To check how much RAM your Windows 11 PC has, open Settings > System > About and look at Installed RAM. For more detail, such as memory speed, how much is in use right now, and how many slots are filled, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and go to Performance > Memory. Here’s what each view tells you and how to find the rest.
Method 1: Settings (installed RAM)
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select System, then scroll down and choose About.
- Under Device specifications, read Installed RAM. If it shows two numbers, such as “16.0 GB (15.7 GB usable),” some memory is reserved for hardware like integrated graphics.
Method 2: Task Manager (usage, speed, and slots)
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Select Performance (the graph icon), then Memory.
You’ll see:
- In use and Available: how much memory apps are using right now.
- Speed: the memory’s speed in MT/s.
- Slots used: for example, “2 of 4” means you can add more modules.
- Form factor: SODIMM (laptop) or DIMM (desktop).
- Committed and Cached: how much memory Windows has promised to apps and is using for file caching.
To see which apps use the most memory, open the Processes page and click the Memory column header to sort.
Method 3: System Information
Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. The System Summary lists Installed Physical Memory (RAM), Total Physical Memory, and Available Physical Memory.
Method 4: PowerShell (manufacturer and part number)
Open Terminal and run:
Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory | Format-Table Manufacturer, PartNumber, Capacity, Speed
This lists each memory module, which is useful when buying a matching upgrade. Capacity is shown in bytes; 8589934592 is 8 GB. The older wmic memorychip command is deprecated and may not be available on newer Windows 11 versions.
How much RAM do you need?
- 4 GB is Windows 11’s minimum requirement.
- 8 GB handles web browsing, email, and office work, but slows down with many tabs.
- 16 GB is comfortable for most people, including light gaming and photo editing.
- 32 GB or more helps with video editing, large spreadsheets, virtual machines, and demanding games.
Before upgrading, check how much your PC supports: see how to check the maximum RAM capacity in Windows 11.
Troubleshooting
- Memory usage is always high: close unused browser tabs and apps, and disable unneeded startup programs. See how to change startup programs in Windows 11.
- Less RAM shows than you installed: reseat the modules, check that the BIOS sees all of them, and make sure you’re running 64-bit Windows.
- Random crashes or blue screens: run Windows Memory Diagnostic (search for it in Start) to test the RAM.
- Soldered memory: many thin laptops have RAM that can’t be upgraded. Check your model’s specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Is “memory” the same as storage?
No. Memory (RAM) is short-term working space; storage (SSD or hard drive) holds your files. To check storage, go to Settings > System > Storage.
Can I check RAM without Windows?
Yes. Your BIOS or UEFI setup screen usually shows installed memory.
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.