If you’re a beginner using Windows 11 or 10, knowing how to check your RAM (Random Access Memory) is essential. RAM is crucial for your computer’s performance, as it temporarily stores data your system is actively using. Whether you want to confirm your RAM capacity, check usage, or troubleshoot slowdowns, here are 5 simple methods to check RAM on Windows 11/10.
The Settings app is the most straightforward way to view your total RAM capacity and how much is usable.
Press Win + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
In Windows 11: Click System (the first option) on the left sidebar, then scroll down and select About.
In Windows 10: Click System, then select About from the left menu.
Under the Device specifications section, look for Installed RAM. This shows your total RAM (e.g., “16.0 GB”).
You’ll also see Usable RAM (the portion your system can actually use, which may be slightly less than the total due to hardware or software reservations).
Task Manager lets you see live RAM usage, including which apps are using the most memory. This is great for identifying resource-hungry programs.
Open Task Manager in one of three ways:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc directly.
Right-click the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and select Task Manager.
Press Win + X, then choose Task Manager from the menu.
If Task Manager opens in a simplified view, click More details at the bottom.
Go to the Performance tab (look for the line graph icon).
Select Memory from the left sidebar. Here, you’ll see:
Total RAM: The full capacity of your RAM.
In use: How much RAM is currently being used.
Available: How much RAM is free for new apps.
A real-time graph showing RAM usage over time.
The System Information tool provides in-depth details about your RAM, including type (e.g., DDR4), speed, and slot configuration.
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msinfo32 and press Enter. This opens System Information.
In the left sidebar, expand Components and click Memory.
On the right, you’ll see key details like:
Total Physical Memory: Your total RAM capacity.
Memory Type: e.g., DDR4, DDR5.
Speed: e.g., 3200 MHz (how fast your RAM operates).
Installed Slots: How many RAM sticks are installed and their capacities.
If you prefer using commands, Command Prompt can quickly display your total RAM.
Press Win + S to open the search bar.
Type cmd and click Run as administrator (you don’t need admin rights, but it ensures no restrictions).
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
wmic MemoryChip get Capacity, Speed
You’ll see results showing each RAM stick’s Capacity (in bytes) and Speed (in MHz). To convert bytes to GB, divide by 1,073,741,824 (e.g., 8,589,934,592 bytes = 8 GB).
Resource Monitor is a more powerful tool that shows which processes are using the most RAM, helping you pinpoint memory hogs.
Open Task Manager (using Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Go to the Performance tab, then click Open Resource Monitor at the bottom.
In Resource Monitor, go to the Memory tab.
Here, you’ll find:
Total: Your total RAM.
In use: RAM being actively used by apps and system processes.
Standby: RAM holding data for quick access (can be freed up if needed).
A list of processes sorted by Memory (Private Working Set) (the RAM used exclusively by each app).
Troubleshooting: If your PC is slow, high RAM usage (over 80-90%) may mean you need to close apps or upgrade RAM.
Upgrades: Knowing your current RAM type (e.g., DDR4) and speed helps you buy compatible new sticks.
Verification: Confirm you have the RAM capacity you paid for (e.g., 16 GB instead of 8 GB).
With these 5 methods, even beginners can easily check RAM on Windows 11/10. Start with Settings for a quick overview, or use Task Manager to monitor real-time usage—you’ll be a pro in no time!
