Windows 10 already uses all the RAM installed in your PC, so there’s no setting to “allocate more.” What you can do is make more of it available: close memory-hungry apps, turn off startup programs, make sure no Maximum memory limit is set in System Configuration, and increase virtual memory if you run out. The only way to get more physical RAM is to install more.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
Check RAM use in Task Manager > Performance > Memory. Free memory by closing apps and disabling startup items; make sure msconfig > Boot > Advanced options has Maximum memory unchecked.
Step 1: Check How Much RAM You Have and Use
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager (click More details if needed).
- Open the Performance tab and select Memory.
- Note In use, Available, and Slots used.
Also check Settings > System > About. If “Installed RAM” shows a smaller “usable” amount, some memory is reserved for integrated graphics or limited by a setting.
Step 2: Remove Any Memory Limit
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Open the Boot tab and click Advanced options.
- Make sure Maximum memory is unchecked, then click OK and restart.
Step 3: Free Up Memory
- In Task Manager’s Processes tab, sort by Memory and close apps you don’t need.
- On the Startup tab, disable apps you don’t need at startup.
- Close browser tabs; each one uses memory.
- Restart the PC every so often to clear leaks from long-running apps.
Step 4: Adjust Virtual Memory (Page File)
- Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and open Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual memory Change.
- Leave Automatically manage paging file size checked in most cases. If you get low-memory warnings, uncheck it and set a larger custom size on your fastest drive.
Virtual memory uses disk space and is much slower than RAM, so it prevents crashes rather than speeding things up.
Options at a Glance
| Option | Helps with | Speeds up the PC? |
|---|---|---|
| Close apps and tabs | Immediate memory relief | Yes |
| Disable startup apps | Less memory used after boot | Yes |
| Remove Maximum memory limit | Using all installed RAM | Yes, if a limit was set |
| Larger page file | Avoiding out-of-memory errors | No |
| Install more RAM | Running more at once | Yes |
| 64-bit Windows | Using more than about 4 GB | Yes, on 32-bit systems |
Troubleshooting
- Usable RAM is much lower than installed: You may be on 32-bit Windows, a module may not be seated, or integrated graphics reserves some. Check System type in About.
- Memory use is always high: Windows caches data in unused RAM, which is normal. Worry only if Available memory is near zero and the PC is slow.
- A game needs more video memory: Check graphics usage in Task Manager’s GPU view.
- Disk is also slow: See how to optimize your drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I allocate more RAM to a specific program?
Not directly. Windows gives each program what it needs. Some apps, like games and Java programs, have their own memory settings.
Does setting a higher priority give an app more RAM?
No. Priority affects CPU time, not memory.
How much RAM do I need for Windows 10?
8 GB is comfortable for everyday use; 16 GB or more helps with gaming, editing, and heavy multitasking.
Summary
- Check memory in Task Manager.
- Remove any Maximum memory limit in msconfig.
- Close apps and trim startup programs.
- Add RAM for a real increase.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.