is there a way to limit or dissable standby memory

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Yes, there are ways to limit or disable standby memory in Windows. Standby memory is a feature in Windows that helps improve system performance by caching data that may be needed again in the future. However, in some cases, it can cause memory-related issues. Here are a few methods you can try:

1. Use RAMMap: RAMMap is a utility developed by Microsoft that allows you to view and manage memory usage in Windows. You can download RAMMap from the official Microsoft website. Once installed, open RAMMap and click on the "Empty" button next to "Standby (priority)" to clear the standby memory. Note that this will free up the standby memory, but it may be quickly filled up again depending on your system's usage.

2. Modify the Windows Registry: You can modify the Windows Registry to limit the amount of memory used for standby. Please note that modifying the registry can have unintended consequences if not done correctly, so proceed with caution and create a backup of your registry before making any changes. Here are the steps:

   • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, then type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

   • Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management.

   • Right-click on an empty space in the right pane and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value".

   • Name the new value "ClearPageFileAtShutdown" (without quotes) and set its value to 1.

   • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

   This registry modification will clear the page file (similar to standby memory) when you shut down your computer.

   Disclaimer: Generally, modifying registry subkeys or work group is intended for advanced users, administrators, and IT Professionals. It can help fix some problems, however, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For further protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click How to back up and restore the registry in Windows - Microsoft Support to view the article. 

3. Use third-party software: There are third-party software applications available that claim to help manage memory usage in Windows. These tools often provide more advanced features and options for controlling standby memory. However, it's important to research and choose a reputable software from a trusted source before installing and using it.

Note that while these methods can help manage standby memory, completely disabling it or limiting it to a specific amount may not be recommended, as standby memory plays a role in improving system performance. It's generally best to let Windows manage memory usage automatically.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist