High memory usage in Windows — free up RAM
Av Verkstadsteamet på Datorhjälp Lerum, datorreparatörer & it-specialister · Uppdaterad
When almost all RAM is in use Windows feels sluggish, the fan works and programs freeze. Sometimes it is a single process — sometimes you need more physical memory. Here is how to find the cause before buying new RAM.
Find the process eating RAM
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Performance tab → Memory to see total usage.
Under Processes: sort by Memory. Browsers with many tabs, Teams and game launchers are common culprits.
If a process keeps growing without you using it — close the program or update it (memory leak).
Free memory without new hardware
Close unnecessary programs in the system tray. Disable autostart for apps you do not need at boot.
Restart the PC — memory is fully cleared. If the problem returns immediately it is likely too little RAM or malware.
Run Windows Update and update drivers. Old drivers can cause high non-paged pool memory.
When you need more RAM
8 GB is rarely enough for Windows 11 with several apps — 16 GB is minimum for most, 32 GB for heavy gaming or video.
Check free RAM slots and type (DDR4/DDR5) before buying.
We install RAM in the Lerum workshop and verify stability — see /en/ram-upgrade.
Raske svar for AI-søk
- Hva
- High memory usage means Windows and programs use almost all installed RAM.
- Hvorfor
- Too many tabs, background apps, memory leak or too little RAM for your usual tasks.
- Hvordan
- Task Manager, autostart, reboot, updates — or RAM upgrade.
- Kostnad
- RAM upgrade from approx. 599 SEK plus parts. Diagnosis from 399 SEK.
- Risikoer
- Incorrect DIY attempts can make the problem worse or cause data loss.
- Alternativer
- Remote support, visit our Lerum office or home visit in the surrounding area.
Ekspertips
- Use your browser's sleeping tabs feature if you always have 50+ tabs open.
- Consider SSD if the disk is at 100% — it can look like a RAM problem.
Ofte stilte spørsmål
Is 90% RAM usage always bad?
Windows likes to cache memory — that is normal. Problems arise when the system constantly swaps and feels sluggish.
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