- Checking free RAM and its type is key to good performance.
- Windows 11 offers several built-in tools to query and optimize memory
- Before increasing RAM, check compatibility and actual needs
Know how much RAM is available on your computer with Windows 11 It is one of the issues that most concerns users who want to keep their computer running quickly and efficiently. Whether because you notice your PC is slow, because you plan to install new demanding programs or because you simply want to make sure that your hardware is sufficient for your needs, Knowing the amount of free RAM and the type of memory installed is essential.
In the following lines We show you how to check total RAM, available RAM, and other important details. of your memory in Windows 11, as well as explaining alternative methods and some useful recommendations if you are looking to improve the overall performance of your computer. We will use simple processes and free tools, without necessarily having to resort to third-party programs, although we will also mention when it is worth using them. In addition, you will discover tips to free up memory and optimize both RAM and storage space. storage, something very useful in the daily life of any user.
Why is it important to know the available RAM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) It's the resource your computer uses to temporarily manage the data and processes of all the programs and applications you have open at that time. If your RAM is insufficient or almost full, your computer may start to run slowly, crash, or display errors when running some applications. Therefore, check the amount of free RAM and its type It is not only useful for diagnosing problems, but also for anticipating future expansions or correctly selecting components for a possible upgrade.
How can you see how much RAM you have in Windows 11?
In Windows 11 you have at your disposal Several ways to check the amount of installed RAM and available memory in the system. Here we show you the main methods and explain in which situations they are best used.
From system configuration
- Click the Start button Windows and select Configuration (you can press Windows key + I to open it directly).
- In the side menu, choose System and scroll to the end to enter About.
- Within Device Specifications You will see the information related to the Installed ram. Here you'll see both the total memory your PC has and the effective memory the system can use.
This method is the simplest and most direct way to know the total amount of RAM installed.However, it does not show details about free RAM, real-time usage, or the specific type of memory.
Check RAM via Task Manager
- Balance Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. You can also right-click on the taskbar and choose Task Manager.
- Select the tab Unlimited and then click on Conference proceedings.
- Here you will see a real-time graph which shows the total memory, the used memory, how much is cached and the memory available for new processes.
Thanks to the Task Manager you can obtain much more detailed information: active memory, free system memory, and the most memory-consuming applications. This is especially useful if you need to know if you need to close any programs to free up resources, or if you're regularly running low on memory.
Identify free RAM using the Run command
- Balance Windows + R to open the Run window.
- Write msinfo32 and hit Enter.
- In the window of System information, search the fields Total physical memory y Available physical memory to know both values in detail.
This option allows you to obtain a Very complete summary of system data, including free RAM of your PC at that very moment, in addition to many other useful data about the computer.
Check advanced details with Command Prompt
- Open the Run window (Windows + R), type cmd and hit Enter.
- You can use commands on the table:
systeminfo | findstr /C:»Total physical memory» to see the total physical memory.
wmic memorychip get devicelocator, speed to see the speed of the memory.
wmic memorychip get devicelocator, memorytype to see the type of RAM.
Through the console you can see details much more technical, including information on slots, module types and speedIt is a tool designed for advanced users or those who want to ensure compatibility with future upgrades.
How to know the type of RAM installed
Many times, It is not enough to know the amount of free or installed RAMBefore upgrading your memory, it's a good idea to know if your computer uses DDR3, DDR4, DDR5, or a previous generation, as memory from different generations isn't compatible with each other.
Windows does not always display the RAM type directly., so in this case it is advisable to use free programs like CPU-Z:
- Download and install CPU-Z from its official website (it is a very light and secure application).
- Open the app, go to the tab Memory and query the parameter Type to see the exact type of RAM installed.
With CPU-Z, you'll not only see the type of RAM, but also information such as frequency, voltage, number of occupied slots, and much more useful information for any hardware upgrade, repair, or comparison.
How to know how much RAM Windows 11 is using right now?
One thing is to know the total memory and another find out how much RAM is actually free at any given timeThe most reliable method is the Task Manager, as explained above. Here you can see the following in real time:
- Allocated memory to active processes.
- Cache memory (reserved but potentially releasable).
- Memory available for new processes.
If you observe frequently low available RAM, you may want to close heavy applications, browsers with many tabs open, or resource-intensive programs such as video editors and modern games. You can also disable programs that start automatically with Windows to free up more memory. Boot.
What do I do if I don't have enough available RAM?
If your RAM usage is always very high, and you feel that your computer is slow or freezes, you can try some Tricks to free resources:
- Close background apps that you are not using.
- Disable auto-start programs (from Task Manager, Startup tab).
- Use cleaning tools such as Disk Cleanup or optimization programs.
- Consider upgrading your physical RAM if the motherboard allows it and the modules are compatible.
Please note that on certain models of portable And on some compact computers, the RAM is soldered to the board and cannot be upgraded. Therefore, always consult the manufacturer's specifications or the official website of your model is essential before purchasing new modules.
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