Shutdown: clear the page file in virtual memory.

This security setup ensures whether to clear virtual memory page file when turn off system.

Virtual memory supports using system page file to exchange the file to hard disk when memory page is not used. On running system, this page file is opened by operation system with exclusive occupation, besides, it gets well protection. However, systems allowing setting startup to other operation system might ensure to clear system page files when turning off system. This could protect the sensitive information in the memory of the process which is likely to enter page file from being used by unauthorized user directly visiting the page file.

Starting the policy, system page files would be cleared thoroughly when computer turns down. If the security option is enabled, on portable laptop when system disables hibernation, hiberfil.sys file would be cleared too.


Here’re the setup steps:

1) Run: gpedit.msc, to enter group policy object editor

2) Take turns to open the contents below: “Computer Configuration”—“Windows Settings”—“Security Settings”—“Local policy”—“Security options”—“Shutdown: clear virtual memory page”.

3) Right click “Properties” and click “Enabled”.

4) Click “OK”, now it’s done!


And here’s the solution for ones who have no group policy:

1) Press Win+R to run REGEDIT.

2) Browse to the bra