pagefile

noun

UK /ˈpeɪdʒfaɪl/

US /ˈpeɪdʒfaɪl/

A pagefile is a secret helper space on a computer that holds things when its memory gets full.

When the computer got slow, it used the pagefile to keep things running.

SYNONYMS

swap file virtual memory file paging file temporary memory store

RELATED WORDS

RAM hard drive memory operating system virtual memory

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A file on a disk that the operating system uses to move data out of RAM when memory is low.

The technician increased the pagefile size to stop the crashes.

3. A hidden system file that acts like extra memory for a computer.

You can find the pagefile settings in the system control panel.

4. A storage area on a drive that temporarily holds parts of programs not in active use.

The pagefile grew larger as more programs were opened.