Windows 8.1 x64 - Low memory while playing full screen games

Anonymous
2013-12-01T18:38:14+00:00

Info: This bug was fixed on August 12th 2014 with the release of the month's Patch Tuesday. Make sure to install every update available for your system, if you're having the problem described on this thread.


Hello, I've been facing a "tough" problem with my computer running Windows 8.1 x64. I did not upgrade from Windows 8, I did a clean install and for the past month, everytime I play some of the new 2013 games (Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Battlefield 4, CoD:Ghosts etc.), I'm constantly getting a "low memory" warning from time to time. 

So, giving that my laptop is capable of running these games (Asus N56VZ - Intel Core i7, Intel HD 4000 + Nvidia GT650 M, 6GB DDR3, 750GB 7200rpm, Full-HD 15,6" screen), I began searching for an answer. Here's what I've concluded:

When the game (eg: Battlefield 4) opens, the memory consumption begins to rise, and rise, and rise, non stop, until the system doesn't have more memory available and triggers the low memory warning. However, in the exact moment that I "alt+tab" out of game OR the memory warning does it for me, all of the occupied memory is emptied instantly, like magic!

I was able to "understand" this using Process Explorer by MS (sysinternals), heres a screenshot that shows the "climbing" and the sudden drops:

http://prntscr.com/2809xc

I cant really discover where all this memory is being allocated/used, and I have no idea on whats causing this. I also don't know if this is Windows-related, device-related or driver-related.

Is anyone facing this as well? 

[UPDATE DECEMBER 9th] This issue is triggered when the resolution in which the games are being played differs from the resolution configured on Windows.

If you are playing a game, say, in 1366x768, you need to change the system resolution to the same 1366x768 BEFORE opening the game. That will stop the excessive memory consumption and you'll be able to play the game fine.

My system is in Portuguese, but I think it's easy to get it:

This also concludes that the issue is Windows-related and not driver related, so we'll have to wait for Microsoft to patch it. Meanwhile, remember to change your resolution when you're going to play.

[UPDATE APRIL 26th 2014]

According to some Intel folks at communities.intel.com (http://is.gd/71Vha2), Microsoft has confirmed the issue with Windows 8.1 in an internal email. It resides - as it was explained - on the DWM (Desktop Window Manager) which triggers a memory leak when running fullscreen games with a resolution different than the desktop resolution.

The memory leak fills the system memory and page file with junk until there's no more memory available.

We assume Microsoft is already working on a fix for this, altough we never heard anything "official" from them regarding the issue. 

[UPDATE AUGUST 14th 2014]

The problem has been finally fixed by Microsoft with the release of the August updates on Aug. 12th.

Make sure to install every single update available - including the optional ones - and you'll no longer receive low-memory warnings when running fullscreen games/apps with different resolution/refresh rate.

Also make sure you're using the latest drivers available for your Intel and/or Nvidia GPU (it might be important).

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Gaming

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2014-08-13T05:04:19+00:00

I might be a bit cynical but I looked through all the support KB's from the updates today and couldn't find anything that related to fixing this issue (unless I'm missing something)...

Yesterday i have made the update and i found via the link also no description, but...

Yah!, after nearly 10 months, microsoft have now solved this bug.

With the latest patches (Patch Day 12.08.2014, also install the optional Updates),

all different resolutions and framerates works well.

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317 additional answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-05-09T01:51:58+00:00

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-05-08T19:05:20+00:00

    I have this issue ..

    Windows 8.1 pro

    Q6600 Factory clock

    8GB 800 mhz ddr2

    AMD 6950 2gb gddr5

    I run with no virtual memory but the error returns when I reinstate VM .. Exactly the same issue ..

    Problem also arise when running EverQuest 2 in windowed mode ..

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-05-06T11:48:04+00:00

    Hi @all,

    news from Robert_U from an intel thread:

    Re: Virtual memory is @ 100% if i run a game at a different resolution than the desktop resolution!

    Robert_U

    Community Member

    Robert_U 05.05.2014 14:00 (als Antwort auf: ewtaylo)

    Hi All

    First, I want to thank you all for your effort to isolate this issue and drive for a resolution.

    This issue is currently being root caused for resolution. The issue is complicated and is requiring significant development effort to resolve. Unfortunately I cannot give specific information regarding the state of the investigation due to third party involvement. However, when I do have authorization to provide that information, I will. Please be assured your voice has been heard and the issue will be resolved.

    Thanks

    Robert

    After more than 5 month we had still to wait!! I hope Intel will keep their promise

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-05-05T20:47:25+00:00

    Oh it will get fixed. Ignore what intel publicly says and ignore MS' silence

    it may be BOTH the driver and windows 8,1x64 need a patch... Or intel really knows it's their issue and they are placating you by passing the buck to ms until they can figure it out

    umm let me see what I can do with rammap and see if it has command line controls, if so, then you can use task scheduler to clear memory every 10-15min

    there also might be another way. I think windows 8.1 allows 2 users to use the machine at once so you could log In and play t..then while playing FS...use Remote Desktop to open a desktop on another act on the same machine.

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