How to Check How Much Ram a Windows 10 Device Has

A slow computer is a source of constant frustration. Typically, this is due to inadequate RAM (Random Access Memory). When the RAM is too low, your PC will perform sluggishly. If you have noticed this with your computer, you should check its RAM.

This article will explain how to check the RAM on Windows 10 and find out how much RAM you’re currently using.

Sings of a RAM Problem

RAM is a fast type of computer storage that becomes active when you turn on your machine. When you shut your PC down, the temporary memory also stops working. The more RAM you have on Windows 10, the more tasks and projects you can open without slowing down the system. Unfortunately, some modern laptops and desktops have a small RAM capacity.

Once you open many programs and tasks, the computer RAM can’t handle them without slowing down. Hence, the most common symptom of low RAM is laggy computer speed. If you click two icons on your desktop and wait a few minutes to view the files, you might have a RAM problem. In severe cases, your machine could freeze up altogether.

If a PC screen freezes or “hangs,” you can’t click on things. Sometimes you need to press the power button to shut down the computer. Some people receive error messages pointing to low computer memory. If you’ve noticed some of these issues, you may have to upgrade the RAM.

How to Check RAM Capacity on a Computer Running Windows 10

The only way to verify if you have insufficient RAM on Windows 10 is to check the current capacity.

1. Click “Start.”
   
2. Type “About your PC” into the search box and click the “Open” option.
   
3. This will take you to “Settings.” On the right, you will see “Device Specifications.” Scroll down to “Installed RAM.” An alternative method of checking the RAM size on your Windows 10 computer involves the System Information tool. The technique will also work for owners of Windows 11.
   

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Right-click on the “Start” button and press “Run.”
   
2. A command window will appear. In the “RUN” window, type msinfo32.exe and click “OK.”
   
3. The System Information screen will appear. On the right pane, scroll down until you see “RAM installed” and note that the figure represents the total RAM capacity of your computer.
   
   

How to Know the Current RAM Usage on Windows 10

The RAM figure above is the one your Windows 10 PC came with. The exact RAM size your machine is currently using is different. Here’s how to discover the actual RAM your computer is currently using:

1. Press Ctrl +Alt + Delete alternately to start the Task Manager.
   
2. Scroll down, and choose the Task Manager.
   
3. On the top menu bar, choose the “Performance” tab. Below “CPU,” you’ll see Memory.” Click on this window to view your computer’s RAM consumption. Check the usage speed, the number of slots used, form factor, hardware reserved, etc.
   
4. Next, go to the “Processes” tab. Here you’ll view RAM consumption based on tasks. You can end tasks consuming excessive RAM. Right-click each task and choose “End Task.”
   

If you notice that your RAM usage is over 70%, two things could be the cause. First, you have many background programs operating and might not need some of them. You should follow Step 3 above to end the unnecessary processes. Secondly, you have a genuine low RAM problem. Even when running simple activities, a computer with less RAM will finish them slowly. The only way to address the problem is to increase the RAM.

How to Upgrade the Windows 10 RAM

If your PC has enough RAM, you’ll notice increased speed when ending tasks on the Task Manager. If this doesn’t change the speed, you should upgrade the RAM. Firstly, take the time to find the best memory for your Windows 10 computer. Many RAM options exist for laptop and desktop Windows users.

However, get software for scanning your specific BIOS first. It will scan and recommend the correct memory upgrades. The best tool is Crucial System Scanner. Visit the page and learn how this scanner works. Uninstall the old memory and install the new memory. If you can’t do this technical work alone, consider taking your Windows 10 PC to a computer repair shop.

The professionals will confirm your RAM problem, suggest the best upgrade, and install it for you. Some modern generation laptop machines have RAM you can’t upgrade. The reason being, the RAM is attached to the motherboard. If this is the case, your only option is to purchase a new PC or laptop.

RAM Types Popularly Used in Computers

Most computers use one of two RAM types. The first is called Static Random Access Memory (SRAM). The other is Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). If you need the fastest computer memory, choose SRAM, although it’s pricier and may increase your electricity bill.

SRAM consumes more power and doesn’t offer much storage space. in contrast, DRAM has more storage, consumes less energy, and is more affordable. DRAM is even better because it has quicker versions for people who need extra RAM speeds. These options are Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) and Double-Data-Rate SDRAM. Other Ways to Increase Windows 10 Speed

Low RAM is the top cause of poor computer speed. If your RAM consumption speed and capacity seem okay, you don’t have to upgrade it. Instead, find other creative ways to speed up your Windows 10 PC:

• Close some taskbar activities and browser tabs or windows. If the PC continues to perform slowly, restart your machine, and open a few browser tabs and taskbar tasks.
• Run the antivirus software installed on your computer. It might find some malicious viruses and hidden programs working in the background.
• Stop the OneDrive and PC sync. Synching could slow down your machine.
• Trigger Windows Restore Point by uninstalling recently installed programs. Some programs have viruses and other elements that could alter your system’s functions. They could also cause sluggish computer speed, and you should remove them.

FAQs

How much RAM does a Windows 10 PC have?

If you have the 64-bit Windows 10 Home Edition, your RAM is only 128GB. On the other hand, if you use Windows 10 Pro, Education, or Enterprise, your RAM is 2TB. Regardless, your motherboard determines how quickly your RAM runs. Many laptops running Windows 10 have different RAM capacities.

Is 4GB of RAM the bare minimum for Windows 10 machines?

The minimum recommended memory size for Windows 10 is 4G. However, some machines running Windows 10 have 2GM of RAM and still function.

Troubleshoot Your Windows 10 Memory Issues

Don’t rush to add new memory if you’ve have seen signs of low RAM. Check the RAM your computer came with first. Next, check the RAM consumption of your Windows computer. Use the Task Manager and end any the unneeded background processes. If the computer remains sluggish, upgrade your RAM.

Are you running low on computer memory? Have you attempted to troubleshoot your RAM? Let us know in the comments section below.