Microsoft first introduced functionality to use USB (Universal Serial Bus) as Cache Memory back in Windows Vista. Later this feature was also implemented in Windows 7 followed up by the later versions also. ReadyBoost, as called by Microsoft, is a feature riched functionality in Windows OS that allows the user to speed up Windows by using a USB drive as RAM by storing application files and data as cache. It comes beneficial if the system is running on a slow hard drive (HDD). A significant speed in performance can be experienced if you are on a system with a slow pace. But if you are on newer hardware you might not be experiencing a significant increase in speed. 

How it increases RAM for your PC?

With the use of USB drive and ReadyBoost functionality, you can increase the speed of your PC. It acts a RAM (Random Access Memory which helps to speed up your slow computer. You can experience a significant change in performance to a certain extent but don’t expect too much increase in speed such as that of using an SSD (Solid State Drive). With this feature, you can experience a change in speed while running heavy softwares like Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, etc than before. 

Requirements

• USB drive of at least 4GB of space

*NOTE: “If you are using a pirated/fake USB drive, you won’t be able to experience a change in speed as compared to a genuine one.”

• Of course a Windows PC

How to TURN ON ReadyBoost on the USB drive

Step 1: Plug in your USB drive onto your computer through the USB port.

Step 2: Open This PC from File Explorer and right-click on your USB drive. Under Devices and drives and choose Properties.

Step 3: Click on ReadyBoost and choose to Use this device and click Apply — OK 

• *NOTE: “You can reserve space for your system speed based on the USB drive you are using by dragging the slider before clicking on Apply & OK. Now you will see your USB drive icon changed to Windows Media Creation Tool icon.”

That’s it, now you can see much significance increase in speed than before while operating on heavy softwares. Please note that its nowhere substitute to RAM and SSD. Instead, it increases your workflow by speeding the overall performance of the Operating System (OS) and you can surely experience it.

How to TURN OFF ReadyBoost on the USB drive

If you want to turn off ReadyBoost and eject the USB drive go through the following steps.

Step 1: Go to This PC and right-click on the USB drive and choose Properties

Step 2: Under ReadyBoost choose “Do not use this device” and click Apply — OK

Step 3: Now Eject it

Denouement

If your system hangs or slowdowns terribly while operating heavy softwares you can be benefitted from this functionality. With this functionality, you can experience a smoothness in the overall working of your Operating System and even heavy softwares like Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects and Autodesk Maya. Although it enhances the overall speed of your PC, it nowhere substitutes RAM and SSD. This is a functionality which is provided within Windows to give out optimal performance to the user while carrying out operations.