What is the primary function of virtual memory?

The primary function of virtual memory is to increase the effective capacity of the main memory, allowing a computer to use disk space as an extension of RAM. This mechanism enables the system to run larger applications or multiple programs simultaneously, even when the physical RAM is insufficient to hold all the currently running processes. By temporarily transferring data from RAM to disk storage, virtual memory makes it possible for the operating system to optimize the allocation of memory resources. This process provides a more seamless user experience, as users can access more applications and data than would otherwise be possible with the limited physical memory available.