Using a pendrive as RAM in Windows is a common description for what ReadyBoost does, but technically the USB drive does not become RAM. Instead, Windows uses part of the flash drive as a cache that can potentially improve responsiveness on certain older systems.
To try it, connect your pendrive, open File Explorer > This PC, right-click the drive, select Properties, open ReadyBoost, choose Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost, select the desired storage amount, and click Apply.
If ReadyBoost is unavailable, that is not necessarily a problem. On a modern PC with an SSD and adequate physical RAM, Windows may already be operating more efficiently than ReadyBoost could provide. In that situation, a genuine RAM upgrade or other system optimization is the better path.
Now, let’s learn the complete process in detail!
How to Use Pendrive as RAM in Windows [Full Guide]
To use a pendrive for additional memory support in Windows:
- Connect a compatible USB flash drive to your computer.
- Open File Explorer, right-click the USB drive, and select Properties.
- Open the ReadyBoost tab and select Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost.
- Choose how much of the USB drive you want Windows to use, then select Apply and OK.
- Windows will use the selected USB storage as a ReadyBoost cache, not as actual physical RAM.
- If the ReadyBoost tab is unavailable, Windows may have determined that your computer does not need the feature or that the USB drive is not suitable.
Before you begin, make sure your pendrive has enough free space and is reasonably fast. ReadyBoost works by using flash storage as a cache, so a very slow or unreliable USB drive is unlikely to provide useful results.
Also, remember that ReadyBoost is primarily useful on systems with limited RAM and slower storage. If your computer already has plenty of RAM and an SSD, Windows generally has little reason to rely on ReadyBoost.
Step 1: Connect Your Pendrive to the Windows PC
Start by connecting your USB flash drive to an available USB port on your Windows computer. If possible, use a direct USB port on the computer instead of connecting the pendrive through a USB hub.
Give Windows a few moments to recognize the device. You should normally see a notification or hear the usual connection sound. You can also open File Explorer > This PC and look for the USB drive under Devices and drives.
Before using the pendrive with ReadyBoost, make sure there is no important information on it that you cannot afford to lose. Although enabling ReadyBoost does not normally require formatting the entire drive, it is still a good idea to keep important files backed up.
Step 2: Open the Pendrive Properties
Once Windows recognizes the USB drive, open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E on your keyboard.
Select This PC from the left side of File Explorer. Find your pendrive under Devices and drives, then right-click it and choose Properties.
A new window will appear showing information about the USB drive, including its capacity, used space, and available space. Look across the tabs at the top of this window for ReadyBoost.
If you see the ReadyBoost tab, your next step is straightforward. If you do not see it, do not assume something is wrong with Windows. ReadyBoost may not be available because Windows has determined that the feature is unnecessary or because the USB device does not meet the required performance characteristics.
Step 3: Open the ReadyBoost Tab
Click the ReadyBoost tab to see the options available for your pendrive.
Windows will check the USB device and determine whether it can be used for ReadyBoost. If the drive is suitable, you may see options such as Do not use this device, Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost, or an option that allows you to specify how much space should be used.
The important point here is that ReadyBoost does not turn the pendrive into traditional RAM. Instead, Windows creates a cache on the USB storage that can be used to improve access to certain frequently used data.
Think of it as an additional storage-based cache rather than a physical memory upgrade.
Step 4: Select “Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost”
If Windows allows the pendrive to be used, select Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost.
You should then see a storage allocation option. Windows will recommend an amount of space based on the USB drive and the system. You can generally accept the recommended value rather than trying to manually maximize the available space.
For example, if your pendrive has several gigabytes of available storage, Windows may allow a portion of that capacity to be dedicated to ReadyBoost.
There is no need to use the entire drive simply because the option is available. Keep your expectations realistic because allocating more USB storage does not automatically mean your computer will become proportionally faster.
Step 5: Apply the ReadyBoost Settings
After selecting the appropriate ReadyBoost option, click Apply and then select OK.
Windows will configure the USB drive for ReadyBoost. Depending on the system and drive, this may take a short amount of time.
Once the configuration is complete, Windows can use the USB drive as a ReadyBoost cache while the pendrive remains connected to your computer.
You do not need to manually move files to the USB drive for this feature to work. Windows manages the cache automatically.
Step 6: Check Whether ReadyBoost Is Working
After enabling ReadyBoost, you can continue using Windows normally. There is no separate application that you need to keep open.
Windows manages ReadyBoost in the background. The actual benefit depends heavily on your computer’s hardware, available RAM, storage technology, and the performance of the USB drive.
If your computer already has an SSD, you may notice little or no difference. SSDs are already much faster than traditional hard drives, so the potential advantage of adding a USB-based cache is generally limited.
On an older computer with a mechanical hard drive and limited RAM, the effect can be more noticeable in some workloads.
Step 7: Safely Remove the Pendrive When Needed
If you want to remove the pendrive, do not simply pull it out while ReadyBoost is active.
First, open the pendrive’s Properties > ReadyBoost settings and select Do not use this device. Click Apply and OK.
Windows will stop using the USB drive for ReadyBoost. After that, you can safely eject the device through the Windows notification area or File Explorer.
This is particularly important if you also store regular files on the same pendrive.
Understand When ReadyBoost Is Not Available
Sometimes you may connect a pendrive and discover that Windows does not offer a usable ReadyBoost option.
This can happen for several reasons. Your computer may already have enough memory, the USB drive may not meet the required performance level, or Windows may determine that ReadyBoost will not improve system performance.
On modern Windows systems with fast SSD storage, ReadyBoost is generally unnecessary. You should not try to force the feature through unofficial registry changes or third-party software.
If the ReadyBoost tab says that the device cannot be used, the better approach is usually to leave it disabled.
Additional Tips
For the best possible results, use a reliable USB flash drive rather than an extremely old or low-quality pendrive. A faster drive gives ReadyBoost a better chance of being useful.
Keep in mind that USB storage is not equivalent to RAM. Physical RAM has dramatically different performance characteristics and is designed specifically for active memory operations. ReadyBoost is simply a caching mechanism.
If your PC frequently runs out of memory, the most effective long-term solution is usually a RAM upgrade, provided your computer supports additional memory. You can check your installed memory by opening Settings > System > About and looking for the installed RAM information.
You should also avoid using a pendrive that contains your only copy of important files. Flash drives can fail, and using one continuously for caching does not make it more reliable.
If Windows does not offer ReadyBoost, focus instead on reducing unnecessary startup programs, closing applications you are not using, keeping adequate free storage space, and upgrading your hardware when practical.
Faqs
Can I really use a pendrive as RAM in Windows?
Not in the literal sense. A pendrive cannot become physical RAM. Windows can use a compatible USB flash drive with ReadyBoost, which creates a storage-based cache that may help certain systems.
Does ReadyBoost increase RAM?
No. Your computer will still report the same amount of installed physical RAM. ReadyBoost provides additional cache storage rather than increasing your actual memory capacity.
Does ReadyBoost work with Windows 11?
The ReadyBoost feature exists in Windows, but whether it is useful or available depends on the system and storage configuration. On modern PCs with SSDs, Windows may determine that ReadyBoost is unnecessary.
Can ReadyBoost make my computer faster?
It can help in certain situations, particularly on older computers with limited RAM and slower hard drives. However, there is no guaranteed performance increase, and modern SSD-based systems typically see little benefit.
How much pendrive space should I use for ReadyBoost?
Windows provides a recommended amount when you configure ReadyBoost. For most users, accepting the Windows-recommended allocation is the simplest choice.
Can I remove the pendrive after enabling ReadyBoost?
You should first disable ReadyBoost through Properties > ReadyBoost > Do not use this device. Once Windows has stopped using it, you can safely eject the pendrive.
Should I buy a pendrive specifically to increase RAM?
Usually, no. If your computer genuinely needs more memory, installing compatible physical RAM is a much better solution than purchasing a USB flash drive for ReadyBoost.