CS2 crashes due to low memory: pagefile and RAM
What to do if CS2 says it is out of memory or crashes while loading a map: pagefile, background programs and RAM amount.
An out-of-memory error or crashes while loading a map often mean Windows is short on RAM and pagefile.
🔧 1. Enable the pagefile
Control Panel → System → Advanced system settings.
Advanced → Performance → Settings → Advanced → Virtual memory → Change.
Enable "Automatically manage paging file size".
If you disabled the pagefile to "speed things up", turn it back on. CS2 may crash without it.
📌 2. Free up memory
Close a browser with many tabs, Discord with video, launchers.
In Task Manager → Processes, sort by memory and close what you do not need.
💾 3. System drive space
The pagefile needs free space. Keep at least 15–20 GB free on drive C.
🖥️ 4. RAM amount
With 8 GB, crashes and stutters in CS2 are likely. 16 GB is recommended.
Make sure memory runs in dual-channel (two sticks).
⚠️ If it did not help
Test your RAM for errors: Win + R → mdsched. Memory errors also cause crashes.