How to Modify the Virtual Memory in a Mac

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Like Windows PCs, Macintosh computers use virtual memory to run more programs than the system memory normally could accommodate. A Mac uses a swap file to temporarily store applications and program components that it does not need at the moment. When it needs something from the swap file, it retrieves it and reloads it into RAM. While it's useful, virtual memory can cause your system to run more slowly. You can do a few things to modify the virtual memory of your Mac and increase performance. Some relatively simple fixes include increasing system RAM or running fewer programs, or you can basically turn off virtual memory by deactivating the swap file.

Easier Modifications

Step 1

Increase your Mac's RAM. This makes the Mac rely on virtual memory less, which in turn makes it run more quickly.

Step 2

Make sure you have space available on your hard drive. The swap file increases as needed, and it is on your Mac's hard drive. The more hard drive space you have, the more virtual memory you have available.

Step 3

Run fewer programs simultaneously. Take a look at the applications you have running. Decide if you need them all running at the same time.

Deactivate the Swap File

Step 1

Open the Terminal program. You'll find it in the Utilities folder under the Applications folder.

Step 2

To turn off the swap file, type this command into the Terminal window: sudo launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.dynamic_pager.plist

Step 3

To remove the swap files on your system, type this command into the Terminal window: sudo rm /private/var/vm/swapfile*

Step 4

Close the Terminal program.

Reactivate the Swap File

Step 1

Open the Terminal program.

Step 2

Type this command in the terminal window: sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.dynamic_pager.plist

Step 3

Close the Terminal program.

Warnings

• Making changes to your system memory can cause performance problems or hardware and software failures. Be very careful when you make these changes.

References

• OS X Daily: Mac Virtual Memory -- What It Is, the Swap Location, and How to Disable Swap in Mac OS X
• "Mac OS X Snow Leopard: The Missing Manual"; David Pogue; 2009

About the Author

Andrew McClain has been writing since 1994. He has written several articles for various websites and writes user guides and software manuals for several freelance clients. He has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Missouri.