A method and apparatus for auto-tuning memory is provided. Memory on a computer system comprises at least one shared memory area and at least one private memory area. Addresses in the shared memory area are accessible to multiple processes. Addresses in the private memory area are dedicated to individual processes. Initially, a division in the amount of memory is established between the shared and private memory areas. Subsequently, a new division is determined. Consequently, memory from one memory area is “given” to the other memory area. In one approach, such sharing is achieved by causing the shared and private memory areas to be physically separate from each other both before and after a change in the division. The division of the amount of memory may be changed to a new division by deallocating memory from one of the memory areas and allocating that memory to the other of the memory areas.