What Is a Memory Leak—and How Do You Fix It?
What Is a Memory Leak—and How Do You Fix It?
Have you ever noticed your computer getting slower the longer it's on—even when you’re not doing much? You might be dealing with a memory leak, and it's more common than you think. At ABQ Computer Pros, we help Albuquerque residents troubleshoot slow, buggy systems every day—and memory leaks are a sneaky culprit that can seriously drag down performance.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Memory Leak?
A memory leak happens when a program uses your computer's RAM (memory) but doesn’t give it back after it's done. Instead of freeing up space for other apps, that memory gets locked up—and over time, it adds up. The result? Your PC slows down, freezes, or crashes altogether.
While memory leaks are usually caused by software bugs, they can affect both old and new machines. Programs like web browsers, games, and even background services can be guilty.
Common Symptoms of a Memory Leak
Not sure if a memory leak is behind your PC issues? Here are some signs to watch for:
Your computer is fast after startup but slows down over time
Applications become unresponsive after prolonged use
Your system fan spins loudly due to CPU stress
You constantly need to restart to “refresh” performance
Task Manager shows high memory usage, even when idle
If you recognize these symptoms, you’re not alone—and the good news is, there are ways to fix it.
How to Check for Memory Leaks
1. Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then click on the Performance tab.
Monitor the Memory usage over time
If RAM usage keeps climbing while idle, a memory leak could be the cause
Switch to the Processes tab to see which programs are using the most memory.
How to Fix a Memory Leak
1. Restart Your Computer
This temporarily clears the memory and gives you a clean slate. It’s not a fix, but it can restore performance quickly.
2. Update Your Software
Many memory leaks come from outdated or buggy software.
Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates
Check for updates to apps like browsers, games, or drivers
3. Disable or Uninstall Problematic Programs
If one program is consistently consuming memory, try disabling or uninstalling it. You can also look for lightweight alternatives.
4. Run System File Checker
Corrupt system files can contribute to memory issues.
Open Command Prompt as Admin
Type:
sfc /scannowand hit EnterLet Windows scan and repair system files
5. Upgrade Your RAM
If your computer runs multiple applications and has minimal memory, consider upgrading your RAM for better long-term performance.
Still Experiencing Slowdowns? ABQ Computer Pros Can Help!
If you're battling memory leaks, lag, or crashes, let the experts at ABQ Computer Pros diagnose the problem. Whether it’s a hidden software issue or your system just needs a hardware upgrade, we’ll get you back on track.
📍 Serving Albuquerque with professional, friendly, and fast computer repair service.
🛠️ We specialize in memory troubleshooting, PC optimization, and full system cleanups.
💬 Contact ABQ Computer Pros today for expert help and take the stress out of slow computers!
