A slow computer is a source of constant frustration. Typically, this is due to inadequate RAM (random access memory). When RAM is too low, your PC will run slowly. If you have noticed this with your computer, you should check its RAM.
This article will explain how to check RAM in Windows 10 and find out how much RAM you are currently using.
Song of a RAM problem
RAM is a fast type of computer storage that is activated when you turn on your machine. When you turn off your PC, the temporary memory also stops working. The more RAM you have in 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’s RAM cannot handle them without slowing down. Therefore, the most common symptom of low RAM is slow computer speed. If you click two icons on your desktop and wait a few minutes to view the files, you may have a RAM problem. In severe cases, your machine could freeze completely.
If a PC screen freezes or “hangs,” you won’t be able to click on anything. Sometimes it is necessary to press the power button to turn off the computer. Some people receive error messages that the computer is low on memory. If you’ve noticed any of these issues, you may need to upgrade your RAM.
How to Check RAM Capacity on a Windows 10 Computer
The only way to check if you don’t have enough RAM in Windows 10 is to check the current capacity.
- Click “Start.”
- Type “About your PC” in the search box and click on the “Open” option.
- This will take you to “Settings.” On the right, you will see “Device specifications.” Scroll down to “Installed RAM.” An alternative method to check the RAM size on your Windows 10 computer involves the System Information tool. The technique will also work for Windows 11 owners.
These are the steps to follow:
- Right-click the “Start” button and press “Run.”
- A command window will appear. In the “RUN” window, type msinfo32.exe and click “OK.”
- The System Information screen appears. In the right panel, scroll down until you see “Installed RAM” and notice that the figure represents your computer’s total RAM capacity.
How to know the current RAM usage in Windows 10
The RAM figure above is what came with your Windows 10 PC. The exact size of RAM your machine currently uses is different. Here’s how to find out the actual RAM your computer is currently using:
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete alternately to launch Task Manager.
- Scroll down and choose Task Manager.
- In the top menu bar, choose the “Performance” tab. Under “CPU”, you will see Memory”. Click on this window to view your computer’s RAM consumption. Check the usage speed, number of slots used, form factor, reserved hardware, etc.
- Next, go to the “Processes” tab. Here you will see the RAM consumption depending on the tasks. You can terminate tasks that consume too much RAM. Right click on each task and select “End Task.”
If you notice that your RAM usage is over 70%, two things could be the cause. First, you have a lot of background programs running and you may not need some of them. You must follow Step 3 above to terminate unnecessary processes. Secondly, you have a real low RAM problem. Even when performing simple activities, a computer with less RAM will finish them slowly. The only way to fix the problem is to increase the RAM.
How to upgrade Windows 10 RAM
If your PC has enough RAM, you will notice increased speed when finishing tasks in Task Manager. If this doesn’t change the speed, you need to upgrade the RAM. First, take the time to find the best memory for your Windows 10 computer. There are many RAM options for laptop and desktop Windows users.
However, first get the software to scan your specific BIOS. 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 one. If you can’t do this technical work alone, consider taking your Windows 10 PC to a computer repair shop.
Professionals will confirm your RAM problem, suggest the best upgrade and install it for you. Some latest generation laptops have RAM that cannot be upgraded. The reason is that the RAM is connected to the motherboard. If this is the case, your only option is to buy a new PC or laptop.
Types of RAM Popularly Used in Computers
Most computers use one of two types of RAM. 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 is more expensive and may increase your electricity bill.
SRAM consumes more power and does not offer much storage space. In contrast, DRAM has more storage, consumes less power, and is more affordable. DRAM is even better because it has faster versions for people who need additional RAM speeds. These options are synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) and double data rate SDRAM. Other ways to increase the speed of Windows 10
Low RAM is the main cause of poor computer speed. If your RAM consumption speed and capacity seem fine, you don’t need to upgrade. Instead, look for other creative ways to speed up your Windows 10 PC:
- Close some taskbar activities and browser tabs or windows. If the PC continues to run slowly, restart it and open some browser tabs and taskbar tasks.
- Run the antivirus software installed on your computer. You may find some malicious viruses and hidden programs running in the background.
- Stop syncing OneDrive and PC. Synchronization could slow down your machine.
- Activate Windows Restore Point by uninstalling recently installed programs. Some programs contain viruses and other elements that could disrupt the functions of your system. They could also cause slow computer speed and you should remove them.
Frequent questions
How much RAM does a Windows 10 PC have?
If you have Windows 10 Home Edition 64-bit, your RAM is only 128 GB. On the other hand, if you use Windows 10 Pro, Education or Enterprise, your RAM is 2TB. Anyway, your motherboard determines how fast 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 work.
Fix your Windows 10 memory problems
Don’t rush to add new memory if you’ve seen signs of low RAM. First check the RAM your computer came with. Next, check the RAM consumption of your Windows computer. Use Task Manager and end any unnecessary background processes. If your computer is still slow, upgrade your RAM.
