Synology NAS Insufficient Memory Error: How to Fix It

Easy 10-20 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
Insufficient memory
Brand
Synology
Product Type
nas
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-20 minutes
The Synology NAS insufficient memory error occurs when heavy packages like Synology Drive or Virtual Machine Manager consume too much RAM. This error can slow down your system performance and prevent new packages from installing or running properly.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code Insufficient memory

  1. Access DSM Control Panel

  2. Check Memory Usage in Resource Monitor

  3. Stop Heavy Memory-Consuming Packages

    Stopping packages will interrupt any active file syncing, virtual machines, or containers currently running.
  4. Disable Auto-Start for Heavy Packages

  5. Optimize Package Settings

  6. Restart DSM Services

    Restarting will temporarily disconnect all users and stop all services.
  7. Monitor Memory Usage Ongoing

Parts You May Need

Compatible RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
Compatible RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
Compatible RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
Compatible RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
Compatible RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
Compatible RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
Compatible RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
Compatible RAM module
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

Contact Synology support if memory issues persist after disabling heavy packages, if you need assistance with package configuration, or if you're experiencing hardware-related memory problems that may require RAM upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes insufficient memory errors on Synology NAS?
Insufficient memory errors are typically caused by heavy packages like Synology Drive, Virtual Machine Manager, Docker containers, or multiple packages running simultaneously that exceed available RAM capacity.
Can I add more RAM to my Synology NAS to fix memory issues?
Yes, most Synology NAS models support RAM upgrades. Check your model's specifications for maximum supported RAM and compatible memory modules. Adding more RAM is the permanent solution for heavy workloads.
Is it safe to disable Synology Drive to free up memory?
Yes, it's safe to disable Synology Drive if you're not actively using file syncing features. You can re-enable it when needed, and your data will remain intact on the NAS.
How much RAM does my Synology NAS need for normal operation?
Basic file sharing requires 1-2GB RAM, but running packages like Synology Drive, VMM, or Docker typically needs 4-8GB or more depending on usage. Check Resource Monitor to see your actual usage patterns.
Will stopping Virtual Machine Manager delete my VMs?
No, stopping Virtual Machine Manager only halts the service and running VMs. Your virtual machine files and data remain intact and can be restarted when VMM is re-enabled.