How to Reduce Memory Usage: A Step-by-Step Guide

When devices start lagging, freezing, or crashing, high memory usage could be the cause. Running multiple applications simultaneously or leaving resource-heavy programs active can overwhelm your system, causing slowdowns and unexpected interruptions. You can prevent these problems when you know how to reduce memory usage.

You can optimize memory usage and keep your devices efficient without expensive upgrades. In this post, we’ll explain how to reduce memory usage and maintain a high-performing IT environment.

How to reduce memory usage

There are several methods to clear RAM, depending on your device. Here are some practical tips for how to reduce memory usage:

1. Restart your computer

Restarting your device clears your RAM by freeing up memory caused by data buildup. It’s a simple yet effective method for reducing memory usage. Temporary files, like cache files, incomplete or pending system updates, and temp folders, can add up quickly – as can background processes like app services and hidden tasks. Regular restarts remove these types of unnecessary data to keep your computer performing at its best.

2. Identify memory-hogging apps

Here’s how to check and manage resource-intensive processes on Windows and Mac:

Windows

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Click the Processes tab and organize the list by Memory usage to see which applications consume the most RAM. 

how to check and manage resource heavy processes using Windows.

For proactive monitoring, use a Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) solution. It tracks real-time memory usage, helping IT teams spot resource-heavy programs before they cause slowdowns.

Mac

Launch Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities and switch to the Memory tab to check how much RAM different apps use. Pair this with a platform that automates monitoring and sends RMM alerts when memory usage exceeds safe limits. This combination ensures performance issues are caught early and addressed quickly.

Note that Mac frequently changes its steps/processes. For the best and most up-to-date instructions, we recommend checking their current guide for more details on how to use Activity Monitor. 

3. Close unnecessary apps and tabs

Save your work frequently and close programs you’re not actively using. This reduces unnecessary strain on your system, helping it run faster and more efficiently throughout the day. 

Opening fewer browser tabs can also speed things up. Instead of leaving important websites open, use bookmarks for quick access when needed. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on performance. 

You can also add Chrome Memory Saver that idles tabs so they won’t consume memory until they’re back in focus.

Microsoft Edge does this by default and calls it Sleeping Tabs.

For even more control, equip your IT team with a remote management tool that allows them to adjust settings and close unused programs without being onsite. This keeps your systems optimized and minimizes downtime by resolving issues faster. You can also use system audits that generate detailed activity logs. These records ensure IT policies are followed while improving operational oversight, helping your business stay secure and well-managed.

4. Disable startup programs

Launching too many programs at startup can slow down device performance. Here’s how to manage startup applications on Windows and Mac:

Windows

  1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
  2. Click the Startup tab.
  3. Review the list of applications. Right-click any unnecessary programs and select Disable to prevent them from launching at startup. 
how to manage/disable startup apps using Windows

Mac

  1. Go to System Preferences and select Users & Groups.
  2. Choose your account, then click Login Items.
  3. Highlight any apps you don’t want to launch automatically and click the minus (-) button to disable them. 

Manually managing startup programs works for individual devices, but IT environments with many endpoints benefit from automated solutions. Use automated scripts to disable specific startup programs across multiple devices. This saves time and ensures consistent performance settings.

5. Clear temporary files

Removing unnecessary files helps improve performance and prevent storage issues.

Windows

Go to Settings > System > Storage and enable Storage Sense to clear temporary files automatically. For a more hands-on approach, use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. Both options free up storage space.

How to remove extraneous files in Windows to help improve performance and free up storage space.

Mac

Access the Storage Management tool by selecting About This Mac > Storage. This feature identifies and removes unneeded files, optimizing performance with just a few clicks.

Set up automated maintenance scripts to regularly clear temporary files without manual input. Scheduling these tasks ensures your systems stay clutter-free, reducing downtime and giving your IT team one less thing to manage.

6. Optimize system settings

Fine-tuning your system settings is another excellent way to free up RAM.

Windows

  1. Right-click the Start Menu
  2. Choose System
  3. Click Advanced System Settings
Optimize your system settings in Windows to free up RAM.

Mac 

Make sure there’s enough free disk space to support memory swapping. When macOS has room to manage virtual memory, you’ll notice smoother performance and fewer slowdowns during heavy workloads.

You can also set automation policies to specify how tasks such as memory management function across all your managed devices. 

7. Update or reinstall memory-intensive apps

Automated patch management tools keep apps up to date without manual effort. But when apps continue to hog memory, you may need to remove and reinstall them to clear out corrupted files or lingering issues that routine updates can’t fix.

8. Diagnose hardware issues

Are you having a software or hardware issue? Start troubleshooting with built-in tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic or Apple Diagnostics. These tools check your system’s RAM and flag hardware issues affecting performance.

If memory passes memtests but problems persist, take a closer look at your hard drive and graphics card. You can evaluate hard drive health with a SMART health check in BIOS, or with the chkdsk command in Windows. You can also use BIOS to check your graphics card and make sure your graphics drivers are up to date. 

Also, schedule regular diagnostic reports to monitor hardware performance across all your managed devices. Understanding whether issues are software- or hardware-based can help you figure out how to reduce memory usage and prevent future slowdowns.

9. Consider hardware upgrades

If your computer is still running slower than expected after fixing software issues, you may have to upgrade your system’s RAM. Adding more memory increases your computer’s ability to manage resource-heavy tasks like running multiple applications simultaneously.

Use asset management tools to get detailed specs on your equipment, making it easier to identify which systems need upgrades. Proactive monitoring reduces your risk of program freezes, crashes, and unexpected downtime. 

How to reduce memory usage with Syncro

Syncro helps IT teams manage memory usage, automate patch management, and monitor unlimited endpoints. With Syncro’s remote monitoring and management tools, you can ensure optimal endpoint performance without increasing your workload.

See how Syncro simplifies endpoint management for IT teams. Try it free for seven days! 

FAQ

What is RAM?

RAM (random access memory) is like your computer’s short-term memory. Data that the computer is currently processing and accessing is stored here for fast retrieval. Whenever you open apps, browse the internet, or work on a file, your computer relies on RAM to keep your tech working reliably.

Why does RAM matter?

RAM helps your computer multi-task. It keeps frequently used data readily available, allowing your system to switch between tasks without delays. For example, when several browser tabs are open while running programs like email and watching YouTube videos, RAM ensures everything stays responsive.

The amount of RAM in your computer directly affects its speed and overall performance. You’ll notice when your computer runs out because your system begins to struggle. Common signs include:

  • Slow response times when switching between apps
  • Lag during common tasks like browsing or editing documents
  • Frequent system restarts or crashes
  • Pop-ups with “low memory” alert notifications
"Low memory" Windows warning message.

Knowing how to free up RAM is essential for keeping your device operating optimally. From closing unnecessary apps to clearing temporary files, simple steps can make a big difference in performance.