Recommended Free Tools
You can often ease memory pressure without closing the apps you need: first identify what is using memory, then limit unnecessary startup and background activity. High memory use alone does not prove there is a problem, and a slow PC may instead be limited by CPU or disk activity.
Check what is actually slowing the PC
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. On the Processes page, select the Memory column to see which running processes are using the most RAM. On Performance, review overall memory use; check CPU and disk activity there too, because high memory is only one possible cause of sluggishness. Microsoft notes that monitoring CPU, memory, and disk can help identify processes that may be slowing a PC in its Windows performance guidance.
Do not end a process simply because it appears near the top of the list. Identify whether it belongs to an app or service you recognize, and whether its activity coincides with the slowdown. If CPU or disk use is the more obvious bottleneck, changing memory-related settings may not address the cause.
Stop unneeded apps from launching automatically
Startup controls change what opens when you sign in; they do not close apps already open, so they are a low-disruption way to reduce future background work while keeping essential apps available when you need them.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
- In Task Manager, select Startup apps. Alternatively, open Settings > Apps > Startup.
- Review the apps and disable only those you do not need to launch automatically.
- Leave apps enabled if you rely on them to start with Windows for a particular workflow.
Task Manager’s startup impact label describes an app’s impact during startup; it is not a ranking of current memory use. For how Windows handles startup apps, see Microsoft’s startup-app guidance.
Restrict background activity only where it is safe
Some apps can run in the background for syncing, notifications, or other tasks even when you are not actively using them. If an app does not need those functions, you may be able to prevent its background operation without closing other apps.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Select the app, choose Advanced options, and find Background app permissions.
- Choose Never only if you do not need the app to run in the background.
Not every app exposes this control. Keep background access for apps whose notifications, syncing, or services matter to you. On a work- or school-managed PC, organization policy may control these settings; ask your administrator before changing managed behavior. Microsoft lists these steps among its Windows performance tips.
Investigate a process that remains unusually heavy
If one recognized app or process keeps using a surprising amount of memory, check for updates and consult the app’s support information. A process name may refer to a Windows component rather than an app you opened directly, so avoid ending unfamiliar system processes as a first response.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
For example, Microsoft describes Runtime Broker as managing permissions for Microsoft Store apps and notes that a problematic app can cause unusually high use. That advice appears on a Runtime Broker support page marked for Windows 10; it does not establish a universal Windows 11 threshold for abnormal memory use.
Use clean boot troubleshooting only to diagnose a conflict
If the slowdown persists and you suspect a startup app or service is involved, Microsoft’s clean boot procedure can help isolate a conflict. It is a troubleshooting method, not a routine memory-clearing step. A clean boot temporarily changes which services and startup items run, and may temporarily remove functionality; Microsoft also warns that network policy can restrict the procedure.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Follow Microsoft’s clean boot instructions carefully, and restore normal startup after testing. If you are unsure which items are safe to change, or the PC is managed, get help before proceeding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Consider a RAM upgrade only after checking the device
More memory can support more simultaneous work, but whether an upgrade is possible depends on the PC’s model and design. Microsoft’s broad guidance says at least 4 GB for mainly browsing, documents, or streaming video; recommends 8 GB for long-term use; and says 16 GB or more may suit photo or video editing and higher-performance projects. These are general recommendations, not a guarantee that a particular capacity will fix a particular slowdown. See Microsoft’s overview of computer memory.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteBest Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Before buying memory, check the PC model’s supported capacity and memory type, and confirm that its RAM is serviceable or upgradeable. Microsoft says some PCs with less than 4 GB may have upgrade options, but that does not mean every such PC can be upgraded; see its RAM-upgrade guidance. If the memory configuration is fixed or the slowdown has another cause, an upgrade may not be an option or a solution.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
