Enable or Disable Memory Compression in Windows 11 Does it take forever for programs to load on your Windows 11 PC? It's time to take control of your system's performance by understanding and managing memory compression. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to NinjaOne’s IT video hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this. Understanding Windows 11 Memory Compression Windows 11 memory compression is a powerful feature designed to help your system use RAM more efficiently, Especially when it's starting to fill up. By compressing inactive data, It allows more information to stay in faster RAM instead of being offloaded to a slower disk based page file. This process significantly improves responsiveness and overall PC performance, particularly on systems with limited RAM. Enabling or Disabling the Feature with PowerShell Commands Ready to take control of your system's performance? You'll need administrative privileges to enable or disable memory compression. First, press Win + X, then click on Terminal (Admin) and select Windows PowerShell. To enable the feature, simply copy and paste this command: Enable-MMAgent -mc To disable it, use this command instead: Disable-MMAgent -mc After making your change, you must restart the system main service to apply. Copy and paste this command into PowerShell: Restart-Service SysMain Key Factors to Consider Before Making a Change Before you alter this setting, it's important to understand the impact. Performance Impact: On systems with limited RAM (4 to 8GB), This feature improves responsiveness by reducing reliance on slow disk paging. On high-RAM devices (16GB+), it may introduce additional CPU overhead. Virtual Machines: In virtual environments, memory compression can conflict with a hypervisors own memory management techniques, leading to inefficiencies. Third-Party Tools: Be aware that some PC optimization tools may automatically adjust these settings, which could cause conflicts if you've disabled the feature. How to Verify the Status of Memory Compression You can easily check the status of memory compression using two methods. The first is with PowerShell. With administrative privileges, open PowerShell and run the Get-MMAgent command. Look for memory compression and check if it says true or false. The second method is through Task manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to the Performance tab, and then Memory. Look for “In use (compressed).” A value other than zero confirms that the feature is active. Memory compression is an excellent tool for optimizing Windows 11 systems with limited RAM. It helps keep your computer running smoothly by reducing reliance on slow disk paging. For devices with plenty of RAM, disabling it can potentially free up CPU cycles. Always consider your system's specific needs before making a change. For more information, check out our official blog post on Enable or Disable memory compression in Windows 11, linked in the description below.