→ right-click to open Properties→ a new window will appear, in it click on the tab Advanced System Settings.

In the new window we look for the tab "Additionally", then click on it.

An area opens before us called "Performance", click on the Settings button (the red arrow points to it).

Go to the section "Virtual memory" and click on the Change button.

Next, a tab will appear that will allow us to change the location and volume of the paging file and place them in any available partition hard drives.

Here you can enable or disable the swap file if necessary.

By default, the operating system places hidden virtual memory on the system disk.

This is indicated by the selected item "Size according to system selection".

We want to correct the situation and move it to a place convenient for us.

To change the location of the paging file, select it using the left mouse button.

Then activate the field "No swap file" , and then click the Set button.

After this, the parameters you entered will take effect.

However, this is not the end.

We just removed the swap from its original location.

Now let's restore it to a new one.

After these steps, you may receive a message warning you that hidden virtual memory has been disabled.

Another system error is too little memory. Don't worry.

Eliminate this system error simply click on the Yes button.

Now we can move on to creating the file in a new location.

To do this, select the disk partition that interests us (except the system one).

Click on it with the left mouse button.

Opposite the point "Specify size" check the box to activate the input field.

We have two active fields with a minimum (initial) and maximum dimensions respectively.

IN top margin indicate the minimum acceptable value.

The bottom line is either equal to it or twice as high.

In the above example, the ratio of virtual and physical memory is 1:2, i.e. the modified file will be dynamic.

To create a static swap, we must set equal values - 1:1.

The size of the paging file can be adjusted without changing its location.

To do this, we will need to perform the same steps, but without replacing the hard drive partition.

For example, if it was on drive C (opposite it there will be an inscription “by system choice”), then we do not change anything, but only indicate the values we need.

Enter the volumes and click the Set button. Then confirm the changes by clicking on OK.

If we change the dimensions downward, the changes take effect immediately.

Otherwise, the system will ask for permission to reboot.

Clicks the OK button.

How to properly configure the paging file?

Video instruction

Enabling or disabling the swap file

The shutdown function is also available to any user.

This is a justified action if you do not want to lose performance and the physical RAM is enough for you.

Swap takes a lot of time, and for some users it is much easier to insert additional strips RAM.

Before Additional slots that expand RAM are guaranteed to speed up work Windows and increase productivity significantly.

Currently you can find necessary components quite low prices, which won’t hurt your wallet at all.

This is especially true for relatively weak computers.

The paging file is disabled as follows:

In the virtual memory section (how to access it is indicated above), put a tick next to the inscription "No swap file" .

You can enable the hidden virtual memory we need in the same section.

To do this, uncheck the box "No swap file" and put it opposite "Size according to system selection" .

If you wish, you can install eigenvalues by activating the field "Specify size" .

Exactly what values will be optimal for you are described above.

Windows - Page File

Video instruction

Optimizing the paging file on one hard drive

Microsoft made the swap file dynamic by default, and, as we found out, best performance achieved with a static file.

If you have two or more hard drives, then move the swap file to any one other than the system one.

But what if there is only one hard drive? This method is suitable for such cases.

First you need to “break” HDD, creating on it additional section 2-3GB in size.

For this you can use special programs like PartitionMagic (PowerQuest Corporation), which allow you to partition a disk without losing data.

You can, of course, use the built-in Windows program to divide a disk into segments - Fdisk, but it has many disadvantages.

Including a rather complex interface, so it will not be easy for beginners.

Our advice is to use the fast and relatively convenient PartitionMagic (PowerQuest Corporation).

We simply follow the specified algorithm. Download and install the program.

Let's open it.

In the upper right corner, left-click and select required disk(in this case, there is only one).

For English version

IN top line choose "Tasks"(at the very top under the name) –> Create New Partition…–> click on the dialog box "Create New Partition"–> click Next –> select After C: (Recommended)–>Next again –> Partition Properties–> in parameter "Size" write down the size the disk being created in MB (as written above: 2-3GB, which is equal to 2048MB and 3072MB, respectively) –> tab “ Create as" –> Logical (Recommended)–> click on « File system type"(you need to select exactly FAT32) –> click on tab "Drive Letter"–> select a letter to designate the disk (any Latin capital letter, except C. For example E, D, K and others) -> then click Next -> then Finish -> and finally Apply.

For Russian version

Select from the top menu "Tasks" –> "Create new section…» –> dialog box Create a new partition –> Next button –> select After C: (Recommended) –> Next –> "Section Properties"–> in parameter "Chapter" enter the size of the created disk in MB (as written above: 2-3GB, which is equal to 2048MB and 3072MB, respectively) –> in the window "Create As" –> Logical (Recommended)–> when selecting a type file system Be sure to specify FAT32 -> select a letter to designate the drive (any capital letter except C. For example, E, D, K and others) -> Next -> click on Finish -> and then Apply.

Partitioning a hard drive using Partition Magic

Video instruction

When creating a new section, it is important to pay attention to a number of important parameters:

size created size(from 2 to 3GB),
type of file system (we need FAT32),
the purpose of the disk we created.

It can be main, logical, or have boot status.

Our new disk partition will have the following parameters: volume 2GB (3GB), file system type must be converted to FAT32, destination - logical.

If everything is correct, then proceed to the next steps.

Next up is defragmentation of our new partition.

With its help, we combine files that are fragmented on the hard drive. It is needed to unload the hard drive.

File fragmentation makes it do a lot additional actions, which significantly slows down its work.

Disk Defragmenter

A new window will open in which we select the Defragmentation button and click on it.

All that remains is to wait for the defragmentation to finish. Now everything is ready for the next stage.

After creating a new disk and fragmenting it, select it as the location for storing the paging file.

Use all its space for swap needs.

Exactly how to do this is described above.

In the list of disks, the partition you just created will appear on which you can place the hidden virtual memory.

Once completed, your computer will be fully optimized.

We have described in detail for you the process of optimizing a PC using swap file manipulations. We hope you found the information you need!