Alex Ruben
How to Fix GPU Memory Full Error and Optimize VRAM Usage
Are you encountering GPU memory full errors that hinder your gaming or graphic-intensive tasks? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps needed to resolve these issues and optimize your graphics card’s VRAM usage effectively. By following these steps, you can enhance your system’s performance and enjoy a smoother experience while using graphic applications or playing games.
Before we start, ensure you have appropriate administrative permissions on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, and that your graphics drivers are updated. No special downloads are required, but having a backup of your system settings is always recommended.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
First, you need to launch the Command Prompt with elevated privileges. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type
CMDinto the search bar. - Right-click on the Command Prompt option and select Run as administrator.
- When prompted by the User Account Control, click Yes to grant administrative access.
Step 2: Modify Boot Configuration Data
Once the Command Prompt is open, you’re going to adjust the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) to increase the virtual address space. Here’s how:
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
BCDEDIT /set IncreaseUserVA 3072- This command sets the virtual address space to 3072 MB, which should help alleviate GPU memory issues.
Step 3: Access Advanced System Settings
Next, we will adjust the system settings to improve VRAM management:
- Press the Windows key and search for View advanced system settings.
- Click on the Advanced tab in the System Properties window.
- Under the Performance section, click on Settings.
Step 4: Configure Virtual Memory Settings
Now, you will set up your virtual memory to optimize performance:
- In the Performance Options window, go to the Advanced tab.
- Click on Change under the Virtual Memory section.
- Uncheck the box that says Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
- Select your main drive (usually C:) and choose System managed size.
- Next, click on Set to apply the changes.
- For your additional drives, you can create a new paging file by selecting the drive, clicking on New, and then setting the size according to your needs.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
After making all the necessary changes, restart your computer to apply them. This final step ensures that all the adjustments take effect and should resolve your GPU memory full error.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips that can help optimize your GPU performance:
- Keep your graphics drivers updated to ensure compatibility with the latest applications.
- Close unnecessary applications running in the background to free up GPU resources.
- Consider lowering graphics settings in games or applications if you continue to experience issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VRAM and why is it important?
VRAM (Video RAM) is a type of memory used by your graphics card to store textures, images, and other data necessary for rendering graphics. Having sufficient VRAM is crucial for smooth performance during graphic-intensive tasks.
How can I check my GPU memory usage?
You can check your GPU memory usage by opening the Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and navigating to the Performance tab. Select your GPU to see the current memory usage statistics.
Will increasing the virtual memory solve all GPU issues?
While increasing virtual memory can help alleviate some performance issues, it’s not a guaranteed fix for all GPU-related problems. It’s important to ensure that your hardware meets the requirements for the tasks you’re attempting and to monitor system performance continuously.