How to Fix the “Insufficient System Resources Exist” Error in Windows 10 & 11
The “Insufficient system resources” error is one reported to arise in slightly different circumstances. That error can occur when users try to run programs, install software, open folders, or access files. This is what the full error message says, “Insufficient system resources exist to complete the requested service.”
Users can’t run programs or access folders or files for which the “Insufficient system resources” error occurs. That error message highlights there’s a lack of system resources, such as RAM. This is how you can fix the “Insufficient system resources” error on a Windows PC.
1. Try Some Quick Windows-Based Fixes
There are some common ways to fix Windows errors like this one, so give these a go before moving on.
Run a Disk Scan
Although not the most likely potential causes, don’t rule out the possibility of this error occurring because of file system issues. If other solutions here don’t work, then it might be worthrunning a Check Disk (CHKDSK) scanin Windows. A CHKDSK scan will check for and repair detected file system errors on the drive.
Update Your Device Drivers
Outdated device drivers on your PC could also be another factor behind the “Insufficient system resources” error. You can address such a possible cause by generally updating the drivers on your PC. However, manually updating device drivers on your PC by downloading from websites will be a time-consuming process.
We recommend utilizing a third-party driver updater tool that will scan your PC and show what devices have outdated drivers. Then it’s possible to select an option to update the drivers for all devices listed. Our guide toupdating Windows, apps, and driverstells you how to apply this potential resolution with that software.
2. Close Superfluous Background Apps
This error message drops a hint about limited system resources. So, try closing unneeded apps running in the background to free up some RAM before attempting to run a program or open a folder or file. Our guide toclosing background apps in Windowsincludes alternative methods for applying this potential fix.
It’s best to close unneeded apps with the Task Manager method, which provides an overview of all background programs running.
Note that closing superfluous background apps doesn’t permanently disable them. To disable background programs that run automatically, you’ll need to remove them from the Windows startup. Check out ourarticle about disabling startup itemsfor further details.
3. Tweak the Memory Management Registry Key
Many users have been able to fix the “Insufficient system resources” error by tweaking a couple of DWORD values within the Memory Management registry key. That may sound like quite a complex potential solution to apply, but it won’t take very long to do. You can apply this potential fix for the “Insufficient system resources” error as follows:
4. Disable or Remove Third-Party Antivirus Software
Disabling third-party antivirus apps’ real-time scanning is another resolution users have confirmed to work for fixing “Insufficient system resources.” McAfee Antivirus is specific security software a few users have mentioned causes this issue. Temporarily disabling antivirus shields will ensure they can’t wrongly flag affected files or folders and reduce security software’s system resource consumption.
If there’s a third-party antivirus app on your PC, right-click its system tray icon and select an option for disabling real-time protection. Then try running software or opening a folder or user file that this error affects. Should this work, consider uninstalling the third-party antivirus software to ensure it can’t cause the issue again.
Some third-party security apps have firewall components. It’s also recommended to temporarily disable the firewall in your antivirus app if it has one. Look through the settings tab within your antivirus software to see if it’s possible to find any firewall options there.
Windows Security is a pre-installed app that also has real-time antivirus scanning. You can try disabling that if you haven’t installed third-party antivirus software. This guide onhow to turn off Windows Defenderincludes instructions for disabling that app’s real-time protection.
5. Add Affected Files to Your Antivirus App’s Exclusion List
If this “Insufficient system resources” error only affects one specific program EXE or user file, try setting up an antivirus exclusion for it. How you access exclusion lists varies between third-party antivirus apps, but most have them. So, you can probably find instructions about setting file exclusion lists within the help pages for your antivirus software on the publisher’s website.
Windows Security also has an exclusion list that you can add files and folders to exclude from its antivirus shield. Our guide onwhitelisting files in Windows Securitytells you how to set exceptions within that app.
6. Repair the Game’s Files
If the “Insufficient system resources” error occurs for a game, try repairing the affected game’s files. Some players have said they resolved the “Insufficient system resources” error by verifying game files.
The Steam, Epic Games, Origin, EA Desktop, COG Galaxy, Battle.net, and Ubisoft software packages all include options for verifying (repairing) game files. Our guide onhow to repair game filestells you how to select the verification options in those launchers.
Kill Off the “Insufficient System Resources” Error
The “Insufficient system resources” error is a big nuisance since it can hinder access to software and files in Windows 11/10. Fortunately, applying the potential resolutions in this guide will likely kill off that error in most cases. If that error still occurs on your PC though, consider utilizing a freeware Windows repair tool to assist you with further troubleshooting.
If you’re running into system problems or rogue settings, you should use these free Windows 10 repair tools to fix your PC.
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