How to Enable or Disable Memory Compression in Windows 11
Memory compression in Windows 11 shrinks idle data in your RAM to free up storage space for your active apps and games. This built-in system feature keeps your PC running smoothly during heavy multitasking without moving files to a slower hard drive.
Turning memory compression on or off lets you control how Windows handles your system memory. You can easily change this setting using Windows PowerShell if your computer struggles with speed or performance issues.
You can enable or disable memory compression in Windows 11 using PowerShell. Open Windows Terminal as administrator and run Set-MMAgent -MemoryCompression $true to enable, or Set-MMAgent -MemoryCompression $false to disable. Restart your computer after running the command.
Why use memory compression?
Memory compression in Windows 11 helps your computer run more apps simultaneously by making the data in your RAM smaller.
What happens when done?
Enabling memory compression makes your computer use less physical RAM. Disabling it means your computer stops compressing data. While turning off memory compression saves a little processing power, it forces your computer to rely on your hard drive more. This can make your system feel sluggish when many apps are open.
How to check your current status
Checking if memory compression is working happens through Task Manager . Navigate to the Performance tab, then click on Memory to see the compressed amount.
PowerShell provides real-time system insights for verifying memory compression status in Windows 11. Open Windows Terminal as an administrator, select the PowerShell tab, and run Get-MMAgent to check your current status using Get-ComputerInfo -Property CsMemoryCompression.
Memory compression in Windows 11 activates with a command in Windows Terminal. If the status shows 'False', meaning it's off, here's how to turn it on. Open Windows Terminal as an administrator, select the PowerShell tab, and type the command to enable memory compression.
If memory compression status shows as False, turning memory compression on is possible. Open Windows Terminal as administrator, then ensure you are in the PowerShell tab. Enter this command to turn memory compression on.
Set-MMAgent -MemoryCompression $true
How to disable memory compression
To turn this feature off, open Windows Terminal as administrator and select the PowerShell tab. Enter this command:
Set-MMAgent -MemoryCompression $false
Performance, SysMain, and RAM Latency
Memory compression in Windows 11 uses a small amount of your processor's power to shrink and unshrink data. This usually doesn't have a significant impact on performance.
Troubleshooting Performance Degradation
Reverting these settings becomes necessary if your computer feels slower afterward. Open PowerShell as administrator and enter Set-MMAgent -MemoryCompression $true and restart your PC. If issues persist, check your Task Manager to see if a specific app is consuming too much memory.
Summary
Memory compression is a key feature in Windows 11. It helps your PC run smoother by shrinking data in your RAM, and generally, leaving it enabled delivers optimal speed.
Does disabling memory compression improve gaming performance?
Generally, no. While it frees up a tiny amount of processing power, it increases the likelihood of stuttering during gaming sessions. Leaving the feature enabled maintains the smoothest performance unless a specific troubleshooting step requires otherwise.
Is memory compression safe to turn off on low-RAM systems?
Turning it off is safe, but going that route lacks recommendation. On systems with low RAM, memory compression is essential to keep your computer usable. Turning it off will likely cause your system to become very slow or unresponsive as it struggles to manage memory without compression.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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