How to Find RAM on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wondered how much RAM your computer has or how fast it runs? Whether you’re troubleshooting performance issues, planning an upgrade, or just curious, knowing your PC’s RAM specifications is essential. In this step-by-step guide on how to find RAM on Windows 11, we’ll walk you through every method — from basic system settings to advanced tools — so you can quickly check your RAM size, type, and speed.

Let’s dive right in!

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🧠 What Is RAM and Why Does It Matter?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is your computer’s short-term memory. It temporarily stores data that your system needs to access quickly, like running apps, browser tabs, and background tasks.

When you open a program, it loads into RAM — meaning the more RAM you have, the smoother your system runs.

If your PC feels sluggish, multitasks poorly, or freezes with multiple apps open, checking your RAM is the first troubleshooting step.

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⚙️ Why You Might Need to Check RAM on Windows 11

There are several reasons you may want to find out how much RAM your Windows 11 computer has:

• 🧩 Performance issues: Your PC is running slow or lagging.

• 🧰 System requirements: You’re installing software or games with specific memory needs.

• 🔄 Upgrading hardware: You’re adding or replacing memory modules.

• 📊 System diagnostics: You’re testing RAM health or speed.

• 🧮 Verification: You want to confirm if your device matches the advertised specs.

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🪟 How to Find RAM on Windows 11 (All Methods)

Let’s explore every way to check RAM in Windows 11 — from simple to advanced.

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🔹 Method 1: Check RAM in System Settings

This is the easiest way for beginners to view total installed RAM.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Go to System → About.

3. Under Device specifications, look for Installed RAM.

You’ll see something like:

Installed RAM: 16.0 GB (15.8 GB usable)

✅ Result: You can instantly see your total installed and usable memory.

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🔹 Method 2: Check RAM via Task Manager

The Task Manager gives you detailed information, including speed, slots used, and form factor.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Click the Performance tab.

3. Select Memory from the left sidebar.

You’ll see:

• Total RAM size

• Memory speed (MHz)

• Slots used (e.g., 2 of 4)

• Form factor (e.g., SODIMM, DIMM)

• Memory usage graph

✅ Result: This gives you both capacity and technical details of your RAM in one place.

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🔹 Method 3: Check RAM Using System Information (msinfo32)

The System Information tool offers a comprehensive overview of your computer’s hardware.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.

3. In the System Summary window, look for Installed Physical Memory (RAM).

You’ll also find:

• Total Physical Memory

• Available Physical Memory

• Virtual Memory

✅ Result: A clear breakdown of how much memory your system has and how much is available.

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🔹 Method 4: Check RAM via Command Prompt (CMD)

If you love the command line, here’s how to do it:

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   systeminfo | find "Total Physical Memory"


3. The system will display something like:

   Total Physical Memory: 16,384 MB


✅ Result: Shows total installed RAM in megabytes (MB).

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🔹 Method 5: Check RAM Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides even deeper details, including manufacturer and model.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

2. Enter the following command:

   Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory | Format-Table Manufacturer, Capacity, Speed, PartNumber


3. You’ll get details such as:

   • Manufacturer (e.g., Samsung, Kingston)

   • Capacity (e.g., 8 GB per stick)

   • Speed (e.g., 3200 MHz)

   • Part Number (specific RAM model)

✅ Result: Perfect for checking RAM type and speed for upgrades.

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🔹 Method 6: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

While this tool mainly tests RAM health, it’s still useful for basic information.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.

2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.

Windows will restart and test your RAM for issues.
When done, it’ll display results after reboot (in Event Viewer).

✅ Result: Confirms whether your RAM is healthy or faulty.

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🔹 Method 7: Use Command Line for Detailed RAM Info

Want more advanced details like voltage and slot info? Try this CMD command:

You’ll get results like:

✅ Result: Provides exact slot and model data — helpful for upgrading RAM.

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🔹 Method 8: Check RAM Using Task Manager’s Performance Graph

Want real-time usage data? The Memory graph in Task Manager shows how your RAM performs under load.

How to View:

• Open Task Manager → Performance → Memory.

• Watch the live usage chart as you open and close applications.

You’ll see:

• Real-time usage in GB or percentage

• Cached and committed memory

• Available and free memory

✅ Result: Perfect for diagnosing performance bottlenecks.

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🔹 Method 9: Check RAM via BIOS/UEFI

If Windows isn’t loading or you want to confirm total physical RAM directly from hardware, the BIOS is reliable.

Steps:

1. Restart your PC.

2. Press the BIOS key (usually F2, F10, DEL, or ESC).

3. Look for System Information, Memory Info, or Hardware Overview.

You’ll see total RAM capacity, speed, and channels (single or dual).

✅ Result: Confirms physical RAM size before Windows boots.

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🧩 Understanding RAM Specifications (Size, Type, and Speed)

When checking RAM, you’ll come across technical terms. Here’s what they mean:

Understanding these specs helps ensure compatibility when upgrading your system.

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🔍 How to Find RAM Type (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5)

To check which RAM type you have:

Option 1 — via Task Manager:

• Open Task Manager → Performance → Memory.

• Look for “Speed” and “Form factor” — it may also show DDR type.

Option 2 — via Command Prompt:

Use these codes:

• 24 → DDR3

• 26 → DDR4

• 34 → DDR5

✅ Result: Helps you determine upgrade compatibility.

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🧮 How Much RAM Do You Really Need on Windows 11?

Here’s a quick table based on usage type:

💡 Tip: If your PC often slows down or your memory usage in Task Manager stays above 90%, consider upgrading your RAM.

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🧠 Bonus: How to Check RAM Health and Performance

Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in health monitor for RAM beyond Memory Diagnostic, but you can use third-party tools like:

• CPU-Z – Displays RAM type, speed, and manufacturer.

• HWiNFO – Shows real-time temperature and performance data.

• Speccy – User-friendly overview of all system specs.

✅ Result: These tools give detailed and accurate hardware insights.

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🧰 Troubleshooting: RAM Not Showing Correctly?

Sometimes Windows may not detect all installed RAM. Common reasons include:

1. Faulty RAM Stick

Try reseating or replacing your memory modules.

2. 32-bit Windows

A 32-bit OS can only use up to 4 GB RAM.

✅ Fix: Upgrade to 64-bit Windows 11.

3. BIOS Configuration

Ensure all memory slots are enabled in BIOS settings.

4. Hardware Limitation

Some older motherboards can’t support more than 16 GB or specific RAM types.

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🧩 Frequently Used Commands for RAM Checks

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for tech enthusiasts:

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🧭 How to Identify Empty RAM Slots

Knowing if your PC has free slots helps you plan upgrades.

Steps:

1. Open Task Manager → Performance → Memory.

2. Check “Slots used” info (e.g., 2 of 4 used).

✅ Result: Tells you how many RAM sticks are installed and how many slots remain available.

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🔒 Does Checking RAM Affect System Performance?

Not at all! Viewing RAM info or running diagnostic commands is completely safe. You’re just reading system data, not changing it.

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🧾 Conclusion

And there you have it — a complete, step-by-step guide on how to find RAM on Windows 11.

We’ve covered everything:

• How to view RAM size using Settings, Task Manager, and System Info

• How to check RAM type, speed, and slots

• How to use PowerShell and CMD for advanced details

• Plus, how to troubleshoot RAM issues and plan upgrades

Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, knowing your RAM details helps you make smarter upgrade decisions and keeps your system running smoothly.

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❓ FAQs About Finding RAM on Windows 11

1. How do I check my RAM size on Windows 11?

Go to Settings → System → About, and check under Installed RAM.

2. How can I check my RAM speed?

Open Task Manager → Performance → Memory. Look for the Speed field (e.g., 3200 MHz).

3. Can I find out what type of RAM I have (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5)?

Yes. Use Command Prompt and type wmic memorychip get memorytype.

4. Why does Windows show less usable RAM?

Some memory is reserved for hardware or integrated graphics.

5. What’s the easiest way for beginners to check RAM?

Use Settings → System → About — it’s simple, quick, and user-friendly.

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📋 Summary: Key Takeaways