Memory Compression

Windows ProcessMicrosoft Corporation

Also called memory compression, compressed memory, compression store

WindowsSystem Component

Task Manager name for the memory manager compression store. The kernel combines and compresses standby pages in RAM. It is not an exe you browse in System32.

What you need to know

This is the memory manager's compression store, not an exe you should download.

Memory Compression is how Task Manager labels the kernel compression store. Windows combines and compresses standby pages so they stay in RAM instead of going straight to the pagefile. There is no Memory Compression.exe in System32. A file with that name in Downloads is not this feature.

Safe?: Yes. It is the memory manager
Is it an exe?: No. Task Manager just shows a row
Fake exe in Downloads?: Malware-shaped. Do not run it

Feex says

If I see Memory Compression using RAM, I treat that as the store doing its job. I add memory or close commit-heavy apps. I do not end a Memory Compression.exe I found in Downloads and call the kernel fixed.

What is Memory Compression?

Memory Compression is the memory manager's compression store, not an exe you should download. Task Manager shows it as a process. You cannot browse Memory Compression.exe in System32.

What does it do?

The kernel combines and compresses standby pages so the PC faults less to disk. It is not Secure System (VBS) and it is not a program you installed.

Why is it running?

Apps trimmed working sets and Windows kept the pages compressed in RAM. A machine under commit pressure will show more here. That is memory management, not a download finishing.

Is it safe?

Usually safe

The Task Manager row is the kernel store. A Memory Compression.exe in Downloads, Temp, or a zip is malware-shaped. Do not run it, and do not treat that file as this feature.

A legitimate copy normally runs from:

Memory manager (no user-mode image in Explorer)

No System32\Memory Compression.exe
Shown by Task Manager as a process row
A file with this name in Downloads is not the store

Can I end it?

Not a supported cleanup

Windows will not let you usefully end the real compression store from Task Manager. Ending a fake Memory Compression.exe in Downloads only stops that dropped file. It does not empty the kernel store.

Can I remove it?

You cannot uninstall Memory Compression as an app. Do not delete anything from System32 for this row. MMAgent policy can disable compression. That is a memory-manager switch, not Explorer.

Should it start with Windows?

The memory manager is always there. This is not Startup Apps.

Normal resource behavior

These are contextual labels, not universal averages.

CPU: Can rise while pages are compressed or decompressed
Memory: The store itself. High here means compressed standby, not a hidden app
Disk: The point is fewer pagefile writes
Network: None

File information

Memory Compression file information
Executable name	Memory Compression
Common legitimate path	Memory manager (no user-mode image in Explorer)
Publisher	Microsoft Corporation
Signature expectation	Signed by Microsoft Windows

Common problems

People download Memory Compression.exe

There is no official installer. The real store has no folder. Treat that download as unwanted software.

High compressed memory with a small pagefile

The PC is under commit pressure. Close apps or add RAM. Ending the Task Manager row is not a supported trim.

Troubleshooting

Diagnose before you change anything destructive.

Add RAM or reduce commit, do not chase an exe

Task Manager > Performance > Memory shows in-use, compressed, and committed. Close the heavy apps. The store shrinks when pressure drops.

If you found Memory Compression.exe under Downloads, do not run it

Do not end that fake file thinking you fixed the Task Manager row. Delete the dropped exe as unwanted software. The kernel store is not in that folder.

Technical details

Memory Compression technical details
Display name	Memory Compression
Role	Memory manager compression store

Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.

Microsoft Learn: Memory Compression in Windows 10 · Kernel compression store, not a user exe
Microsoft Learn: Disable-MMAgent · MemoryCompression is an MMAgent switch
Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

Was this article useful?

A yes or no is enough. Pick a reason if you want, or add a short note.