Computer Tricks and Secrets

Short answer: a USB drive cannot become real RAM, but Windows' ReadyBoost feature can use one as a cache to help a bit, only on old PCs with a slow hard drive and little RAM. On a modern PC with an SSD or plenty of RAM, ReadyBoost does nothing. Here is the honest picture and what actually helps. What ReadyBoost really is ReadyBoost uses a USB flash drive as an extra caching layer, not as RAM. On an old machine with a slow spinning hard drive and limited memory, caching small frequently-used files on faster flash storage can make things feel slightly snappier. It never adds actual system memory. How to try ReadyBoost Plug in a fast USB flash drive. In File Explorer, right-click the drive > Properties > ReadyBoost tab. Choose "Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost" and apply. If the tab says your system already has fast storage and would not benefit, that is Windows telling you the truth, do not force it. When it helps and when it does not Your PC Rea...