Pagefile.sys is a windows system files, acts as swap file and was designed to improve performance. Windows uses it as RAM in case the application you're running on your computer ends up needing more RAM than you actually have. Usually page file is 1.5 times than your actual physical memory size, it is the recommended minimum size. The maximum size is 3 times than your actual physical memory size. Pagefile.sys is a hidden file. It means that you could see it in windows file manager only if you checked 'Show hidden files and folders' in Folder Options.  
Can I delete pagefile.sys? As a system file you can’t simply delete it as you would for, say, a file that you yourself created but no longer wanted on your computer. To do so set both initial size and maximum size to zero, or click No paging file (Just right click on the workplace icon - either in start menu or on desktop - and select properties -> advanced -> performance options) then restart your computer. Your computer is no longer using pagefile.sys, and you can delete it now. To recover the pagefile.sys set some values to both initial size and maximum size the same way mentioned above. Microsoft strongly recommends that you do not disable or delete the paging file.

Get more detailed information about pagefile.sys and all other running background processes with Security Task Manager.

Note: Any malware can be named anything - so you should check where the files of the running processes are located on your disk. If a "non-Microsoft" .exe file is located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder, then there is a high risk for a virus, spyware, trojan or worm infection! Check it out!

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Users Opinions

734 users ask for this file. 3 users rated it as not dangerous.

All comments about pagefile.sys: Many people believe that with no pagefile there will be no paging and everything will remain in RAM. They could not be more wrong. Disabling the pagefile will not prevent paging, it will probably increase it. Paging of executable files, DLL’s, etc does not involve the pagefile and will continue as usual. This is inherent in all virtual memory systems and cannot be prevented. The pagefile is designed to store modified data that has not been recently accessed. This makes more RAM available for more important purposes, such as for active applications and file caching. Disabling the pagefile unbalances the entire virtual memory system. Modified data must then remain in RAM no matter how infrequently it is accessed. Uninformed users may believe that with 2GB of RAM they have more than enough to accomodate this. In many cases this will not be the case. Even with 4GB of RAM paging may still be necessary with memory intensive applications. With no pagefile this will be limited to paging of executable files, etc., that do not use the pagefile. With fewer options available Windows will be forced to make poorer choices about what should be paged. Disable the pagefile if you must, but be warned you will probably impair performance.  See also: Link   Alex The paging file is not necessarily a single file; it can be a group of files stored in various locations, across hard disks and partitions. The files are collectively referred to as "the paging file." When thinking about the size of the paging file, the sum of all the files that make up the paging file is the only value you need to keep in mind.  See also: Link   Elena Its a legitimate system file   Abdul If you know more about pagefile.sys, share your knowledge and help other users. Security Rating:  --- don't know ---  1 (not dangerous)  2  3 (neutral)  4  5 (dangerous) What do you know about this file: Link for more details: Your Name:

More process information

Is pagefile.sys spyware or a virus, trojans, adware or worm? Is there a known pagefile.sys error?

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alg.exe audiodg.exe csrss.exe ctfmon.exe desktop.ini dllhost.exe dwm.exe explorer.exe hiberfil.sys internat.exe kernel32.dll logonui.exe lsass.exe lsm.exe mdm.exe mobsync.exe msmsgs.exe mssearch.exe mstask.exe pagefile.sys penservice.exe regsvc.exe rundll32.exe sdclt.exe services.exe slsvc.exe slwinact.exe smss.exe spoolsv.exe svchost.exe system taskeng.exe thumbs.db wercon.exe winlogon.exe winmgmt.exe wmiexe.exe wmiprvse.exe wpcumi.exe wscntfy.exe wuauclt.exe wudfhost.exe
[pagefile.sys in German] [all processes]