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FIX: PC uses less RAM than is physically installed
5 min. read
Updated onJanuary 26, 2024
updated onJanuary 26, 2024
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Key notes
Nowadays,RAMcomes in abundance since the hardware needs to closely follow thesoftware requirements. And adding moreRAMis probably the best way to get your PC go the extra mile.
However, even though some Windows 10 versions support up to 512 GB ofRAM(yes, you read that right), yourRAMis of no use if it’s not fully employed in the system processing. Some users reported that the difference between the installed and usedRAMis enormous.
This is a grave problem and we’ll make sure to help you address it with a few workarounds. In addition, we make an effort to explain the background of this peculiar issue. If your PC runs 6GB ofRAMinstead of the installed 8GB, make sure to check the solutions below.
How do I use my full RAM on my Windows 10 PC?
Explanation
There are so many reasons why your installed and physicalRAMare 2 different values in the system configuration. Some of the most common reasons for such occurrence are:
When it comes to Windows 10, these are the supportedRAMvalues for different iterations:
In addition, make sure to check yourRAMplacement. Remove yourRAMcard from the dedicated socket, try another socket, and check for changes.
On the other hand, if you’re positive about theRAMcompatibility and its physical placement on themotherboard, two steps we presented below are essential for retaining your fullRAMvalues.
1. Check boot settings
Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps:
Firstly, let’s check your boot system settings. In order tospeed up the Windows startupand fully utilize the Fast Boot function, your system will useRAMextensively. And that would be just fine except the system tends to take moreRAMthan it’s needed.
That will, of course, affect the size of availableRAMlater on, when the system starts. By default, the system will take as muchRAMas available. So, what we’ll need to do is to restrain the startup process and don’t let it eat on ourRAM, which should resolve your problem.
On the other hand, if you still stuck with the substantial difference between the two, make sure to check the alternative solution below.
2. Check and update BIOS
Even if your motherboard supports a vast amount ofRAM, some UEFI/BIOS settings might limit the installedRAMto a greater or lesser extent. So, you’ll need to navigate to BIOS settings and, if needed, make some changes.
Additionally, since Windows 10 packs that Fast Boot, the boot sequence will just run past the settings and repetitive pressing of the key won’t do you any good. So, bear with us and follow the instructions closely.
Furthermore, older motherboards with the outdated firmware won’t support large amounts ofRAMthat are quite common nowadays.
So, it’s recommended to update your BIOS and check for the resolution. However, since this is quite a risky procedure, we advise you to take a look atthis articleand look for the thorough explanation before you move to updating your BIOS.
We also have a guide that explainshow to make sure RAM is running at full speed, so don’t miss it.
With that, we can conclude this article. We hope that you’ll take all of yourRAMwith the solutions we provided above. In any case, don’t forget to share your questions or alternative solutions with us. We look forward to hearing from you.
More about the topics:Computer Memory,windows 10 fix
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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