Closing unnecessary browser tabs, applications, and startup programs can significantly reduce RAM usage on your laptop.
One of the clearest signs that your computer's RAM is full is increasingly slow performance. If left unaddressed, this can lead to sluggish computer operation and even crashes. Previously, 8 GB of RAM was considered ideal for workflows, but with the development of modern applications, 16 GB has become the new standard for smooth multitasking.
Rising RAM prices mean that upgrading RAM is no longer the optimal solution.
Before July 2025, the advice for users was simply to upgrade their RAM. But now, the situation has become more complicated, especially with DDR5 RAM. The surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) has led manufacturers to cut back on consumer RAM production, resulting in higher prices.
However, users don't always need to upgrade RAM to improve their system, because in reality, effectively managing the existing amount of RAM can help improve computer performance.
There are many reasons why a computer might be running slowly. Users can identify the cause by checking the Memory column in the Processes tab of Task Manager on Windows or the Memory tab of Activity Monitor on Mac. From there, they can perform a few simple steps to reduce RAM usage.
Methods to free up RAM on your computer
Restarting your computer is considered a quick way to free up RAM, as RAM is temporary memory and will be reset when the computer restarts. Additionally, if you see a process like Windows Explorer using too much RAM, it could be a memory leak. In this case, restarting the computer will help, but users can also restart that process in Task Manager without waiting.
Meanwhile, browser tabs are also considered one of the major causes of RAM consumption. Each browser tab runs as a separate process, and some tabs may consume more memory than others. To improve computer speed, close unused tabs and check the memory usage of each tab in your browser's Task Manager.
Finally, pay attention to the number of open applications. Sometimes, having too many applications open that you forget to close can consume valuable RAM. Close unnecessary applications and only keep those currently in use. If your computer starts up slowly, it may be due to applications that automatically start at the same time as the computer. You can disable them in the Startup Apps tab of Task Manager on Windows or in System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions on a Mac.
By following these simple steps, users can optimize their computer's RAM without having to upgrade their hardware.