RDR2 Out of Memory Error: 7 Proven Fixes That Actually Work (2026 Guide)

Part 1. What RDR2 Out of Memory Error Mean & Why It Occurs

RDR2 out of memory message indicates the game has exhausted its allocated memory resources, usually VRAM (video memory) or system paging file, making it unable to load textures or scenes, leading to freezes, crashes, or display glitches.

Reasons for RDR2 Low Memory Warning

• Mods and high-res textures using up heavy VRAM usage
• The size of the page file and system virtual memory is small
• Overlays using memory conflict, such as Steam or MSI Afterburner
• API compatibility ( e.g. DirectX or Vulkan )
• Hardware restrictions on some AMD/VRAM-limited computers

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Part 2. How to Fix RDR2 Out of Memory Error in 5 Proven Ways

The RDR2 out of memory error can be commonly associated with overused or bogged down system memory, such as VRAM, page files, and even system memory being occupied by third-party overlay and utilities. Luckily, there are several effective ways of rectifying this nagging problem.

To adjust the target page file size to disable bandwidth customize applications such as Steam Overlay and MSI Afterburner, each solution addresses a various source of memory leakage. Whether your system is running AMD Smart Access Memory or using incompatible APIs, these fixes help stabilize your gameplay and eliminate the RDR2 out of memory crash once and for all.

• Way 1. Turn Off Steam Overlay for RDR2
• Way 2. Change Page File Size
• Way 3. Turn Off MSI Afterburner
• Way 4. Change API to Vulkan
• Way 5. Disable Smart Access Memory on AMD

Way 1. Turn Off Steam Overlay for RDR2

Whenever playing a graphics-intensive game such as Red Dead Redemption 2, Steam Overlay may occasionally introduce issues with the allocation of memory used by the game in the process. Although convenient to use with messaging or screenshots, the overlay uses system memory and VRAM, which can cause an RDR2 out of memory message.

• Open Steam and go to Settings.

• Now, go to "in-game" and uncheck "Steam Overlay while in-game"

  

• Head to your Steam library and select RDR2. In Properties make sure that the “Enable Steam Overlay” is disabled to fix RDR2 out of memory.

Disabling Steam Overlay in RDR2 saves resources in the background, which allows your system to have more space to load scenes, create background environments, and process complex textures.

If you're frequently crashing during transitions or intense firefights, this method may provide immediate relief by eliminating one of the most common non-hardware-related causes of in-game memory exhaustion.

Way 2. Change Page File Size

Windows has a fallback plan of virtual memory (or page file) in case of a situation in which the physical RAM is used up. In case this backup system is inadequate, you can observe RDR2 low memory messages or even crashes. By enlarging your page file, you will allow the game additional virtual memory resources allowing it to relegate non-essential assets and maintain gameplay at a steady pace.

• Open the Search Bar search for "Advanced System Settings" and open the top result.

• Now, go to “Advanced” then “Settings” from the System Properties dialog.

  

• Then on the new pop-up, choose “Advanced” then “Change”

• Uncheck the “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” box and customize the size for your drive.

• Set the size to maximum and press "OK" to save and resolve the RDR2 low memory warning.

  

This technique works particularly well when your PC cannot handle a lot of RAM or has other running programs. You can solve any low-memory situation that occurs when you have a lot of open-world loads when interacting with a lot of AIs, or a cinematic situation in RDR2 simply by adjusting the size of your page file.

Way 3. Turn Off MSI Afterburner

MSI Afterburner helps monitor and overclock your GPU, but it can conflict with RDR2's memory usage. It's overlays and background tasks use precious VRAM or system memory and that could lead to the RDR2 out of memory error.

Turning it off helps remove interference, which frees up resources and enhances stability in the game, particularly in the intense parts or world loading.

• Open the MSI Afterburner software, and go to “Settings”.

• Disable the “Start with Windows” option. Then Uncheck "Start minimized" and click “OK”.

• Close everything and relaunch the game to fix RDR2 out of memory error.

  

Way 4. Change API to Vulkan

Replacing DirectX with Vulkan as rendering API in RDR2 can help to utilize memory efficiently and improve performance. In RDR2, this minimizes the possibility of the low video memory error commonly occurring due to Vulkan being much better at managing GPU resources.

It has less CPU overhead and improved use of multi-core and is therefore suited to systems with memory constraints or which stutter when playing games at high resolution or in detailed scenes.

• Open your “Steam Library” and click RDR2 then choose “Properties”

• Go to “General” and in “Launch Options” you will type “-vulkan" Then click the "OK" button and launch the game to fix the RDR2 low video memory error.

  

Way 5. Disable Smart Access Memory on AMD

The Smart Access Memory (SAM) wants to enable on AMD GPUs allows the CPU to access all GPU VRAM, though RDR2 tends to crash when the CPU (with its newly unlocked access to GPU VRAM) attempts to use them all and your entire memory is overwhelmed.

Provided you have sufficient VRAM but do experience the RDR2 out of memory error, disabling SAM in BIOS can enhance compatibility and memory stability, especially in limited-bandwidth systems, or systems with hardware conflicts.

• Open AMD Radeon Software, go to Settings, and select the Graphics tab.

• Look for “Smart Access Memory” toggle and turn it Off.

• Apply changes and restart to fix the RDR2 out of memory issue.

  

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Part 3. Bonus Tip: How to Free Up Disk Space to Optimize Gaming Performance on PC

Although memory errors are fixed, low disk space may also slow down the system. 4DDiG Duplicate File Deleter will allow you to reclaim the wasted space to boost gaming, recording, or general performance. In this way, you can enjoy the game performance and have your disk drive free from unnecessary files.

Why Choose 4DDiG Duplicate File Deleter?

• Detects and cleans duplicate files across all drives
• Offers real-time duplicate reminders to prevent future bloat
• Simple and efficient interface

Steps to delete duplicate files on Windows using 4DDiG

• After fixing RDR2 out of memory error, start 4DDiG Duplicate File Deleter software and select “Get Started”.

• Click on “Local Storage” and then select the folders you want to scan then click “Scan”.

  

• To adjust scanning settings, you can tap on the “Setting” tab while choosing folders. Here, you are allowed to skip important folders and select the certain file types you want to scan duplicates from.

  

• Once finished, choose “Smart Remove” to auto-delete all detected duplicates at once. Or, tap “Review Duplicates” to check all the duplicate files found on your storage drive.

  

• Finally, select each duplicate to select and click "Remove" After selecting all of them remove all duplicates using a single click with ease.

  

Conclusion

Facing the RDR2 out of memory error can be frustrating, but you’ve got multiple ways to fix it: disable overlays, tweak virtual memory, switch APIs, and optimize BIOS settings. And to have long-term crash-free gameplay, do not forget to recover wasted disk space with 4DDiG Duplicate File Deleter. Combining these solutions, you are now guaranteed consistency and feel to the game of RDR2 and experience unmatched future gaming experience: boot and play, no worries.