![]() ![]() Windows lets you manage that virtual memory if you really must, but most users should let the operating system manage this automatically. Without a page file, when your RAM maxes out, programs might start crashing instead of swapping into that extra memory. You might be tempted to disable it to save space, but thats not a good idea. Whenever you use a tool to show whats taking up space on your computer, chances are the page file takes up several gigabytes. However, relying on it often will affect performance, as hard drives are much slower than RAM (especially if you dont have a solid-state drive). If you have enough RAM in your computer, you should rarely ever see the page file take effect. This is a dedicated portion of your hard drive that acts like RAM. If your physical RAM starts to fill up, Windows uses whats called a page file or swap file. This is why having more RAM allows you to run several programs concurrently (check out our guide on RAM for more background). When you open an instance of Word, its placed in RAM for quick access. Random-access memory, or RAM, inside your computer is responsible for temporarily holding open programs. Located at C:\pagefile.sys (Note that you wont see this file unless you go to File Explorer Options > View and uncheck Hide protected operating system files. Obviously, since the folder is critical to Windows functioning, messing with it could mean having to reinstall Windows. Some people like to mess with novice users and tell them that System32 is a virus, or that deleting it will make their computers run faster. You dont really have a reason to ever visit System32, but its been the topic of a long-running internet joke. For instance, Calc.exe launches the Calculator, and MSPaint.exe launches MicrosoftPaint. Also contained in this folder are executables for default Windows programs. Some examples include the service that handles sound on your PC, files that are essential to booting into Windows, resources that make fonts display correctly, and more. It holds hundreds of DLL files that are essential to your computer running properly. Nearly everything in the C:\Windows folder could fall under this list, but the System32 folder deserves special attention. Your computer stores 32-bit software there, while 64-bit compatible software goes in the standard Program Files folder. On 64-bit Windows versions, you will see an additional Program Files (x86) folder. If you are using a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only install 32-bit software and thus you only have one Program Files folder. This contrasts from how macOS handles uninstalling - all you have to do on a Mac is drag an app to the Trash to remove it. Further, when you want to uninstall some software, the proper way to do it is via the Programs and Features menu in the Control Panel or using a third-party alternative.ĭeleting an apps folder from Program Files doesnt remove other references to it on your system and thus is not a clean uninstall. If you start messing with these, you could screw up an app and have to reinstall it. They contain DLL files and other configuration information that the program needs to function. With rare exceptions, you should never need to touch a programs data in these folders. Thus, if you head into the Program Files folder, you will find folders for most programs you have installed. During this time, the app is creating an entry for itself in the Program Files folder, adding Registry values, and doing other tasks that it needs to work properly on your system. Whenever you install software, you usually open up an EXE file and run through an installation process (if not, you are using a portable app). Located at C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) Lets discuss the places that most users shouldnt visit in their travels through the Windows file system. Messing with these could result in an unstable system, loss of data, or other horrible consequences. However, there are several Windows default files and folders that you should leave alone. With a bit of searching, you can find hidden Windows caches that are safe to clear and use other folder tricks. In addition to your private files and folders, Windows takes up a lot of space on your computer. ![]()
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