- Standby memory can saturate RAM and slow down the system if not freed properly.
- Tools like RAMMap allow you to manually empty this memory safely.
- Automating the process with Task Scheduler is possible using EmptyStandbyList.exe.
- Good RAM management improves performance without the need to upgrade your hardware.
On many occasions, users of Windows You notice your system slowing down for no apparent reason. Despite having enough RAM installed, some processes seem to take longer than usual, or even gaming performance degrades for no apparent reason. One of the lesser-known but most influential suspects in these cases is standby memory. Standby Memory.
Understanding what standby memory is and how to manage it can help you significantly improve your computer's overall performance.This type of memory can accumulate to the point that, even though your PC indicates there's free RAM, it's actually not being used efficiently. Fortunately, there are solutions to free up this memory and keep your system running smoothly.
What is Standby Memory?
La standby memory It's essentially a type of cache that the operating system uses to store data from recently closed or background programs. Windows maintains it so that if you reopen one of those programs, it will load more quickly. However, When this type of memory is not released properly, it can prevent other processes from accessing RAM., generating bottlenecks that lead to a drop in performance.
Why it can become a problem
The use of Standby Memory does not usually represent a problem in most cases, but there are situations in which Windows does not handle its release correctlyThis causes abnormal RAM consumption, leaving the system without the resources to open new applications or run games smoothly. Many users have found that the queue list is not automatically emptied., especially in recent versions of the operating system, which leads to its saturation.
How to monitor standby memory usage
To find out if this is your case, Windows includes a tool called Resource Monitor. You can open it from the Task Manager in the "Performance" tab or by typing "Resource Monitor" directly into the system search. Once opened, go to the "Memory" tab and check the "Physical Memory" section. If the standby pool is taking up an excessive percentage of RAM and your system is running slow, you probably have this problem..
Solutions: Release Standby Memory manually or automatically
There are several ways to free up standby memoryTwo of the most commonly used methods are to use tools like RAMMap or to automate the process using the Windows Task Scheduler.
Use RAMMap to clear Standby Memory
Utility RAMMap, developed by Sysinternals (now part of Microsoft), allows you to visualize how physical memory is being used on your system. RAMMap shows you technical information such as private processes, paging and non-paging memory, mapped files, etc.Beyond the analysis, what's most interesting is its emptying function. You can learn how to use it in this article. article about VMMap.
From the top menu "Empty", you can select the option Empty Standby ListThis will directly free up this type of memory without affecting other essential system segments. It's a safe and effective method if used correctly.
Process Automation with Task Scheduler
Some users have preferred to automate the periodic cleaning of the Standby Memory. This is done with a small application called EmptyStandbyList.exe, which you can find on trusted sites like wJ32.orgThe process involves creating a scheduled task that runs this tool every so often.
Basic steps to automate with the scheduler:
- Download the EmptyStandbyList executable from the official website.
- Copy it to a folder inside “C:\Windows” or another accessible location.
- Open Task Scheduler and create a new task.
- On the General tab, enter a name for the task and enable the Run with higher privileges option.
- Under “Triggers,” select “Daily” or “Every 5 minutes,” and select the indefinite repeat option if desired.
- Under "Actions," click "Start a program" and select the EmptyStandbyList file.
Once the task is created and activated, The system will automatically clean the Standby Memory., which can help maintain more stable performance throughout use.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.