How to Increase RAM on a PC: Step-by-Step Instructions

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A guide to buying and installing compatible RAM
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Most PC manufacturers allow you to upgrade the RAM if the built-in amount doesn't work for you, although some budget laptops can't be upgraded. You can use Crucial's free scanning tool to find out what RAM you have now, the maximum your PC can handle, and which sizes to buy. This wikiHow guide, with helpful tips from network engineer Spike Baron, teaches you how to make your Windows PC run faster by adding more RAM.

Quick Steps to Increase RAM

  1. Use Crucial's scanning tool to find your PC's RAM capacity.
  2. Buy compatible RAM.
  3. Open your laptop or desktop computer and locate the RAM slots.
  4. Remove the original RAM if needed.
  5. Insert the new RAM sticks by aligning the notches and pressing down firmly.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Getting the Right RAM

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  1. 1
    Determine if your version of Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit. Before you scan your hardware, it's good to make sure your operating system can handle a RAM upgrade. To see what your computer or laptop is running, press the Win' key and search for system information ; click the app result to open "System Information." [1]
  2. 2
    Go to https://www.crucial.com/store/systemscanner in a web browser. Crucial, a major RAM retailer, offers a free and easy tool you can use to determine your PC's maximum RAM capacity, how many SIMM or DIMM slots are available, and what type of RAM will work best. Start by opening Crucial's website on the computer you want to upgrade.
    • Baron notes you can also go to the website of your motherboard's manufacturer to see what the RAM limit is.
    • Using this tool cuts out a lot of the investigation on your end, as it can automatically determine your motherboard and CPU model, the amount and type of RAM supported by your motherboard/processor, how much and what type of RAM you have now, free memory slots, whether there are any size restrictions.
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  3. 3
    Click Start my free scan . It's under the "This is it" header and below the "How it works" section. [2]
    • If you're using a different computer than the one you want to upgrade, select Upgrade Selector instead so you can manually select the manufacturer and model.
  4. 4
    Agree to the terms and run the installer. The default location is most likely your "Downloads" folder, so head there to find the free scanner.
    • Double-click the downloaded, then select your web browser as the application to open it.
  5. This is where you'll find the following information:
    • Your computer's installed memory: This displays the RAM that's in your computer now. The "slots" tell you the size of the RAM stick in each of the slots. For example, if your PC has 6 GB of RAM, you might have a 4 GB stick in the first slot, and a 2 GB stick in the second. The speed of the RAM is also listed here (e.g., 1600).
      • You can click the amount in each slot to see the exact model and speed of the RAM. It'll also show you the product number of the exact RAM you have now.
    • Your computer's memory capability: This is where you'll find the maximum capacity of RAM your computer can handle and the total amount of RAM slots in the system.
  6. 6
    Scroll to the "Max-Out memory" section. This shows you exactly what you can replace the current amount of RAM with, and what the maximum amount of RAM would look like. For example, if your PC can take up to 16 GB of RAM and currently has 8 GB (4 GB in each slot), you can remove both 4 GB sticks and replace them with two 8 GB sticks.
    • You don't have to add the maximum amount of RAM. In the example of your PC taking up to 16 GB and only having 8 GB right now, you simply replace one of your 4 GB sticks with an 8 GB stick to make 12 GB, leaving the other stick alone.
    EXPERT TIP

    Spike Baron

    Network Engineer & Desktop Support
    Spike Baron is a Network Engineer & Desktop Support Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the owner of Spike’s Computer Repair. With over 25 years of working experience in the tech industry, Spike specializes in PC and Mac computer repair, used computer sales, virus removal, data recovery, and hardware and software upgrades. He has worked as an IT Systems expert for numerous companies, including Huntington Health, Blackbox, Honda, and Manufacturers Bank. In his spare time, Spike also builds and restores computers. He has his CompTIA A+ certification for computer service technicians and is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert.
    Spike Baron
    Network Engineer & Desktop Support

    Ram is like money; you can never have too much. If you're doing AutoCAD or 3D modeling, you might want to go up to 16GB or 32 GB if your system can support it. But if you're a normal desktop user searching the net, maybe doing a little picture editing, 8 GB is the sweet spot.

  7. Now that you know your PC's RAM limitations, you can purchase compatible RAM from any tech store (e.g., Best Buy) or online store (e.g., Crucial, which is the retailer that provided your RAM scanning tool). Crucial has been where large companies and individual users alike have purchased RAM for decades, so it's a totally safe place to get what you need. To see Crucial's recommendations and pricing, just scroll down to "Upgrade details.". [3]
    • If you want to run your RAM in dual channel or triple channel mode, you will want to buy an identical pair of two of the same size and speed DDR2 or DDR3 DIMMS. If the DIMMs are different speeds from one another, they'll only run as fast as the DIMM with the lower speed.
    • In general, as long as your motherboard takes DIMMs, which is nearly all PCs from the 2000s and forward, you don't have to install RAM in identically-sized pairs. So, if your PC came with a 4 GB DIMM and a 2 GB DIMM (a common configuration on some Acer and Lenovo laptops) and you want to have 12 GB of RAM, you could replace the 2 GB DIMM with an 8 GB DIMM. However, you do need to make sure your DIMMs have the same number of pins.
    • It's generally cheaper to buy RAM online than in-store, but going to a store gives you the opportunity to speak with someone and make sure you're getting the right thing.
    • For standard computer use on Windows, 6–16 GB of RAM should be enough. If you use more advanced software for 3D modeling, consider getting up to 32 GB instead.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Installing Laptop RAM

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  1. Open Start
    Windows Start
    , click Power
    Windows Power
    , and click Shut down to do so.
    • Wait for your computer to stop making noise before proceeding.
  2. This includes the power cable, any USB attachments, Ethernet cables, and so on. [4]
  3. Use an anti-static wristband or take precautions to eliminate static charge in your workspace. This will stop you from accidentally harming your computer's internal components with static electricity. [5]
  4. Some laptops have a panel specifically for RAM, while others require you to remove the entire bottom of the laptop. Refer to your laptop's manual or online documentation for specific instructions on how to handle this.
  5. Since most laptops only have two RAM slots, you'll most likely have to remove the old RAM. To do so, look for a lever or a button to press, or gently tug the RAM cards away from their slots if no button is present. [6]
  6. Make sure that you only touch the RAM cards along the side edges so that you don't get oil, dirt, or skin particles on the contacts or circuitry.
  7. Line the new card up with the notch in the RAM socket, then firmly press it in and down (if necessary) so it lies flat. Repeat this process for the other RAM card if applicable. [7]
    • Unlike desktop RAM, laptop RAM doesn't always need to be installed as a matching pair, though it does need to have consistent speed.
  8. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM by pressing ⊞ Win + Pause to open the System Properties window; you should see your RAM listed next to the "Physical Memory" heading.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Installing Desktop RAM

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  1. Open Start
    Windows Start
    , click Power
    Windows Power
    , and click Shut down to do so. If your desktop has a master switch on it as well, make sure the switch is set to "Off".
  2. This includes the power cable, any USB attachments, Ethernet cables, and so on.
  3. Ground yourself . This will prevent you from accidentally harming your computer's internal components with static electricity. [8]
  4. This will allow you to visually inspect your RAM slots and currently installed modules, which can make choosing your new RAM easier.
  5. If you're removing the old modules to make room for bigger ones or taking them out to upgrade to a faster speed, you can quickly remove them by releasing the latches on each side of the RAM, or by gently tugging on the RAM if there are no latches. Once the latches are released, you can pull the RAM card(s) straight out. [9]
  6. Make sure that you only touch the RAM cards along the side edges so that you don't get oil, dirt, or skin particles on the contacts or circuitry.
  7. RAM can only be inserted in one direction, so make sure that the slot and module line up. [10]
  8. Apply even pressure to the card, but do not force it in. In most cases, there will be latches on either side that will snap into place when the RAM card is correctly installed. [11]
  9. Make sure that the matching card goes into a slot matching the first RAM card that you installed. Most matching pairs of slots are designated by different colors or labeled with printing on the motherboard. Your motherboard's manual should also have a diagram. [12]
  10. Now, you can plug back in any cables, USB items, and peripherals you had plugged in before.
  11. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM by pressing ⊞ Win + Pause to open the System Properties window; you should see your RAM listed next to the "Physical Memory" heading.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Will adding RAM to my computer help with Adobe programs?
    Community Answer
    In some respects, yes. You would be able to Photoshop more images at once, run video and music editing software at the same time, etc. However, the speed of your computer will remain about the same. Focusing on your CPU would be better if that's what you need.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 14
  • Question
    Is there a way to increase the maximum RAM capacity of the motherboard? Will updating the BIOS help?
    Community Answer
    No, the maximum RAM capacity is a fixed amount. You'll have to upgrade motherboards if you want additional RAM.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 14
  • Question
    Is there any way to increase processor performance just like I can increase the RAM?
    Paul Sargent
    Community Answer
    Yes, there is a process you can do called overclocking. However, if you need to ask that question, you really shouldn't be trying this out. Turning the voltages up too high will fry your processor, leaving you without a PC!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Warnings

      • Never leave the power cord plugged into the power supply when adding or removing hardware. As long as the power supply is plugged into the wall socket, there's a current going through it. Although that current is too weak to turn on the computer, it is strong enough to give you a decent shock and short-circuit connectors.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/system-configuration-tools-in-windows-f8a49657-b038-43b8-82d3-28bea0c5666b
      2. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/store/systemscanner
      3. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/is-my-ram-compatible-with-my-motherboard
      4. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-users/how-to-upgrade-laptop-memory
      5. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-users/how-to-upgrade-laptop-memory
      6. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-users/how-to-upgrade-laptop-memory
      7. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-users/how-to-upgrade-laptop-memory
      8. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/how-to-upgrade-desktop-memory
      9. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/how-to-upgrade-desktop-memory
      1. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/install-ram-in-a-pc
      2. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/install-ram-in-a-pc
      3. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/install-ram-in-a-pc

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Go to https://www.crucial.com/store/systemscanner
      2. Scan your PC.
      3. Find the maximum RAM requirements.
      4. Purchase new RAM.
      5. Open your desktop or laptop computer.
      6. Remove old RAM if necessary.
      7. Insert new RAM.

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