diff --git a/src/vkvm.cpp b/src/vkvm.cpp
index a81cf22..c73c524 100644
--- a/src/vkvm.cpp
+++ b/src/vkvm.cpp
@@ -8,11 +8,12 @@
 // NOLINT
 void initialize(int pid) {
     impl.sharedMemoryPid = pid;
-
     impl.sharedMemoryKey = 12345;// NOLINT
-
     impl.sharedMemorySize = 8000;// NOLINT
+    setDefaultValues();
+}
 
+void setDefaultValues(){
     if(getSharedMemory() != nullptr) {
         //set default values
         setCharactersPerRow(60);// NOLINT
diff --git a/src/vkvm.h b/src/vkvm.h
index e908471..6d581b4 100644
--- a/src/vkvm.h
+++ b/src/vkvm.h
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@
  */
 void initialize(int pid);
 
+void setDefaultValues();
+
 /**
  * set pixel at a x,y position to a certain color.
  * @param x x coordinate of pixel