How to Fix "Insufficient System Resources" Error in Windows 10 and 11

The "Insufficient system resources" error has been reported to appear under slightly different circumstances.This error can occur when a user tries to run a program, install software, open a folder, or access a file.The full error message reads: "Insufficient system resources exist to complete the requested service".

When an "Insufficient System Resources" error occurs, users cannot run programs or access folders or files.This error message highlights a lack of system resources, such as memory.Here's how to fix "Insufficient system resources" error on your Windows computer.

1. Try some Windows-based quick fixes

There are some common ways to fix Windows errors like this one, so give these a try before moving on.

run scandisk

While not the most likely underlying cause, the possibility that this error occurs due to file system issues cannot be ruled out.If the other solutions here don't work, it might be worth running a Check Disk (CHKDSK) scan in 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Outdated device drivers on your PC can also be another factor behind the "Insufficient system resources" error.You can fix such a possible cause by generally updating the drivers on your computer.However, manually updating device drivers by downloading them from websites will be a time-consuming process.

We recommend utilizing a third-party driver updater tool, which will scan your computer and show which devices have outdated drivers.You can then select an option to update drivers for all listed devices.

2. Close redundant background programs

This error message indicates that system resources are limited.So, before trying to run a program or open a folder or file, try closing unneeded applications running in the background to free up some memory.

It is best to close unwanted applications using the Task Manager method, which provides an overview of all running background programs.

Note that closing unnecessary background programs does not disable them permanently.To disable autorun background programs, you need to remove them from Windows startup.

3. Adjust memory management registry keys

Many users have been able to resolve "Insufficient system resources" errors by tweaking several DWORD values ​​in the memory management registry key.This might sound like a rather complex potential solution, but it won't take long to do.You can apply this potential solution to the "Insufficient system resources" error by doing the following:

1. Start Registry Editor by pressing Win+R at the same time, enter the regedit command, and click the OK button to run.

2. Clear the current path in the address bar of Registry Editor and enter this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management

3. If the key does not include the PoolUsageMaximum DWORD, right-click Memory Management and select its New > DWORD option.

4. Enter PoolUsageMaximum as the DWORD Title.

5. Look for a PagedPoolSize DWORD in the Memory Management key.If you can't find it, you'll need to create it by right-clicking on Memory Management, selecting New > DWORD, and entering PagedPoolSize in the text box.

6. Now, double-click the PoolUsageMaximum DWORD to bring up its value data frame.

7. Enter 60 in the Value data box.

8. Select Decimal to convert the value of 60 to 96.

9. Click "OK" to set the PoolUsageMaximum value.

10. Double-click the PagedPoolSize DWORD.

11. Delete the 0 value in the text box and enter fffffff there.

12. Select "OK" to set the PagedPoolSize value.

13. Then exit Registry Editor and select the Restart Start Menu option.

4. Disable or remove third-party antivirus software

Disabling the real-time scan of third-party antivirus software is another workaround confirmed by users to fix the "Insufficient system resources" issue. McAfee Antivirus is the specific security software that some users have mentioned to cause this problem.Temporarily disabling antivirus shields will ensure that they cannot mistakenly flag affected files or folders and reduce system resource consumption by security software.

If you have a third-party antivirus on your computer, right-click its system tray icon and select an option to disable real-time protection.Then try to run software or open folders or user files affected by this error.If this works, consider uninstalling the third-party antivirus to make sure it can't cause the problem again.

Some third-party security applications have firewall components.If your antivirus software has a firewall, it is also recommended that you temporarily disable it.Check the Settings tab in your antivirus to see if you can find any firewall options there.

Windows Security is a preinstalled application that also has real-time antivirus scanning.If you don't have a third-party antivirus installed, you can try disabling it.

5. Add the affected file to your anti-virus software's exclusion list

If this "Insufficient System Resources" error only affects one specific program EXE or user file, try setting an antivirus exclusion for it.The way to access exclusion lists varies between third-party antiviruses, but most do.Therefore, you may be able to find instructions on setting up a file exclusion list in the antivirus help pages on the publisher's website.

Windows Security also has an exclusion list that you can add files and folders to exclude from the protection of the antivirus software.

6. Repair game files

If you're getting an "Insufficient System Resources" error for a game, try repairing the affected game's files.Some players stated that they resolved the "Insufficient System Resources" error by checking the game files.

Steam, Epic Games, Origin, EA Desktop, COG Galaxy, Battle.net, and Ubisoft packages all include options to verify (repair) game files.

Eliminate "Insufficient system resources" error

"Insufficient system resources" error is a big nuisance as it can hinder access to software and files in Windows 11/10.Fortunately, applying the potential solutions in this guide will likely eliminate the error in most cases.