Fix 0xC0000146: Paging File Creation Failed

Windows can't create a page file, often due to locked volumes, low disk space, or corrupted pagefile settings. This fix clears the pagefile config and frees space.

Quick answer for the impatient

Boot to Safe Mode, delete the Pagefile value from HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management, reboot normally, and let Windows recreate the page file.

Why this happens

I've seen this error pop up on Windows 10 and 11 machines right after a bad shutdown, a failed update, or when someone messed with the pagefile settings in the Advanced System Settings dialog. The paging file (pagefile.sys) is where Windows shoves memory when RAM gets tight. If the system can't create it—because the drive is locked, the partition is full, or a stale registry key is pointing to a nonexistent path—you get the blue screen or a boot loop with 0xC0000146.

The registry entry that stores your pagefile configuration is fragile. One wrong edit or a corrupted value, and Windows throws its hands up. The good news: this is fixable without reinstalling Windows.

Fix steps

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

You need to get into a minimal Windows environment to fix the registry. If you're in a boot loop, force a restart three times (power off when the Windows logo appears) to trigger the Automatic Repair screen. Then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Press 4 for Safe Mode.

Step 2: Free up disk space

Before touching the registry, make sure the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:) has at least 1–2 GB free. If it's completely full, the pagefile creation will fail even with a perfect registry. Delete temp files, empty the Recycle Bin, or uninstall a few heavy apps via Control Panel > Programs and Features.

Step 3: Clear the pagefile registry settings

Open Registry Editor (press Win+R, type regedit, hit Enter). Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management

Look for a value named PagingFiles. Right-click it and choose Delete. Also, delete any ExistingPageFiles value if present—it's usually a multi-string that can point to missing paths. Confirm the deletion.

Step 4: Recreate the pagefile

Reboot normally. Windows will see no pagefile configuration and create a fresh, automatic one on the system drive. That usually resolves the error. Don't go back and set a custom size unless you have a specific reason—the system-managed option is more reliable.

If that doesn't work: alternative fixes

Check disk integrity

Corrupted sectors on the drive can also block pagefile creation. Boot to Safe Mode, open Command Prompt as administrator, and run chkdsk C: /f /r. You'll need to schedule it and reboot. Let it run—it may take a while.

Update or roll back a recent driver

I've seen storage controller drivers (like Intel RST) cause this after a Windows update. If you recently updated a driver, boot to Safe Mode and use Device Manager to roll back the driver. Or uninstall the driver and let Windows reinstall it on reboot.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can leave a lock on the pagefile. Turn it off by going to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable,” uncheck “Turn on fast startup,” and save.

Prevention tip

Stop manually fiddling with virtual memory sizes unless you know exactly what you're doing. Set it to “System managed size” and leave it alone. Also, keep at least 10% of your system drive free—that gives the pagefile room to grow and avoids this whole mess. And before you force a shutdown during a long update, wait it out. I know it's tempting, but that's how you end up here.