Recommended Windows Registry keys for improving RAM Disk performance

Hi,

Are there any Windows Registry key values that can be modified to improve SoftPerfect RAM Disk performance in Microsoft Windows 11?

Thanks in advance,
RS

In Windows operating systems, the performance of a RAM disk can be influenced by some registry settings. However, it's crucial to note that modifying the Windows Registry can be risky if done improperly. Always back up the registry and your system before making any changes.

Here are some registry keys that may affect RAM disk performance:

LargeSystemCache:

Location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
Name: LargeSystemCache
Data Type: REG_DWORD
Values:
  0 (default): Windows will favor foreground applications in terms of memory allocation.
  1: Windows will act as a server, optimizing for file sharing and network operations, potentially improving RAM disk performance.

DisablePagingExecutive:

Location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
Name: DisablePagingExecutive
Data Type: REG_DWORD
Values:
  0 (default): Allows Windows to page the kernel and drivers to disk.
  1: Prevents Windows from paging the kernel and drivers, which may improve performance for RAM disks by reducing disk access.

IOPageLockLimit:

Location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
Name: IOPageLockLimit
Data Type: REG_DWORD
Details: This setting specifies the maximum amount of memory (in bytes) that can be locked for I/O operations. Increasing this value can potentially improve the performance of RAM disks, especially during large file operations.
Note: This setting may not exist by default, and you may need to create it.

Keep in mind the following when considering changes:

• These settings can influence more than just the RAM disk performance. They can also affect overall system stability and behavior.
• Performance gains may vary based on the the size of the RAM disk, the types of operations you're performing, and your system's hardware.
• Always monitor your system's behavior after making changes to ensure there are no unintended negative side effects.

Finally, while these settings can help, the most significant performance gains usually come from the inherent speed advantage of RAM over traditional storage media. If you're not seeing the performance you expect, also consider checking your RAM disk software settings and ensure that you're using the latest drivers and software versions.