How to Fix Windows 11 High Memory Usage After Update

By /

Windows 11 always update but after updated ready, Experiencing slow performance or constant lag right after installing a Windows update is frustrating. Many users report that their system suddenly becomes sluggish due to high memory usage. If you’re trying to fix Windows 11 high memory usage after update, this guide walks you through the most effective, step-by-step solutions to reduce RAM usage and boost overall speed.

Below, you’ll learn why memory spikes happen, how to identify what’s causing them, and the best ways to fix them permanently.

Why Windows 11 High Memory Usage Happens After an Update

Windows updates are designed to improve security and performance, but sometimes they introduce bugs or enable new features that consume extra RAM. Common causes include:

Update-Related Issues

  • Background services stuck in a loop

  • Memory leaks in newly installed system components

  • Indexing restarting after update

  • New features enabled automatically

Application Problems

  • Outdated drivers

  • Software not optimized for the latest Windows build

  • Startup apps running in the background

System Configuration

  • Small page file

  • Disabled virtual memory

  • Corrupted system files

Understanding the root cause helps you choose the right solution.

Check RAM Usage in Task Manager

Before applying fixes, identify which applications or Windows processes consume the most memory.

How to Check

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc

  2. Click Processes

  3. Sort by Memory

  4. Look for apps or system processes using unusually high RAM

If a specific process stands out, you’ll know where to focus as you fix Windows 11 high memory usage after update.

Restart Your PC (Simple But Effective)

A fresh restart clears temporary memory, resets stuck services, and resolves minor update-related memory leaks.

When This Helps

  • Memory jumps after update installation

  • Background processes stuck at 90–100% RAM

Restart first before applying advanced fixes.

Disable Startup Programs You Don’t Need

Windows updates sometimes re-enable startup apps automatically, causing high memory usage.

Steps to Disable

  1. Open Task Manager

  2. Go to Startup Apps

  3. Disable apps with High impact such as:

    • OneDrive

    • Steam

    • Discord

    • Adobe services

Reducing startup load is one of the best ways to fix Windows 11 high memory usage after update.

Update All Drivers (Especially GPU, Wi-Fi, and Chipset)

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause memory leaks and CPU spikes.

How to Update

  • Right-click Start → Device Manager

  • Update drivers under:

    • Display adapters

    • Network adapters

    • System devices

  • Restart your PC after updating

Tip: GPU maker websites (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) offer better drivers than Windows Update.

Turn Off SysMain (Superfetch)

SysMain preloads frequently used apps into RAM. After updates, it sometimes consumes excessive memory.

How to Disable SysMain

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc

  2. Scroll down to SysMain

  3. Right-click → Stop

  4. Set Startup type → Disabled

Many users report instant improvement after disabling this service.

Disable Memory-Hungry Background Apps

Some apps run silently in the background and consume unnecessary RAM.

How to Disable Background Apps

  1. Open Settings → Apps

  2. Select Advanced app settings

  3. Disable apps you don’t use frequently

Good to turn off:

  • Microsoft Teams

  • Cortana

  • Widgets

  • Xbox apps

Increase Virtual Memory (Paging File)

If your RAM is limited (4–8GB), increasing virtual memory helps prevent crashes and slowdowns.

How to Increase Virtual Memory

  1. Search Advanced system settings

  2. Under Performance, click Settings

  3. Go to Advanced → Virtual Memory

  4. Set Custom size

    • Initial size: RAM × 1.5

    • Maximum size: RAM × 3

Example:
If you have 8GB RAM → Set 12288 MB max size.

This method works well to fix Windows 11 high memory usage after update on low-RAM PCs.

Disable Windows Search Indexing (Temporary Fix)

After updates, Windows often re-indexes all files, causing high disk and memory usage.

To Temporarily Disable:

  1. Press Win + R → type services.msc

  2. Find Windows Search

  3. Right-click → Stop

This reduces memory spikes while the update finishes background tasks.

Run System File Checker (Fix Corrupted Files)

Corrupted system files after a Windows update may trigger RAM leaks.

How to Run SFC

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)

  2. Type:

    sfc /scannow

  3. Wait for the scan to complete

  4. Restart your PC

SFC repairs critical components that may be causing the memory issue.

Uninstall Problematic Windows Update

Sometimes the update itself is the root problem.

How to Uninstall Recent Update

  1. Open Settings

  2. Go to Windows Update

  3. Click Update History

  4. Select Uninstall updates

  5. Remove the most recent update

  6. Restart

This instantly fixes memory issues when a specific update is known to cause problems.

Scan for Malware That Causes Memory Leaks

Viruses often consume RAM by running hidden processes.

Run Full Scan Using:

  • Windows Defender

  • Malwarebytes Free

  • ESET Online Scanner

Symptoms of malware-related memory usage:

  • Random background processes

  • Sudden RAM spikes

  • High usage even when idle

Disable Visual Effects for Better Performance

Windows 11 animations look smooth, but they use memory.

To Reduce Visual Effects

  1. Search Adjust appearance

  2. Choose Adjust for best performance

  3. Restart your PC

This is helpful on older laptops and low-RAM systems.

Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Files (Last Resort)

If nothing works, a reset removes corrupted components but keeps your files.

Reset Steps

  1. Open Settings

  2. Go to System → Recovery

  3. Select Reset this PC

  4. Choose Keep my files

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions

This completely removes update issues causing high memory usage.

Best Practices to Prevent High Memory Usage in the Future

Keep Drivers Updated

Use official manufacturer software for updates.

Avoid Installing Too Many RAM-Heavy Apps

Examples: Adobe apps, Chrome extensions, VPNs.

Restart Weekly

Prevents memory leaks from stacking.

Enable Storage Sense

Keeps system clean from temp files.

Use Lightweight Antivirus

Windows Defender alone is enough for most users.

Windows updates can sometimes cause performance issues, but the solutions above will help you fix Windows 11 high memory usage after update quickly and safely. Start with the simple fixes like restarting, disabling startup apps, and updating drivers. If the issue continues, try advanced steps like adjusting virtual memory, disabling SysMain, or uninstalling problematic updates.

Keeping your system optimized ensures faster performance, longer hardware life, and smooth daily usage.

If you want more PC optimization guides, feel free to request additional topics anytime!

Post Views: 155

Related Posts

Scroll to Top