What Is a Memory Leak and How Do They Happen?

Memory is important for your system to function properly. Your system will not perform at its best if you don't have enough memory or RAM. You'll probably notice your computer slowing down or your applications getting crashed. If this is the case, it's time to go through your applications to see what's eating up all your RAM and causing memory leaks in Windows.

This guide will discuss how memory leaks in Windows happen and how to prevent them. But before moving on, let's agree on what a memory leak is.

What is a Memory Leak in Windows 10/11?

A memory leak results from incorrect memory management when a program fails to release the memory they no longer need so that some other programs can use it. In addition, memory leaks in Windows add up over time, and if they are not cleaned up, your system eventually runs out of memory.

RAM is known for temporarily storing and accessing your system data. In addition, the exchange of RAM between different processes helps your system run smoothly. Sometimes due to an error, if the process refuses to release the RAM, this is known as a memory leak.

How Do I Know If My PC Has a Memory Leak?

If your system is running low on RAM, you may receive a warning message –"running out of memory." You may even experience the following problems :

• Unable to launch additional programs as there is no free memory left
• Random crashing and freezing of already running programs
• Yourcomputer begins to slow downand become unresponsive

You can find memory leaks in Windows by looking at your PC's RAM usage or using the Performance Monitor. Check which program is eating up your computer by following these steps:

• PressCTRL + Shift + Esckey together to launchTaskManager.
• Now in theMemorytab, you can see the memory hogging processes.

What are the Consequences of PC Memory Leak?

Memory Leak consequences vary from client applications (desktops and mobile phones) to server applications.

• For client applications, the memory allocated is released once the application showing problems is terminated. However, your system might get slow or crash due to excessive memory usage, and apps will close abruptly.
• The server application's memory leaks worsen as the servers are not restarted so frequently. Memory consumption over that period may lead to performance degradation, eventually leading your server to stop working.

How to Prevent Memory Leaks in Windows 10/11?

• Ensure you have enough RAM, and if required, install more.
• Try running fewer programs at a time and closing unnecessary programs.
• Keep a check on how many tabs you open in the browser, as they use too much memory. The more tabs you open, the more RAM your web browser needs.
• Use Resource Monitor to monitor how much memory is being used, and help to detect and diagnose memory leaks in Windows 10/11.

How to Fix Memory Leaks?

When Windows 11 memory leak occurs, you can't work on other tasks on your system, as it doesn't have enough RAM to work with. Follow the steps given below to fix the memory leak in Windows 10/11:

1. Close the Problematic App & Restart Your Computer

The best way to fixmemory leaks in Windowsis by closing the program and processes that are eating up the most memory.

• PressCTRL + Shift + Esckey together to launchTaskManager.
• Click on theProcessesand find the program using most memory from the list.
• Click onEndTaskto close the program.

The program is now closed, but it doesn't mean your PC memory leak problem is solved. Therefore, you need to restart your PC so your RAM gets empty when turned off, which will wipe away the memory leak issue.

2. Disable Startup Programs

如果你的电脑显示内存泄漏,当你打开它, your startup app might be the culprit. You can disable the problematic app at Startup so it won't open when you turn on your PC.

• PressCTRL + Shift + Esckey together to openTaskManager.
• Click on theStartup
• Navigate to the program you don't want to run on Start-up and clickDisable.

• Now Restart your PC.

3. Use Memory Diagnostic Tools

Windows 10/11 comes with a built-inWindows Memory Diagnostictool used to scan and fix the RAM issue of your PC.

• ClickStart, typeWindows Memory Diagnosticin the search bar, and clickOpen.

• Choose the option of 'Restart now and check for problems.’

• Your system will reboot into the Memory Diagnostic Tool and run a basic memory test.

• Once the test is completed, check the result for any errors.
• Hit theEscbutton to exit the tool and boot into Windows.

You can even use the built-in tool Resource Monitor to scan your system for potential memory issues and try to fix all detected problems.

• TypeResource Monitorin search and clickOpen.
• Click on theMemorytab to track the real-time memory usage by your system.

• Examine the cause of the problem and try to fix it.

4. Adjust for Best Performance

You can adjust the setting of your Windows PC with the best performance option.

• TypeView Advanced System Settingsin the Windows search and clickOpen.

• Go to theAdvancedtab and click theSettingsoption underPerformance.

• Check theAdjust for Best Performancebox, clickOK,and then restart your PC.

5. Defrag hard drives

Defragmenting the hard drive optimizes the computer's hard drive and results in amazing memory management.

• Go toThis PC.

• Right-click on the current system hard drive (i.e., C: drive) and clickProperties.
• Go toToolsand then clickOptimize.

• Select thedriveyou want to defrag and clickOptimize.

• Wait for the process to end and then restart your PC.

6. Update Your Device Drivers

Outdated drivers can be responsible for causing various issues, including memory leaks in Windows 10. In this case, you should update all your device drivers to the latest versions.

• TypeDevice Managerin the Windows search bar and clickOpento launch it.

• 寻找需要更新的设备驱动程序d on the Device Manager window.
• Right-click on the device and click onUpdatedriver.

• Select the option of 'Search automatically fordrivers'on the'How you want to search for drivers.'

• Install the new device drivers, if available.
• Once drivers are installed, restart your PC.

7. Run an Antivirus Scan

Sometimes, viruses or malware use RAM, leading to Windows 11 memory leak problems. Use the built-in Windows antivirus tool – Window Defender, to scan and remove viruses from your PC. If you have third-party antivirus software, try using it also.

• Click theStartmenu, typeWindows Securityin the search bar, and clickOpen.

• ChooseVirus & threat protectionon the left pane.

• SelectScanoptionsfrom the right pane, chooseFull Scanand clickScanNow.

• Wait for the antivirus tool to scan your entire system.

8. Disable Windows Tips and Tricks

Windows 10/11 tips and tricks feature help user know how to use the system and guide them with additional options. Disabling it might help solve the Windows memory leak issue.

• Go to theStartmenu and clickSettings.
• Select theSystemand clickNotifications& actions.

• Navigate to 'Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windowsand uncheck it.

9. Disable Runtime Broker

The Windows process Runtime Broker manages apps' permission from the Microsoft Store on your system. By default, this process uses a small amount of memory, but the faulty app can cause Runtime Broker to use too much memory, which can significantly slow down your PC or cause system crashes.

• PressCTRL + Shift + Esckeys to open theTask Manager.
• Click theProcessestab and locateRuntime Broker Process.

• Right-click on it and selectEnd Taskto close it.

10. Disable Sysmain on Windows 10/11

The sysmain feature in Windows 10/11 automatically loads the frequently used apps or programs in the RAM, which makes launching those apps faster.You can turn off the Sysmain feature in Windows while witnessing any RAM issue to see if it makes any difference. Then, of course, you can always re-enable it later.

• PressWindows + Rkey together to open theRun.
• Typeservices.mscand clickOK.

• In theServiceswindow, searchSysmain, right-click on it, and selectStop.

To make sure that Sysmain doesn't run during Startup, disable it.

• Right-click on the service and chooseProperties.

• SelectDisablednext to Startup type.

• ClickApply, followed byOK, and then close theServices

How Much Memory Should My Computer Have?

4GB is the standard RAM size in a computer, but don't open several applications simultaneously, and expect it will not affect the performance. Instead, you can also go for a System that sports 8GB RAM; it comes in handy during multitasking. On the other hand, if you are running intensive processes like video editing programs and games, go for 16 GB or 32 GB.

You should consider three things while buying a new laptop or computer – the optimum memory configuration, usage patterns, and hardware. Of course, the more RAM your PC has, the better.

Conclusion

During a memory leak, your system may begin to lag and even crash, resulting in your data being lost. UseStellar Data Recovery Professionals for Windowsto recover your lost data in this scenario.

Memory leaks are common in Windows since we continuously use one or more applications.Its is pretty easy to check the source of the memory leak by checking which program is consuming most memory.

If you see a memory leak in your Windows, apply the techniques, we've discussed to fix your PC's memory leaks problem. Also, use preventive measures to avoid memory leaks in the future.

FAQ

1. Can a memory leak damage your computer?

Memory leaks in Windows PC don't result in physical or permanent damage. However, since it's a software issue, it slows down the applications or even your system.

2. Does restarting fix memory leaks?

Restarting the PC is the best solution to fix the memory leak in Windows 10/11. This is because RAM only stores the data of running processes, and when you restart your PC, RAM will get empty, resulting in the memory leaking problem.

3. How do I know if my computer has a memory leak?

Your system can show various symptoms that can point to a memory leak in Windows: decreased system performance, applications running slow, inability to open additional programs, or it may freeze up completely.