Quick Summary
The 'Out of Memory' error in Minecraft means your computer or the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) running Minecraft doesn't have enough available RAM to handle the game's current operations. This often occurs with resource-intensive activities like loading large worlds, using high texture packs, or running many mods simultaneously.
Common Causes
- Insufficient Allocated RAM: Minecraft is not allocated enough RAM during its launch, or the default allocation is too low for the demands of the game and any mods/resource packs being used. The game simply runs out of addressable memory as it plays.
- Resource-Intensive Activities: Loading a very large world, using resource-intensive texture packs (e.g., 512x512 or higher resolution), or running a significant number of mods can consume a lot of RAM. The cumulative impact of these factors can exceed the available or allocated RAM.
- Memory Leaks: Occasionally, a mod or a glitch within Minecraft itself can cause a 'memory leak,' where the game continuously consumes RAM without releasing it. Over time, this leads to an 'Out of Memory' error, even if the allocated RAM seems sufficient initially.
- Background Processes: Other programs running simultaneously on your computer can also consume RAM, reducing the amount available for Minecraft. Web browsers, streaming software, or other games running in the background can contribute.
- Java Version Issues: Using an outdated or incompatible Java version can cause memory management problems in Minecraft. Minecraft requires a specific version of Java to run efficiently.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Increase Allocated RAM
Method for Vanilla Minecraft:
Step 1: Close Minecraft and the Minecraft Launcher.
Step 2: Open the Minecraft Launcher.
Step 3: Go to 'Installations'.
Step 4: Select your desired installation and click the three dots, then 'Edit'.
Step 5: Click 'More Options'.
Step 6: Locate the 'JVM Arguments' line. It will contain parameters starting with '-Xmx'.
Step 7: Change the value after '-Xmx' to a higher amount, followed by 'G' for Gigabytes. Example: '-Xmx4G' allocates 4GB of RAM.
Step 8: Save the changes and relaunch Minecraft.
Method for Modded Minecraft (e.g., using CurseForge):
Step 1: Open the CurseForge app.
Step 2: Click on the Minecraft profile you want to adjust.
Step 3: Click the three dots at the top right and select 'Profile Options'.
Step 4: Under 'Java Settings' enable the option to ‘Use system memory settings’ if not already enabled. If that doesn't work, disable it and adjust the slider to increase the allotted memory.
Step 5: Relaunch Minecraft through CurseForge.
Method 2: Reduce Graphics Settings
Step 1: Launch Minecraft and go to 'Options' then 'Video Settings'.
Step 2: Reduce the following settings:
- 'Render Distance': Lower this significantly, as it dramatically impacts RAM usage.
- 'Graphics': Change this to 'Fast'.
- 'Smooth Lighting': Turn this 'Off'.
- 'Particles': Reduce to 'Minimal'.
Step 3: Restart Minecraft for the changes to take full effect.
Method 3: Close Unnecessary Programs
Step 1: Close all programs that you are not actively using, especially resource-intensive applications like web browsers (Chrome, Firefox), streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs), or other games.
Step 2: Check the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to identify programs consuming a significant amount of RAM or CPU.
Step 3: Close or terminate any unnecessary processes.
Method 4: Update Java
Step 1: Determine the Java version required by your Minecraft version.
Step 2: Uninstall the existing Java installation from your computer.
Step 3: Download and install the correct version of Java from the official Oracle website (or an alternative distribution like Adoptium Temurin, which is open-source).
Step 4: Ensure that the newly installed Java version is being used by Minecraft. Usually, the Minecraft launcher detects and uses the compatible Java version automatically.
Method 5: Reduce Mods or Resource Pack Resolution
Step 1: If you are using mods, disable them one by one or in small groups to identify if a specific mod is causing a memory leak or excessive RAM usage.
Step 2: If you are using a high-resolution resource pack (e.g., 512x512 or higher), try switching to a lower-resolution pack (e.g., 128x128 or 64x64).
Step 3: Restart Minecraft after disabling mods or changing resource packs.