RAM is a vital element in a computer that gives it the ability to multitask more fluidly. It is always a burden for the user if Windows does not always use its full RAM capacity. The reasons why your Windows computer is not using RAM completely can vary. There could be a problem with the hardware, software and/or BIOS.
Fortunately, these are all solutions that everyone can fix. In this article, we will discuss the most common solutions for Windows not using all the RAM.
32-bit Windows does not use all the RAM
One of the most common reasons behind this issue is when users install the 32-bit version of Windows instead of the 64-bit version. The 32-bit version can allocate only 4 GB of RAM regardless of the amount of RAM installed in the PC and uses approximately 1 GB for the operating system. 64-bit versions of Windows have a much higher limit starting at 128 GB. If you want to use more than 4 GB, you will need to install the 64-bit version to use the full amount of RAM.
Follow these steps to see which version you are using:
- Open configuration.”
- Find the “System” icon and click on it.
- Next, scroll down and click “About.”
Here you can see which version your computer is using. This window also shows you if your processor can support the 64-bit version. If you are not using the 64-bit version, be sure to install it. Before installing, make sure to backup all your important files and data because the process will probably delete all your system files.
Hardware problems
Before using troubleshooting methods that change your files, you can also check the physical condition of the RAM and slots. If the devices are damaged in some way or are not connected properly, this could also cause the PC to use less RAM than usual. To check the slots, follow these steps:
- Turn off your computer and unplug all power cables.
- Unlock the latches holding the RAM and carefully remove the lever.
- If there is dirt or dust on the rods, use some isopropyl alcohol or a small brush to gently remove any residue. Put the devices back into their correct slots and turn on your PC.
- Right click on the Windows icon and click “Run”, type “
resmon”, and press Enter.
- Go to the “Memory” tab and check the RAM status. If there is no change, repeat the process but this time test the lever and slots one by one.
- Insert a device and start the PC. If the PC boots successfully, the device and slot are ready to work. Otherwise, the RAM or that slot is damaged or defective. In this case, you will need to repair the faulty device or replace it.
RAM is typically plug-and-play, meaning you won’t risk your files or installations by changing RAM slots or removing devices, as long as you do it while the PC is off.
Uncheck the maximum memory option
The Maximum Memory option forces the PC BIOS to use only a certain amount of RAM during startup. If you uncheck this option, you can fix this problem and use the full amount of RAM:
- Right-click the Windows icon and click “Run.”
- Write “
msconfig”And press Enter and the System Settings window will appear.
- Click the “Boot” tab, make sure the currently installed operating system is highlighted, and then click “Advanced Options.”
- Uncheck “Maximum memory” and press OK to save the changes.
- Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
Restore BIOS
If the BIOS settings are configured incorrectly, it may also be the culprit for insufficient RAM usage. Try restoring the BIOS defaults to see if that can make any difference. Here is how:
- First access the BIOS as shown in the step by step above.
- Go to the “Load Defaults” section. If you don’t see the option, look for the “Security” tab and try resetting the BIOS from there.
- In the “Load Default Options” pop-up window, click “Yes.”
BIOS setup
Some BIOS settings could also be the cause of Windows not using full memory. To fix this, you need to change some of the BIOS settings. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Restart your PC.
- When the PC starts to boot, press the BIOS key repeatedly. The BIOS keyboard shortcut can be any of F1, F2, F10, F12, Del, or Escape. The key differs depending on the computer’s motherboard, and some versions will show how to access the BIOS on a DOS-like screen before loading it into the operating system. Otherwise, research your motherboard model online or consult your system manual.
- After successfully accessing the BIOS setup, you need to change some values:
“Vitalization” must be activated.
Turn off the “iGPU”.
Enable “Render Stability”.
Change “iGPU memory” to “Auto”.
Disable “Multi-monitor”.
“Frame Buffer Location” must be below 4G. - Go to the “Advanced” section.
- Click “System Agent Settings.” Click on “Memory Ramp” and enable it.
Accept the changes, restart the PC, and see if that resolves your issue.
Check integrated graphics
If your computer has an integrated graphics card, it will use some of the RAM automatically. Here’s how to check which graphics card you have:
- Right click on the Windows icon and select “Device Manager.”
- Expand the “Display adapters” section. Look for your graphics card in the list, as there is usually an option there.
- Look online and see if the graphics card is integrated into the CPU or dedicated.
The only viable option would be to perform software or hardware upgrades, which means getting a new dedicated GPU, more or more RAM, and upgrading your OS version to 64-bit if you haven’t already.
Update windows
The solution could be to update Windows because an outdated version could experience an overuse issue or RAM leaks. To manually update Windows and potentially fix memory issues, follow these steps:
- Open the Windows search bar and type “update.”
- Open “Windows Update Settings” in the results. Select “Check for updates” and let the update detection process run for a moment.
- If updates are available, install them following the instructions.
Become a RAM professional
Hopefully, these solutions will help you figure out what’s wrong with your Windows PC’s low RAM usage and make your life a little easier. RAM is vital to ensuring you can multitask on your PC, so don’t let it hinder your system.
What solution worked for you? If you have experienced this type of problem with your computer, please share your solutions and ideas in the comments section.
