Tweaking Windows 10 – Version 21H2

The Page File, SuperFetch, and ReadyBoost

The Page File
With Windows 7 I did extensive testing on the page file and running without one. I highly suggest you read it: The Windows 10 Pagefile And Running Without One

My overall conclusion is that running without a pagefile has no performance advantage.

If you have enough RAM, you may be able to run without one (see article mentioned above). I have been running Windows 8 on my main rig without a pagefile since March of 2012 without issue (SSD and 8 gigs of RAM).

The BS about pagefiles wearing out SSD’s has been debunked all over the web. By the time your SSD wears out you’ll have moved on from Windows 10.

My Recommendations

1 – Most users should leave the Pagefile alone. I do (system managed size).
2 – If you have +8 gigs of RAM then give disabling it a shot. (When your system locks up or crashes remember, I warned you.)
3 – If you want to fine tune the pagefile then see the article mentioned above.

To access pagefile settings, press the Windows + Pause Break keys > Advanced system settings > In the Performance section click the Settings… button > Advanced tab > Change button

Superfetch

This is a built-in tweaking program Windows uses to adjust the settings according to your hardware, among other things. Leave it alone. No, seriously. LEAVE IT ALONE.
With Windows 7 on an SSD disabling this was recommended. This is not the case anymore. A quote from the Intel SSD Toolbox help file:

“In Microsoft Windows 8, Superfetch functions differently than in previous versions of Windows, and should not be disabled for an Intel SSD.”

ReadyBoost

Meh. Get an SSD and 4 or more gigs of RAM. Honestly, if you have a Windows 7 era or better computer, then the above 2 things will help you more than ReadyBoost. Here is what I get when I attach 2 fast, 8GB, USB 3.0 flash drives:

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