The Programs You Use

• Every program requires a certain amount of memory. Some programs require more memory than others, especially those that are used for editing videos or rendering 3D graphics. Running many programs or having many tabs in your Internet browser open at once can also use a lot of memory. Close programs and tabs that you are not using to free up virtual memory.
  
  

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• The RAM in your system is its fastest storage medium, and your computer will use it for virtual memory first. Installing more RAM in your computer will give you more virtual memory and can make your computer much more responsive.
  
  

The Pagefile

• When your system uses up all of its RAM, it will use the hard drive to make more virtual memory available. In Microsoft Windows, the space on the hard drive used for virtual memory is called the "Pagefile." Sometimes, the pagefile has a maximum size, so it can be used up. Increasing the pagefile's maximum size or allowing your computer to manage its size automatically can give you more virtual memory.
  
  

32 bit vs. 64 bit

• Processors and operating systems come in two flavors: 32 bit and 64 bit. One of the differences between those two types is how much virtual memory they can use. 32-bit systems can only address four gigabytes of virtual memory, no matter how much RAM you have or how large your pagefile. 64-bit systems can potentially address over four billion times as much virtual memory as 32-bit systems.