A system file called Swapfile.sys is used to store app data that Windows does not require in physical RAM. Virtual memory consists of the files Pagefile.sys, Hiberfil.sys, and Swapfile.sys. Windows can extend RAM capacity using the computer’s storage disc with virtual memory.
Regular app data is not stored in swapfile.sys. It manages information from Universal Windows apps, and applications created to run on Microsoft’s hardware ecosystem, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and Xbox gaming consoles. Pagefile.sys is the temporary storage location for traditional programs on Windows. You’ll find that some installed Universal Windows apps become sluggish to respond or even crash when RAM is low if Swapfile.sys is absent.
Where Is Windows’ Swapfile.sys Located?
Since Swapfile.sys is a crucial system file, it is by default hidden on your local storage drive (C:). That implies that you must make it visible under Folder Options. Follow these steps to do that:
Step 1: To access Windows Search, use Win + S.
Step 2: When the Control Panel appears in the search results, type it into the search box and click it.
Step 3: Click File Explorer Options under Appearance and Personalization.
Step 4: Select the View tab in the File Explorer Options box.
Step 5: Check that the Hide protected operating system files check box and the Show hidden files, folders, and drives checkboxes are selected.
Step 6: Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialogue box.
Step 7: Go to the C: drive’s root, and you’ll see that Swapfile.sys is now visible.
Step 8: Simply uncheck the radial button and checkbox indicated in step 5 above if you want to reveal it again.
Can Swapfile.sys Be Removed?
You can remove Swapfile.sys from your computer, but not directly. The error notice “this action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program” may appear if you attempt to delete Swapfile.sys simply because Windows uses it constantly.
However, because the file is so small, there is no need to delete it to free up space on your hard disc. It was around 256MB on my machine, which isn’t a lot of room and won’t significantly influence your storage requirements. On most computers, the file size is typically this size.
However, there is a workaround if you’re determined to delete Swapfile.sys or simply want to know how it may be done. You must also delete Pagefile.sys since they are connected to remove Swapfile.sys. The Swapfile.sys file will also be deleted along with Pagefile.sys.
Pagefile.sys shouldn’t be deleted, though, as it could have a negative effect on your computer’s performance. The only acceptable situation in which doing so will be if your machine has at least 16GB of installed RAM.
The Final Word On What Is Windows’ Swapfile.sys, And Can It Be Removed?
Therefore, Windows stores temporary data from Windows programs in Swapfile.sys. Unless you are certain you have a lot of RAM to spare, you shouldn’t remove this file since it is crucial.
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