wpf - How to free the memory after the BitmapImage is no longer needed?

Question

First, I load a BitmapImage into the Image control, whice is located on the Window. Then I work with the Image control and then close the Window.

I do it 2-3 times in a minute and my memory fills up very quickly because the images do not unload from the memory for some reason when the window is closed.

So how do I unload BitmapImage from Image.Source control manually to free the RAM?

Answer 1

I believe the solution you are looking for is at http://www.ridgesolutions.ie/index.php/2012/02/03/net-wpf-bitmapimage-file-locking/. In my case, I was trying to find a way to delete the file after it was created, but it appears to be a solution to both issues.

Doesn't free up memory:

var bitmap = new BitmapImage(new Uri(imageFilePath));

Frees up memory, and allows file to be deleted:

var bitmap = new BitmapImage(); 
var stream = File.OpenRead(imageFilePath);

bitmap.BeginInit();
bitmap.CacheOption = BitmapCacheOption.OnLoad;
bitmap.StreamSource = stream;
bitmap.EndInit();
stream.Close();
stream.Dispose();

Optionally, also freeze the BitmapImage:

bitmap.Freeze();