An error message similar to “The paging file is too small for this operation to complete” appears when I try opening a very large file. How do I fix this error?

You will need to have a certain amount of available memory to open a very large file. Memory is divided into physical and virtual memory. Increasing virtual memory will enable you to open very large files. Increasing physical memory will make it a lot faster though it requires buying RAM. These steps will show you how to increase the virtual memory.

  1. Open Windows Settings, go to System, and go to the About page.
  2. Under Device specifications, click on the Advanced system settings link.
  3. In the Advanced tab, in the Performance group, click on Settings…
    System Properties
  4. In the Performance Options dialog, go to the Advanced tab and in the Virtual memory group, click on Change…
  5. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
  6. Select Custom Size and enter a value to Initial size and Maximum size that is greater than the Currently allocated value.
    Virtual Memory

    • Doubling the Currently allocated value is a good idea.
  7. Click Set, OK, then restart Windows.
  8. If the paging file error appears again, increase the virtual memory until enough memory is available so that the error doesn’t occur.