The paging file in Windows 7. Where is and how to properly configure it

In cases where the computer lacks RAM, the Windows 7 swap file is used. Where this file is located, you will learn by reading the article. In addition, following the advice of experienced users, you will be able to determine the optimal size of the swap file necessary for correct operation of the OS.

In some cases, this file is generally not recommended, as this will affect the speed of the computer. Therefore, the paging file is sometimes disabled. But about everything in order.

Why do I need a swap file?

There are situations when operational (physical memory) is not enough. For example, you wanted to install a game that requires 4 GB of RAM, but you only have 3 GB on your computer. In this case, the OS uses virtual memory, that is, the swap file (hereinafter referred to as the "FP").

It is worth noting that today the cost of RAM is not very high, so it is better to purchase and install several physical memory slots, since the virtual one is on the hard disk and its reading takes longer.

As a result, your computer will "slow down". In addition, due to such loads , the service life of HDD or SDD will decrease.

However, if the AF is correctly set, it will not increase, "eating" free space on the hard drive, in addition, the fragmentation of the hard disk will significantly decrease.

By the way, the swap file in Windows XP7 can be transferred from the C (system) drive to another disk, although some users do not advise it.

Where is the swap file located?

It is located in one of the partitions of the hard drive and is called pagefile.sys. This is a hidden file, so if you want to see it, you need to activate the visibility of hidden folders and files.

Click "Start" and open the PU. Go to the "Folder Options" section, and then click the "View" tab. Scroll down the slider and click the checkbox next to Show hidden files. Now click "Apply".

Now you can find the Windows 7 paging file. Where is it, you already know (partition of the system disk). But it will not work directly with him. However, there is another way.

Deactivating the paging file

If you have enough "RAM" on your computer, then most likely you will want to deactivate the paging file in Windows 7. To do this, you need to click the PCM icon on the "My Computer" icon and select "Properties" in the context menu . There is another way - the "Start" menu, then enter the PU and open the "System" section.

On the left there is a menu where you will need "Additional system parameters". Here you are interested in the "Advanced" tab, the "Performance" subsection. Click "Options" and select "Advanced" again. Click "Change" and in the window that opens, clear the checkbox next to the automatic paging file option. Check the "No paging file" option and confirm the settings by clicking "OK". Restart the OS.

So, you learned where in Windows 7 there is a paging file and how to deactivate it.

Configuring a Swap File

For the correct operation of the laptop or computer, you need to properly configure the swap file. First of all, you need to know how much space to allocate under the paging file of Windows 7. Where is it, you remember, so you can independently change its value. Again open the "Virtual Memory" section and click "Specify size".

Note: the maximum amount of EP should be approximately 2 times the volume of the "RAM". The initial size is better set the same as the maximum. Alternatively, specify the value that is indicated opposite the "Recommended" item.

Another important point is the transfer of the swap file from the disk on which you have installed the OS to another hard drive, which will increase the speed.

Now that you know what the Windows 7 paging file is for, setting up and optimizing should not be a problem.

Helpful Tips

Having listened to the recommendations of experienced users, you will be able to properly configure the swap file. Here are the main tips:

• It has already been said above that it is better when virtual memory does not take up space on the system hard drive, since it is already loaded. Ideal option - a separate hard drive.
• If possible, install additional RAM slots to avoid using virtual memory. As a result, the operating speed of the OS will increase. For the "seven" is quite enough 6 GB of physical memory, which will not greatly shake your financial situation.
• Set your swap file size, because the system constantly increases it. This is the reason for the fragmentation of the hard drive. It is recommended to set one value for the maximum and initial amount of virtual memory.

By the way, the minimum size of the FP should not be less than 1 Gb in order to prevent fragmentation of the HDD.

Conclusion

So, now you understand why you need a Windows 7 paging file, where it is and how to configure it correctly. Of course, it would be better not to use a swap file at all, especially since now physical memory is not so expensive. However, if you have an old computer that does not have additional slots for RAM slots, then the swap file is in most cases a necessity, since modern games and programs use quite a lot of "RAM".

With regard to optimization, you can independently perform all the settings, while following the recommendations of experienced people. This is not so difficult, so you will not have any difficulties. Communicating with experienced users, ask questions, and you will definitely get answers to them.