How to Check RAM on Windows 11

When your computer starts running slowly, the first thing you should do is check your RAM. Also, if you are thinking about upgrading your ram, then understanding your current RAM’s speed, type, and capacity can help you decide what kind of RAM to buy. This guide will show you how to check how much RAM you have, as well as how much RAM you’re currently using on Windows 11.

How to check how much RAM you have

Using the Settings App

The Settings app is the fastest and easiest way to view your computer’s RAM usage.

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click the System icon, then scroll down and click About.

   

3. Under the “Device specifications” section, find the number next to Installed RAM. This number is your computer’s total amount of installed RAM.

   

Using Command Prompt

The command prompt is a text-based interface that allows you to execute commands on your computer.

1. 1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box to open the command prompt. Then type “cmd” and press Enter.

      

   2. Once the command prompt opens, type the following command and press Enter:

      wmic memorychip list full

   3. This command generates a list of your RAM information, such as capacity, type, speed, and more.

      

Using Third-Party Application

Third-party applications are always an option for checking how much ram you have. Many applications are available, but we will use HWinfo as an example.

1. To download HWinfo, go to the official website and click the Free Download button.

   

2. Once the download is finished, open the installer and follow the instructions to install the program.

   

3. When the installation is done, open HWinfo, and a popup window will appear. Click Start.

   

4. On the left side of the HWinfo window, click Memory. This will show your total memory size, current memory clock, etc.

   

How to check how much RAM your computer is using

Using System Information

System Information is a tool that provides detailed information about your computer, including its RAM usage.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box to open System Information. Then type “msinfo32” and press Enter.

   

2. Under the System Summary section, you’ll see five lines related to your computer’s RAM.

   

• Installed Physical Memory (RAM): how much RAM is installed on your computer.
• Total Physical Memory: how much of that RAM is used.
• Available Physical Memory: how much RAM is available.
• Total Virtual Memory: Virtual memory is a function that allows a computer to use disk storage as a substitute for physical RAM to compensate for shortages. When available RAM decreases, virtual memory can move data from it to a paging file, freeing up RAM. This technique permits physical RAM to be freed up.
• Available Virtual Memory: the virtual memory that is currently unused and accessible.

Using Task Manager

Task manager is a system monitor tool that provides information about your computer’s RAM usage status.

1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the task manager.
2. Once the task manager opens, select the Performance tab.

   

3. In the left sidebar, you will see a few options. Click Memory. This will open the memory usage window.

   

4. You will see a line at the bottom of the window that says In use. This is the amount of RAM currently being used by your computer. Behind that, you will see the Cached line. This is the amount of RAM used to store frequently accessed data. Below that, you will see the Available line. This is the amount of RAM available for use.

Using Resource Monitor

The resource monitor is a more detailed version of the task manager that allows you to see real-time information about your computer’s RAM usage.

1. To open the resource monitor, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Then type “resmon” and press Enter.

   

2. Once the resource monitor opens, click the Memory tab. On the right side of this tab, you will find a graph showing your computer’s RAM usage.

   

3. In the middle of the window, you will see a list of all the processes currently using your computer’s RAM. The amount of RAM that each process uses is listed next to it.

   

4. At the bottom of the window, you will see a summary of your computer’s current RAM usage. This includes the total amount of RAM used and the available RAM.