SOLIDWORKS Resource Running Low Issue

Many SOLIDWORKS users encounter a Resource Monitor warning due to the GDI (Graphics Device Interface) Objects limit in Windows. This issue typically occurs when working with large assemblies, complex drawings, or having multiple applications running simultaneously.

What Causes the GDI Objects Warning?

By default, Windows sets a GDI object limit of 10,000 per process, with a maximum allowed limit of 16,384. When SOLIDWORKS approaches this threshold, the system triggers a warning, potentially slowing down performance or causing instability.

Key Contributing Factors:

• Insufficient RAM – Running memory-intensive tasks with limited available RAM.
• Multiple applications running – Other programs consuming GDI resources.
• Large assemblies/drawings – Complex models and drawings require more GDI objects.

For resolution, you may refer to 2 options below.

1. Virtual Memory Setting
2. Registry modification

Notes

• Virtual Memory adjustment is the safer first step. Only modify the registry if necessary.
• Monitor system performance after changes. If instability occurs, revert the settings.
• Upgrading RAM or optimizing SOLIDWORKS settings (e.g., Lightweight Mode) can also help.

If the warning persists, you can increase the GDI Objects limit via the Windows Registry.

⚠️ Warning:

• Incorrect registry modifications can cause system instability or require an OS reinstall.
• Back up your registry before proceeding (File > Export in Regedit).

Method 1: The Virtual Memory Settings

1. Go to Control Panel> System > Advanced System Settings
   
2. Advanced (Tab) > Settings
   
3. Advanced > Change
   
4. Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives”.Choose the Driver which you would prefer to utilise the virtual memory.
5. Under Custom size, enter the value double the size of the amount of physical RAM installed in your PC. (If you have 16GB, type in 32000MB)
   
6. Enter the Initial size value of 2 times the amount of physical RAM installed in your system (eg. If you have 16GB, type in 32000MB.)
7. Click on ‘Set’.
8. Restart your workstation.Monitoring

   You may monitor this through the Task Manager. This solution will involve editing the Windows Registry.

   1. Open Task Manager (right click on start bar > Task Manager OR through CTRL+ALT+DEL)
      
   2. Click on ‘Details’ Tab
      
   3. Right-click on one of the columns and click  ‘Select Columns’
      
   4. Tick the GDI objects
      

Method 2: The Registry Settings

1. Open Regedit (via Run > type ‘regedit’)
2. Locate to the key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE> SOFTWARE> Microsoft> Windows NT> CurrentVersion> Windows>  GDIProcessHandleQuota
3. Right click on the ‘GDIProcessHandleQuota’ and click ‘Modify’.
4. Change the registry key to the maximum process limit 16,384; set the BASE to DECIMAL.
   

**Take note that altering Window registry can cause Window OS malfunction.

Alternatively, if you just wish to dismiss the message, you always have the option to do so from the Window Toolbar Notification area.