For Windows users frustrated with sluggish shutdown times, one hidden setting might be the culprit: the system's habit of clearing the page file during shutdown. While this security feature has its benefits, disabling it can significantly reduce shutdown duration, especially on systems with large amounts of RAM. Here's what you need to know about this optimization.
What Is the Page File
The page file (pagefile.sys) is a system file used by Windows as virtual memory. When your physical RAM is full, Windows temporarily stores less-used data in the page file on your hard drive or SSD.
Method 1: Disable Clearing Page File Using Local Security Policy
If you're using Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, follow these steps:
Step 1. Open Local Security Policy
Press Win + R, type secpol.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the Setting
Navigate to Local Policies > Security Options
Step 3: Modify the Policy
- In the right pane, find and double-click Shutdown: Clear virtual memory pagefile.
- Select Disabled.
- Click Apply then OK.
Method 2: Disable Clearing Page File Using Registry Editor
If you're using Windows Home edition, you can modify the registry.
Step 1. Open Registry Editor
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Step 2. Navigate to the Following Key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
Step 3. Modify the Value
Double-click ClearPageFileAtShutdown and set the value to 0.
Method 3: Disable Clearing Page File Using Wise Care 365
If you prefer a graphical tool that bundles multiple optimizations, Wise Care 365 offers a straightforward way to disable page file clearing.
Step 1. Open Wise Care 365
Launch the Wise Care 365 application on your computer. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the official Wise Cleaner website.
Step 2. Go to System Optimizer
Click System Tuneup on the top menu. In the left panel, select System Optimizer.
Step 3. Disable Clearing Page File
- Under Boot Up / Shutdown Acceleration, find the option Disable clearing of the Windows page file at shutdown to speed up shutdown.
- Check the box next to this option. You may also select other tweaks (such as Reduce application idleness at shutdown).
Step 4. Apply the Optimization
Click the green Optimize button in the top-right corner. Wise Care 365 will immediately apply the registry change and confirm the optimization.
Conclusion
Clearing the page file at shutdown is a security-focused feature that most home users don’t need. Disabling it can significantly reduce shutdown time without affecting daily performance.
