How to Find Pagefile.sys

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The Windows operating system, by default, designates a section of the hard drive as Virtual Memory. This section is known as the paging file, or more specifically, as pagefile.sys. This file is hidden from view under normal means because it is crucial to system stability. You will not be able to locate it by browsing with File Explorer, but you can find it through the system settings.

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Step 1

Press "Windows-E" to open FIle Explorer. Click "System Properties" on the ribbon bar.

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Step 2

Click "Advanced system settings" in the System window.

Step 3

Click the "Advanced" tab in the System Properties window.

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Step 4

Click the "Settings" button under the Performance heading.

Step 5

Click the "Advanced" tab in the Performance Options window.

Step 6

Click the "Change" button.

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Step 7

Look at the list of drives in the field at the top of the window. If there is a paging file size indicated for a drive (there may be more than one), then there is a pagefile.sys file located in the root directory of that drive. For example, if there is a paging file size indicated for drive C:, then the location for the paging file on that drive is "C:\pagefile.sys." If there is no paging file size indicated for any drive, that means that pagefile.sys does not exist on your computer. In such a case, it is recommended that you check the "System managed size" bubble to create a paging file automatically.

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