What is the default value of DisablePagingExecutive?

The Windows default of DisablePagingExecutive is 0. Frozen Tweaks sets it to 1, and switching the tweak off puts back the value you had before.

Is "Keep the Kernel in RAM" safe to switch on?

A harmless setting with a reputation larger than its effect. It makes sense with 16 GB or more, and will rarely be noticeable. The main cost: With enough memory Windows almost never pages this code out, so the setting changes nothing.

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.

Does it need a restart?

Yes, the change applies after a restart.

Is "Keep the Kernel in RAM" free in Frozen Tweaks?

It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

DisablePagingExecutive 1: what it does, the default value, and whether it helps gaming

Frost LIVEMemoryProUndo: YesUpdated Oct 8, 2026View as Markdown

Short answer

Updated Oct 8, 2026

Windows may move parts of its own kernel and drivers to the page file when memory is short. DisablePagingExecutive set to 1 keeps that code in memory at all times. In the registry it sets DisablePagingExecutive to 1 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management.

In the app

Keep the Kernel in RAMPRO

Registry

HKLMSYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management

DisablePagingExecutiveYour previous value1

What the switch writes. Your current value may differ.

What it does

Windows may move parts of its own kernel and drivers to the page file when memory is short. DisablePagingExecutive set to 1 keeps that code in memory at all times.

In the app the switch is called "Keep the Kernel in RAM", described there as: Stops Windows from paging kernel and driver code to disk. For PCs with 16 GB or more (reboot).

When it helps, and when it hurts

When it helps

Systems under real memory pressure, where paged-out kernel code would have to be read back from disk at a bad moment.

When it hurts

With enough memory Windows almost never pages this code out, so the setting changes nothing.
With very little memory it leaves even less for programs.

What it writes

Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Registry values the switch writes.
Key and value	With the tweak	Switching it off
HKLMSYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory ManagementDisablePagingExecutive	1	Your previous valueSaved before the change, or deleted if there was none.Windows default: 0.

From the app's source (pack_extra.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked Oct 8, 2026.

The same change by hand

You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.

Make the change · CMD

reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management" /v "DisablePagingExecutive" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Put it back · CMD

reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management" /v "DisablePagingExecutive" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

See what it is set to now · CMD

reg query "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management" /v "DisablePagingExecutive"

How to undo it

In the app: Yes

Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The app saved what each value was before the change and writes exactly that back, or removes the value if it did not exist.

Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.

Verdict

A harmless setting with a reputation larger than its effect. It makes sense with 16 GB or more, and will rarely be noticeable.

Questions

What does the "Keep the Kernel in RAM" tweak change in Windows?: In the registry it sets DisablePagingExecutive to 1 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management.
What is the default value of DisablePagingExecutive?: The Windows default of DisablePagingExecutive is 0. Frozen Tweaks sets it to 1, and switching the tweak off puts back the value you had before.
Is "Keep the Kernel in RAM" safe to switch on?: A harmless setting with a reputation larger than its effect. It makes sense with 16 GB or more, and will rarely be noticeable. The main cost: With enough memory Windows almost never pages this code out, so the setting changes nothing.
How do I undo it?: Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
Does it need a restart?: Yes, the change applies after a restart.
Is "Keep the Kernel in RAM" free in Frozen Tweaks?: It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

In the app