Why is my RAM usage so high?

High RAM usage is typically caused by multiple memory-intensive programs running simultaneously. These might include video editors, 3D renderers, or video games. However, other issues, like many open tabs, bloatware, memory leaks, and background processes, can also contribute.

Is 70% RAM usage too high?

A 70% RAM usage is within a normal range if you’re running demanding programs or multitasking. But if your computer starts to feel sluggish, it may be a sign that background apps or memory-hogging processes are consuming more than they should. When not in use, RAM usage should stay below 50%. But healthy ranges may fluctuate by device type and age.

Which programs use the most RAM?

Programs that frequently use a lot of RAM often include browsers like Chrome, photo and video editing software, music streaming platforms, video games, and video conferencing apps.

Do browser settings affect RAM usage?

Browser settings, such as tabbed browsing, extensions, and content pre-loading, can lead to higher RAM consumption. You can usually get around this by tweaking your favourite browser’s settings or installing a cutting-edge browser with tabless browsing or built-in memory-saving modes.

How to free up RAM on Mac or PC

Please select your country/region

Argentina

Brasil

Canada (English)

Canada (Français)

Caribbean (English)

Caribe (Español)

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Hispanoamérica

México

Panamá

Perú

Puerto Rico (English)

United States

Uruguay

Venezuela

België (Nederlands)

Belgique (Français)

Česko

Danmark

Deutschland

España

Estonia (English)

France

Iceland (English)

Ireland (English)

Israel (English)

Italia

Latvia (English)

Lithuania (English)

Luxembourg (Français)

Magyarország

Nederland

Norge

Österreich

Polska

Portugal

România

Schweiz (Deutsch)

Suisse (Français)

Svizzera (Italiano)

South Africa

Suomi

Sverige

Türkiye

United Arab Emirates (English)

United Kingdom

Ελλάδα

Россия

Australia

Cambodia (English)

Hong Kong (English)

香港

India (English)

Indonesia (English)

Malaysia (English)

New Zealand

Philippines (English)

Singapore (English)

Thailand (English)

Vietnam (English)

대한민국

中国

台灣

日本

Products

Product Features

Services & Support

About

Norton is part of Gen – a global company with a family of trusted brands.

Copyright © 2026 Gen Digital Inc. All rights reserved. Gen trademarks or registered trademarks are property of Gen Digital Inc. or its affiliates. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. Android, Google Chrome, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, LLC. Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Microsoft and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About Gen Newsroom Careers Legal Privacy Security Terms of Use Accessibility System Status

Contents

Want more?

Contents

Related articles

Want more?