How to activate/deactivate ReadyBoost on Windows 7

Are you working on a machine with less RAM? Everyone is aware of how challenging using one is.

My outdated Windows laptop only has 2 GB of RAM. It had a 200 GB spinning disc with a low rpm, making it much sluggish than contemporary HDDs. It was challenging to run numerous applications simultaneously. I was frequently using all of my RAM.

My machine was hence slow to perform simple tasks. Up until I stumbled upon ReadyBoost with Windows 7, the issue persisted.

It is designed to utilise a speedier USB 3.0 flash drive to speed up your computer. I had a good speed bump, which made my programmes run more quickly than normal.

The simplest ways to enable/disable ReadyBoost on Windows 7 are described in this article, along with some benefits and drawbacks.

Let’s start.

ReadyBoost: What is it?

Windows Vista introduced ReadyBoost. The user interface was graphically demanding. Many computers at the time had less than 1GB of RAM. Users could easily fill up their memory. You have to upgrade your RAM in order to repair this for a positive user experience.

Memory shortages were temporarily fixed with ReadyBoost by employing HDD or flash storage. On the storage disc, it allots space for memory use.

Extra space is utilised to hold the memory’s contents when Windows runs out of memory. It takes longer than adding more RAM. Comparing system memory to HDDs and flash storage, it is often faster.

Did you realise?

Currently, Windows 10 and 11 use the function known as Superfetch. The most frequently used programmes are tracked and loaded into memory for quicker retrieval.

This won’t be necessary if your SSD is faster, though. Superfetch can be the culprit if you frequently use the storage disc when using 4GB or less memory.

How can I activate/deactivate ReadyBoost on Windows 7?

Your best option is a USB 3.0 drive, if you have one. It is not advised to use USB 2.0 on older drives. Microsoft advises utilising a flash drive with a capacity that is at least twice as large as the computer’s memory.

Activating ReadyBoost

As soon as you insert your drive, the Auto-play should appear. Along with other options, you will see the ReadyBoost option displayed. On the ReadyBoost tab, click.

You can also launch ReadyBoost by visiting My Computer and selecting one of the drives there.

The instructions to enable ReadyBoost in Windows 7 are as follows:

• Open Properties by performing a right-click on the flash drive.
• On the ReadyBoost tab, click.
• Select Use this gadget just for ReadyBoost.

The USB disc will now be used by your computer as ReadyBoost.

You cannot store or view any other files from your flash drive in this situation.

Following are the procedures to modify the amount of cache used by Windows 7’s ReadyBoost feature:

• Activate the ReadyBoost tab.
• To use this device, click.
• The quantity of storage used as a ReadyBoost cache is up to you. For optimal performance, go with 4 GB or more.

You have the ReadyBoost cache set up to change as necessary.

How to stop using ReadyBoost

In Windows 7, disabling ReadyBoost is a fairly simple process. Simply altering a parameter on the ReadyBoost menu is all that is required.

The steps to turn off ReadyBoost are as follows:

• On the ReadyBoost tab, click..
• Click Use the other drive option instead.

The Ready Boost cache will no longer be stored on your flash drive.

Need to Recall:

The flash drive must be connected in in order for the ReadyBoost function to function. Windows won’t be able to use the cache after you unplug the device. The system’s performance will return to how it was before.

Additionally, ReadyBoost cannot replace the advantages of physical memory. The best course of action is to upgrade your physical RAM if you have the option.

Am I a Good Fit for ReadyBoost?

Less than 4 GB of RAM is recommended for ReadyBoost. If the memory gets low, this cache saves data from the memory. Windows Vista, Windows 7, and earlier versions of Windows are good candidates for ReadyBoost.

An 8 GB USB 3.0 flash drive was employed. My system is now more responsive, and it takes less time to access applications. I ran more programmes, and they ran faster and lasted in memory longer.

On a standard HDD, I applied ReadyBoost. For me, the speed boost worked well. But you don’t need ReadyBoost if you have an SSD installed. Without ReadyBoost, your system will be more responsive.

Conclusion

As the name suggests, ReadyBoost can add a little additional power to your laptop or computer when you need it. Modern computers feature greater RAM and quicker SSDs. These systems don’t need such a boost.

Always keep in mind that installing an additional memory stick will be more beneficial than ReadyBoost.

I’m hoping this article may assist you in speeding up your computer. Please leave questions in the comments section.