GiliSoft RAMDisk for Windows

Create a fast virtual RAM drive for temporary files, browser cache, build output, and other rebuildable working data.

  • Create temporary or image-backed RAM drives
  • Set the size, drive letter, and file system
  • Load and save disk images when persistence is needed
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GiliSoft RAM Disk illustration showing system memory used to create a fast virtual storage drive
Overview User Guide
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What Is a RAM Disk, and When Should You Use One?

A RAM disk, also called a RAM drive, uses part of the computer's physical memory as a virtual Windows drive with a normal drive letter. GiliSoft RAMDisk gives browsers, development tools, media applications, and other software a fast location for rebuildable cache, temporary files, scratch data, build output, and preview files.

Because RAM is volatile, an empty RAM disk loses its contents after shutdown or power loss. When selected files or the folder structure need to return after restart, GiliSoft RAMDisk can load and save an image file using the persistence settings you choose.

A RAM disk does not add more memory, replace the Windows page file, or replace an SSD or hard drive. Keep important originals on permanent storage and allocate only memory that Windows and active applications do not need.

GiliSoft RAM Disk main window showing disk creation and image mounting optionsView the GiliSoft RAM Disk interface

RAM Disk Features

Create a Windows RAM drive

Allocate available memory to a virtual disk that Windows applications can access through a standard drive letter.

Set size, letter, and file system

Choose a practical capacity, an unused drive letter, and the file system required by the intended files or application.

Create Temporary or Persistent RAM Disks

Use an empty RAM disk for disposable cache and temporary files, or create an image-backed disk to restore selected contents after restart.

Save and Restore RAM Disk Data

Store the RAM disk contents in an image file on permanent storage, then load that image when the same folders and files are needed again.

Automate Image Loading and Saving

Load the latest image at startup and update it at shutdown, during sleep, on a schedule, or in real time.

Use fast storage where it matters

Point supported cache, temporary, scratch, build, or preview paths to the RAM drive while originals remain on permanent storage.

See GiliSoft RAM Disk in Action

Review the actual Windows interface for creating a drive, choosing its storage behavior, and controlling automatic image updates.

GiliSoft RAM Disk main interfaceCreate or mount a RAM diskStart an empty disk or mount a previously saved image.GiliSoft RAM Disk image save settingsChoose image-saving behaviorDecide where the image is stored and when changes are written.GiliSoft RAM Disk automatic loading and saving optionsConfigure automatic operationControl startup loading, shutdown saving, and scheduled updates.

RAM Disk Speed Comparison

These example tests illustrate the difference between a memory-backed drive and ordinary local storage on the tested system. Results vary with memory, CPU, storage hardware, test settings, and system load; they are not a guarantee for every computer or application.

CrystalDiskMark
CrystalDiskMark RAM disk speed comparison
Example sequential and random read/write comparison from the system used for this test.
ATTO Disk Benchmark
ATTO Disk Benchmark RAM disk comparison
Example transfer-size comparison for read and write activity on the tested system.
Why Choose GiliSoft RAM Disk?

Temporary and image-backed modes

Create a clean disk for disposable work or connect the RAM drive to an image when selected contents need to survive a restart.

Normal Windows drive access

Assign a drive letter so supported browsers, editors, build tools, and utilities can use the RAM disk through familiar file paths.

Flexible save policies

Choose automatic loading and image updates that match the value and frequency of the data stored on the drive.

Clear control over memory use

Set a deliberate capacity and keep enough physical memory available for Windows and the applications that are running.

RAM Disk FAQ

Does data on a RAM disk survive a restart?

An empty RAM disk does not. Use an image-backed disk and an appropriate save policy when selected contents need to return after restart.

How much memory should I allocate to a RAM disk?

Leave enough physical memory for Windows and active applications first, then allocate only comfortable spare capacity to the RAM disk.

Can a RAM disk replace an SSD?

No. It is a focused workspace for temporary, frequently accessed, or intentionally image-backed data, not a replacement for permanent storage.

Which files should not be stored on a RAM disk?

Do not keep the only copy of documents, source media, project files, databases, or other important data on an unsaved RAM disk.

Will a RAM disk speed up every program?

No. Benefits are most likely when storage access is the bottleneck and the application can place suitable cache, scratch, or temporary files on the RAM drive.

Can RAM Disk reduce temporary SSD writes?

Yes. Moving recreatable cache and temporary activity into memory can keep those writes off the SSD, although SSD endurance varies by model and workload.

Does a RAM disk add more RAM or replace virtual memory?

No. A RAM disk uses part of the computer's installed physical memory to create a drive, so that memory is no longer available to Windows and applications. It does not add memory and should not replace the Windows page file.

Popular RAM Disk Guides

Detailed setup instructions and the complete topic library are organized in the RAM Disk User Guide.

Browser CacheMove suitable browser cache files to a memory-backed drive. Temporary FilesUse RAM Disk for disposable Windows and application working data. Development Build CachePlace recreatable compiler and test output on a faster temporary path. Media Editing CacheSeparate preview and render cache from permanent project files.
Explore all RAM Disk guides

Create a RAM Drive for Cache, Temporary Files, and Working Data

Download GiliSoft RAM Disk for Windows, or review image-backed storage and automatic save settings before you begin.

Download TrialView User Guide
×Expanded GiliSoft RAM Disk main interface
×Expanded GiliSoft RAM Disk image options
×Expanded GiliSoft RAM Disk automatic save options

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