Delete Pagefile.sys

In the new Performance Options window that appears, click the tab.

The pagefile.sys file is the Windows , commonly referred to as Virtual Memory . It acts as a secondary storage extension for your computer’s physical RAM (Random Access Memory).

The pagefile.sys is usually located on the same drive as your Windows installation, and its size can vary depending on your system configuration and usage. You might see multiple pagefile.sys files on different drives, but this is not uncommon. delete pagefile.sys

Some older software applications and games are explicitly coded to require a pagefile, regardless of how much physical RAM you have installed. Disabling it completely can cause these specific applications to fail to launch or throw random errors.

pagefile.sys is a critical system file in Microsoft Windows operating systems. It acts as a "virtual memory" extension of the computer's physical RAM. While it is technically possible to delete this file, doing so while the operating system is running can lead to system instability, application crashes, and data loss. This report outlines the function of the file, the risks of deletion, and the correct procedure for removing it if disk space is strictly required. In the new Performance Options window that appears,

If your C: drive is a small, fast SSD but you have a large secondary HDD or SSD (D: or E: drive) with plenty of free space, you can shift the burden there.

October 26, 2023 Subject: Risks, Methods, and Consequences of Deleting the Windows Page File The pagefile

After reboot, pagefile.sys will be gone from the original drive.

If the goal is to remove sensitive data from the page file:

In the window, select the C: drive, choose No paging file , and click Set . Next, select your secondary drive (e.g., D: ) from the list. Select System managed size or Custom size , and click Set .