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PhpStorm Out of Memory: How to Increase Heap Size

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Workaround available Windows, macOS, Linux Updated November 14, 2026Based on 3 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

PhpStorm shows "low memory" warnings or runs out of heap on big projects. Raise the maximum heap under Help | Change Memory Settings and close what you do not need.

Most likely fix: Increase the heap from the IDE

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Increase the heap from the IDE

    1. Open Help | Change Memory Settings
    2. Set a higher value (use the suggested value if unsure)
    3. Click Save and Restart
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Watch memory use

    1. Right-click the status bar and enable Memory Indicator
    2. Click the indicator to trigger garbage collection and see if usage drops
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Raise it through the Toolbox App

    1. In Toolbox App click the settings icon next to the IDE
    2. Open Settings, expand Configuration
    3. Set Maximum heap size and restart the IDE
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

A "IDE is running low on memory" notification, an OutOfMemoryError, UI freezes, or the IDE restarting by itself.

Why it happens

  • Default maximum heap is too small for the size of the project
  • Many heavy plugins loaded at the same time
  • Several large projects open in one window
  • Memory leak in a specific plugin or IDE build

This guide also covers

  • phpstorm out of memory
  • phpstorm increase memory
  • phpstorm heap size
  • phpstorm low memory warning

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