Adjust java heap setting so Sierra can use more RAM

The default Sierra install includes a limit on the amount of RAM Sierra is allowed to use, so it won’t hog your system resources. This default limit has not been changed in many years, while most computer systems have greatly increased available memory in that time, so they can handle allowing Sierra more resources.

Changing this setting can help speed up Sierra when you are running demanding functions like large global updates.

This change will increase the RAM Sierra can use to 1GB. This should be fine on almost any current PC. However if you have an older PC with a small about of RAM it might be best to leave this as default.

Table of Contents

Step-by-step guide

1. Open the Sierra Desktop App folder on your C: drive

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2. Find the file called iiirunner.lax

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3. Open it in a text editor like Notepad or Notepad++

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4. Change the number in “lax.nl.java.option.java.heap.size.max=”

   Number RAM allowed to Sierra lax.nl.java.option.java.heap.size.max=268435456 256MB lax.nl.java.option.java.heap.size.max=1073741824 1GB lax.nl.java.option.java.heap.size.max=2147483648 2GB lax.nl.java.option.java.heap.size.max=3221225472 3GB lax.nl.java.option.java.heap.size.max=4294967296 4GB

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How much RAM you allow Sierra is going to depend on how much total RAM your machine has. If you give it too much, then other programs might not have the RAM they need to work.

5. Restart Sierra to have the change take effect.

Troubleshooting steps

Related Documentation