In Windows, what is a swap file?
A swap file is an area on the hard drive used for temporary storage of information. Windows makes use of the swap file to improve performance. Normally a computer uses primary memory, or RAM, to store information used for current operations, but the swap file serves as additional memory available to hold additional data.
Note: Microsoft recommends that you allow Windows to manage the Virtual Memory settings for you (i.e., leave the default setting as is). Only experienced users should change this setting, as it can adversely affect system performance.
Also note that you can manually move the location of the swap file to a different drive. In some situations, this can be advantageous. If you have a drive with more free space or a faster access time, you may improve performance by moving the swap file to this drive.
Windows NT, 2000, and XP
The name of the Windows NT, 2000, and
XP swap file is pagefile.sys, located in the
root directory. The swap file is dynamic, changing sizes depending on
the conditions of the system at any given time. If you run several
applications at once, the swap file will grow in size to accommodate
the additional information required to run each application smoothly.
This is a hidden file, so you will have to change your folder view
setting to be able to see the file.
To view your current swap file information in Windows NT, 2000, or XP, follow these steps:
- Right-click
My Computer, and then selectProperties.
- Select the
Advancedtab.
- Under "Performance", click
Settings.
- Select the
Advancedtab. Information about your swap file is listed under "Virtual memory".
Windows NT, 2000, and XP allow you to set up swap files for each drive on your system, but this feature is not available in Windows 95, 98, or Me.
Windows 95, 98, and Me
The name of the Windows 95, 98, or Me
swap file is Win386.swp,
located in the root directory. Like the pagefile.sys in
Windows NT, 2000, and XP, the file is dynamic and hidden.
To view your current swap file information in Windows 95, 98, or Me, follow these steps:
- Right-click
My Computer, and then selectProperties.
- Click the
Performancetab, and then click theVirtual Memorybutton.
Also see:
Last modified on April 26, 2006.






