Quick Summary
"OutOfMemoryError" in Minecraft means the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which Minecraft runs on, has run out of allocated memory. The game attempts to use more memory than is available, leading to a crash or instability.
Common Causes
- Insufficient Allocated RAM: Minecraft isn't given enough RAM to operate smoothly, especially with mods, resource packs, or higher render distances.
- Memory Leaks: Bugs in Minecraft, mods, or Java itself can cause memory to be allocated but never released, eventually exhausting available memory.
- Large Modpacks: Modpacks containing numerous or poorly optimized mods can significantly increase memory requirements.
- High Render Distance and Simulation Distance: Setting the render distance and/or simulation distance too high forces Minecraft to load and process more chunks, consuming more memory.
- Running Other Memory-Intensive Programs: Having many programs running simultaneously will reduce the amount of useable memory for Minecraft and may cause a crash.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Allocate More RAM to Minecraft
Using the Minecraft Launcher:
Step 1: Open the Minecraft Launcher.
Step 2: Go to "Installations".
Step 3: Select your installation and press the three dots, then 'Edit'.
Step 4: Click on "More Options".
Step 5: Locate the "JVM Arguments" line.
Step 6: Modify the "-Xmx" value to increase the RAM allocation. For example, change "-Xmx2G" to "-Xmx4G" to allocate 4GB of RAM. (Do not allocate more RAM than your system has available.)
Step 7: Save the installation and relaunch Minecraft.
Method 2: Reduce Render Distance
Step 1: Open Minecraft and go to "Options" then "Video Settings".
Step 2: Decrease the "Render Distance" slider. Start by reducing by a few chunks each time.
Step 3: Decrease the "Simulation Distance" slider.
Step 4: Restart the game to apply the changes. Check if the error persists.
Method 3: Update Java
Step 1: Determine which version of Java Minecraft is using.
Step 2: Go to the official Oracle Java download page or, if using a specific Minecraft modded version, consult the mod documentation.
Step 3: Download and install the latest version of Java suitable for your operating system and Minecraft version.
Method 4: Optimize Mods/Resource Packs
Step 1: Examine your installed mods and resource packs.
Step 2: Remove any mods or resource packs that you suspect are causing the memory leak or are unnecessarily resource-intensive.
Step 3: Consider using lightweight alternatives for resource-heavy mods.
Step 4: Look for optimized versions of resource packs, or reduce the resolution.
Method 5: Close Unnecessary Programs
Step 1: Close any programs that are not essential for running Minecraft.
Step 2: Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (MacOS) to identify programs consuming significant memory.