What does 'not enough memory or disk space' mean in Word?

This error means Word cannot allocate enough RAM or disk space for the current operation. It can appear even with free disk space if your document is very large or if Windows virtual memory is misconfigured.

Fix: Word Is Running Out of Memory or Disk Space

Understanding the Memory/Disk Space Error

This error appears when Word cannot allocate enough resources for the operation you’re attempting.

Passos para solucionar

Step 1: Free Up System Resources

Close all unnecessary programs and browser tabs
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
End any processes using high memory
Try the Word operation again

Step 2: Clear Temporary Files

Press Windows + R, type %temp%, press Enter
Select all files and delete them (skip any in use)
Run Disk Cleanup from the Start menu for a more thorough clean

Step 3: Reduce Document Size

Go to File > Options > Advanced > Image Size and Quality
Check Discard editing data
Set default resolution to 150 ppi
Click OK and save the document

Step 4: Increase Virtual Memory

Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings
Under Performance, click Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change
Uncheck Automatically manage and set custom size
Set Initial size to 1.5× your RAM and Maximum to 3× your RAM
Click Set, OK, and restart your computer

Step 5: Repair Office

If the issue persists across all documents:

Go to Settings > Apps > Microsoft Office > Modify
Run Online Repair

Prevenção

Keep documents under 50 MB when possible
Use linked images instead of embedded for large files
Close unused Office applications
Upgrade RAM to at least 8 GB for regular Office use