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How to Fix Windows 11 Memory Leak Error: Step-by-Step Solutions That Work

Memory leaks in Windows 11 can cause your computer to slow down or become unresponsive over time. These leaks happen when programs use memory but fail to release it back to the system. Fixing memory leaks helps improve your PC’s performance and stability.

This guide will walk you through simple, effective steps to identify and fix memory leak errors in Windows 11. Each step is explained in clear terms, so even beginners can follow along.

By following these solutions, you can prevent unnecessary memory usage and enjoy a smoother computing experience. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into troubleshooting.

Remember, fixing memory leaks can sometimes require patience, but the steps below cover the most common and reliable methods.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart clears temporary memory issues.
  • Check for Windows updates: Keeping Windows 11 updated ensures you have the latest fixes.
  • Close unnecessary programs: Running many apps simultaneously can use a lot of memory.
  • Scan for malware: Malicious software can cause memory problems, so run a full antivirus scan.

Step 1: Use Task Manager to Identify Memory Hogs

Task Manager shows which apps or processes are using the most memory. This helps pinpoint if a specific program is causing the leak.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click the Processes tab.
  3. Click the Memory column header to sort processes by memory usage.
  4. Look for any app that is using a large amount of memory and growing steadily over time.
  5. If you find one, select it and click End Task to close it.

Why this helps: This step stops memory-hungry apps immediately and helps you identify problematic software.

Step 2: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers can cause memory leaks by not managing hardware resources properly.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand categories like Display adapters, Network adapters, etc.
  3. Right-click a device and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
  5. Repeat for important devices, especially graphics and network adapters.

Why this helps: Updated drivers fix bugs that cause memory leaks and improve hardware performance.

Step 3: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

This tool checks your physical RAM for errors, which can cause memory leaks or crashes.

  1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
  3. Your PC will restart and perform the memory test automatically.
  4. After the test, Windows will display results when you log back in.

Why this helps: Faulty RAM can cause memory leak symptoms, so diagnosing hardware is important.

Step 4: Disable Startup Programs

Many programs start automatically and consume memory unnecessarily.

  1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
  2. Go to the Startup tab.
  3. Review the list and disable any programs you don’t need at startup by right-clicking and selecting Disable.

Why this helps: Reducing startup programs frees memory and lowers the chance of leaks from apps running in the background.

Step 5: Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

Virtual memory acts as extra RAM using your hard drive. Improper settings may cause memory issues.

  1. Press Win + S, type Advanced system settings, and open it.
  2. Under the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Performance section.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual memory.
  4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size if checked.
  5. Select your system drive (usually C:), click Custom size, and set:
    • Initial size: Same as your RAM size in MB.
    • Maximum size: Twice your RAM size in MB.
  6. Click Set and then OK to save changes.
  7. Restart your PC.

Why this helps: Correct virtual memory settings allow Windows to manage memory better and reduce leaks.

Step 6: Check for Problematic Updates and Rollback

Sometimes, recent Windows updates can cause memory leaks. Rolling back such updates may help.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update > Update history.
  3. Look for recent updates installed before the problem began.
  4. Go back to Windows Update, click Uninstall updates.
  5. Select the problematic update and click Uninstall.
  6. Restart your PC and see if the issue improves.

Why this helps: Some updates might have bugs causing memory leaks, so uninstalling them fixes the problem temporarily.

Step 7: Use System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupt system files can cause memory issues. These tools scan and repair Windows files.

  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
  4. If problems persist, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
    5. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  5. Restart your PC after completion.

Why this helps: Repairing system files can fix hidden issues causing memory leaks.

Alternative Method: Use Third-Party Memory Management Tools

If the above steps don’t fully resolve the issue, you can try trusted third-party software that monitors and frees up memory automatically.

  • RAMMap: A Microsoft tool to analyze memory usage in detail.
  • CleanMem: Frees unused RAM without harming system stability.

Always download such tools from reputable sources and use them carefully.

FAQs

What is a memory leak in Windows 11?

A memory leak happens when a program uses RAM but does not release it back after use, causing your system to run low on memory over time.

How can I tell if my PC has a memory leak?

You might notice your PC slowing down, freezing, or Task Manager showing a process steadily consuming more memory without releasing it.

Can malware cause memory leaks?

Yes, some malware can misuse system resources, leading to memory problems. Running antivirus scans is essential.

Is increasing RAM a solution?

While more RAM can help performance, it won’t fix a memory leak caused by software bugs or faulty drivers.

How often should I update Windows and drivers?

Regularly updating your system and drivers helps prevent bugs, including memory leaks. Check for updates at least once a month.

When Nothing Works: Final Options

If you’ve tried all the steps and still experience memory leaks, consider the following:

  • Reset Windows 11: Use the built-in reset option to reinstall Windows without affecting your files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for expert help.
  • Consult a technician: Hardware issues like failing RAM or hard drives might require professional diagnosis.

Conclusion

Memory leaks in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but following these step-by-step solutions often solves the problem. Starting from simple checks to more advanced fixes ensures you don’t miss important details.

Regular maintenance, such as updating drivers and Windows, monitoring memory usage, and running diagnostic tools, helps keep your PC running smoothly. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional support.

By understanding and addressing memory leaks, you ensure better performance and a more reliable Windows 11 experience.

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