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3.4. Virtual Memory Settings

Applies to: @RISK, all versions

Should I change my Windows virtual memory settings for use with @RISK simulations?

Left to manage virtual memory on its own, Windows will not go above 3 times your physical RAM, or 4 GB if you have less than 1.33 GB physical RAM. (Reference: "System-managed page files" in How to determine the appropriate page file size for 64-bit versions of Windows, accessed 2015-02-27.)

If you're running large simulations, "System managed" may not be the best choice. To find how much memory your simulation needs, see Memory Used by @RISK Simulations. You will want your page file size to be at least that much, plus more to allow for other programs. However, don't set it so large that your disk has little free space; that can degrade Windows performance.

To specify the size of the page file or virtual memory:

  1. Open System Properties:

    • In Windows 7 or 8 or 10, right-click Computer or This PC, select Properties, and select Advanced System Settings.
    • In Windows XP, open Control Panel and select System.
  2. On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings » Advanced » Change.

  3. If "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives" appears, remove the check mark. (Windows XP doesn't have this box in the dialog.)

  4. Change "System managed size" to "Custom size". Set the initial and maximum size to the same number, so that Windows won't waste time resizing the page file during your simulation.  (You may or may not need to reboot after changing this setting; Windows will tell you if you do.)

  5. If you had to change the setting, click OK to close each screen; if the setting was already correct, click Cancel to close each screen.

Last edited: 2018-04-23

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