64-bit versions of Windows and Windows Server support more physical memory (RAM) than 32-bit versions support. However, the reason to configure or increase page file size has not changed. It has always been about supporting a system crash dump, if it is necessary, or extending the system commit limit if it is needed.
For example, when a lot of physical memory is installed, a page file might not be required to back the system’s commit charge during peak usage. The available physical memory alone might be large enough to do this. However, a page or dedicated dump file might still be required to back a system crash dump.
Best Page File size for 64-bit versions of Windows 11
That brings up the question of how much pagefile.sys size should be allocated? For regular users, it is best to leave the Page File size to its default value, by letting the Windows OS decide.
Most Windows PCs have started moving towards SSDs and NVMe, and they are costly. So, let’s take a look at the factors that can help you determine the appropriate size:
- Crash dump setting
- Peak system commit charge
- Quantity of infrequently accessed pages
Page File management is set to Automatic by Windows. It is located at C:\pagefile.sysand is a hidden file. If you want to configure it manually, you can use this calculation. Also, to do this, you should have a clear understanding of Pagefile and how it works with admin account privileges.
1] Crash dump setting
Below is the calculation Microsoft recommends to use the following calculations:
| System crash dump setting | Minimum page file size requirement |
|---|---|
| Small memory dump (256 KB) | 1 MB |
| Kernel memory dump | Depends on kernel virtual memory usage |
| Complete memory dump | 1 x RAM plus 257 MB* |
| Automatic memory dump | Depends on kernel virtual memory usage. For details, see the Automatic memory dump. |
* 1 MB of header data and device drivers can total 256 MB of secondary crash dump data.
Windows keeps all dump files at %SystemRoot%\Minidump and manages them automatically. If you want to enable the dedicated, DedicatedDumpFile then you need to change a Registry entry.
- Open the Registry Editor and browse to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CrashControl
- Right-click on the CrashControl and create a new String Value and name it DedicatedDumpFile
- Double-click on it, and set the value to <Drive>:\<Dedicateddumpfile.sys>. Where Drive is the partition like “D, E” and so on.
- Next, create a DWORD DumpFileSize and set the value which defines the size in megabytes (MB).
You can also set size and other factors. You can read more about it on the official Microsoft page.
2] Peak system commit charge
Commit charge describes the total virtual memory guaranteed for all processes to fit in physical memory and the page file. When you say Peak, it is the highest amount the total commit charge has reached since the operating system was last started.
3] Quantity of infrequently accessed pages+
Follow this method to find the quantity of infrequently accessed pages+ for the minimum and maximum page file sizes.
| Minimum page file size | Maximum page file size |
|---|---|
| Varies based on-page file usage history, amount of RAM (RAM ÷ 8, max 32 GB), and crash dump settings. | 3 × RAM or 4 GB, whichever is larger. This is then limited to the volume size ÷ 8. However, it can grow to within 1 GB of free space on the volume if required for crash dump settings. |
What is the recommended page file size in Windows?
The recommended page file size in Windows is typically 1.5 times the amount of your installed RAM for the minimum size and up to 4 times the RAM for the maximum size. For example, with 8 GB of RAM, the minimum page file should be 12 GB and the maximum 32 GB.
What happens if a paging file is too large?
If a paging file is too large, it can consume significant disk space, potentially slowing down system performance. Large paging files may indicate excessive memory usage, which could point to underlying system issues that must be addressed.
Speaking of Page File, you might want to check out some of these links:
- How to clear the Windows Page File at Shutdown
- MemInfo – A Real-time Memory & Page file Usage Monitor
- How to defrag MFT, Page File, Registry, System Files.
I hope you can determine the appropriate page file size for 64-bit versions of Windows 11/10.
