How to Enable or Disable Memory Compression in Windows 11

Windows 11 includes a hidden performance feature called memory compression. It helps your system run more efficiently by compressing less-used data in RAM, allowing more programs to stay in memory at once. While it’s usually beneficial, some users prefer to disable it for specific use cases like low-latency gaming or advanced troubleshooting.

In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to enable or disable memory compression in Windows 11 using straightforward steps.

What Is Memory Compression?

Memory compression is a feature in Windows 11 that reduces the size of data stored in RAM. Instead of swapping idle data to your SSD or hard drive, Windows compresses it, saving space and reducing disk usage. This can lead to faster performance, especially on systems with limited RAM.

But in some cases—like when you’re doing high-performance computing or gaming—you might want to turn it off.

How to Check If Memory Compression Is Enabled

Before making changes, let’s first check if memory compression is active.

Steps:

1. Right-click the Start menu and select Task Manager.
2. Click the Performance tab.
3. Select Memory on the left panel.
4. Look for “Compressed” in the memory usage details.

If you see compressed memory listed, the feature is enabled.

How to Enable or Disable Memory Compression in Windows 11

You’ll need PowerShell with administrative privileges for this.

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

• Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

Step 2: Check Current Status

Type this command and hit Enter:

Get-MMAgent

Look for the line that says:
MemoryCompression : True or False

Step 3: Enable Memory Compression

To enable memory compression, type:

Enable-MMAgent -mc

Then restart your computer.

Step 4: Disable Memory Compression

To disable memory compression, type:

Disable-MMAgent -mc

Then restart your computer.

When Should You Disable It?

Disabling memory compression might be useful if:

• You have a high-end system with plenty of RAM.
• You’re experiencing micro-stutters or latency in games.
• You’re running performance-critical applications where every millisecond matters.

If you’re not experiencing any issues, it’s best to leave it on—it helps most users.

Final Thoughts

Memory compression is one of those behind-the-scenes features that makes Windows 11 smarter. But knowing how to control it gives you a bit more power over how your system runs. Whether you’re optimizing for speed, stability, or specific workloads, now you know how to toggle this setting like a pro.

Found this helpful? Leave a comment or share this post to help others get the most out of their Windows 11 experience.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!