Windows ReadyBoost in Windows 7 can speed up your computer by using the extra space on the storage devices like USB sticks and SD cards. You cannot use all types of USB devices though – it only supports faster USB flash storage devices with USB 2.0 and 3.0 technology. You can choose which USB storage device or SD card is to be used and how much memory space can be used on a device for accelerating your computer using Readyboost. Here is how :
- Insert a USB stick (or an SD card) in the USB port (or SD card slot) of your computer. You would immediately see an AutoPlay window popup as shown.
- Click on the item labeled Speed up my system.
- After scanning your USB flash disk for available free space, Windows will open a dialog as shown.
- Do one of the following –
- To use the maximum available space on the flash drive or memory card for ReadyBoost, click Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost. Windows will leave any files already stored on the device, but it will use the rest to boost your system speed.
- To use less than the maximum available space on the device for ReadyBoost, click Use this device, and then move the slider to choose the amount of available space on the device you want to use.
- Click on OK button to save the settings.
The recommended amount of memory to use for ReadyBoost acceleration is 1 to 3 times the amount of random access memory (RAM) installed in your computer. For example, if your computer has 512MB of RAM and you plug in a 4GB USB flash drive, setting aside from 512 MB to 1.5 GB of that drive will offer the best performance boost.