After turning on the computer for the first time, users notice that not all of the installed Windows 10 RAM is available. In the characteristics, you can see the value of the available significantly less than the installed RAM. If you start monitoring resources, you can see that more memory is reserved by hardware.
This article will show you how to remove the Windows 10 hardware reserved memory. The reserved memory is used by the BIOS or installed device drivers. For example, on laptops it is often found that some of the RAM is given to the integrated video card. But there can be more reasons for hardware reservation of RAM.
Hardware Reserved - This is RAM that is reserved for use by the BIOS and other peripheral drivers. If, when viewing the characteristics of a computer, the value of the available memory is less than the installed one, then it may have been reserved by the system. The value of the reserved memory can be viewed in resource monitoring.
If the value of the hardware-reserved memory in resource monitoring is very large, then the situation can be corrected. In fact, there can be several reasons for the inaccessibility of all RAM:
- Bit OS - different bit versions support different amounts of RAM. While the 32-bit version of the system often sees only 3 GB, then the 64-bit version supports 4 GB or more. ... If necessary, we recommend switching to the 64-bit version of the system if you have not done so yet.
- Module errors- very often users have to meet with RAM errors, especially if different modules are used. We recommend not only, but also try to start the system with fewer bars. You may be able to find the problem memory module.
- Memory reservation - in this case, a large amount of memory becomes unavailable, since it falls into the hardware-reserved memory. In principle, resource monitoring detects such a problem with ease. Several changes to the system configuration allow you to remove the reserved memory.
- BIOS settings - incorrect settings can also lead to inaccessibility of RAM in the operating system. What actually happens more on older laptops. There can be several solutions ranging from updating the interface, self-configuring parameters and including to resetting BIOS settings.
Maximum RAM
We mentioned in more detail about the system configuration earlier in the instructions:. In which, in fact, many additional parameters were described. But please note that it is not recommended to make changes to the system configuration yourself, especially if you do not know what a certain parameter means.
The maximum memory setting can decrease the performance of your computer. It limits the maximum amount of RAM that a user can use at the system level. It is not recommended to just change any maximum memory values \u200b\u200bor the number of processors.
Checking BIOS setup options
- Memory reallocation function - some motherboards support memory reallocation. Memory reallocation gives access to more memory in Windows 10. The exact name of the memory allocation function depends on the manufacturer (in some BIOS versions you need to search reallocation of memory or expansion memory.
- Integrated graphics video aperture size - see how much memory is allocated for the integrated graphics core. This is the amount of memory that the system shares with the video adapter used for texture mapping and rendering. The following standard values \u200b\u200bare available Standard values: 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MBand Auto.
Some sources and users on the forums advise disabling integrated graphics. If you do not know the main differences between discrete and integrated graphics, we strongly do not recommend turning it off. Additionally, you can try to completely reset the BIOS settings to standard.
Conclusion
In some users, it turns out to remove the RAM reserved by hardware by removing literally one mark in Windows 10. But since there can be many reasons, sometimes you have to fiddle with BIOS settings. It can be much easier to restore the BIOS to default values \u200b\u200bthan to search for a specific parameter.
Many faced such a problem when, when adding RAM, the system saw it, but it turned out to be a reserved system.
For example, when installing a 4 GB memory stick, and if there is the same amount on board the computer, the system reserved most of the memory for something.
How do you know if you have such a problem, because when the system boots, the full amount of installed memory is usually shown (we do not consider the case when the computer does not see the added bar when booting, this is a slightly different case).
To find out how much memory is installed and available in Windows 7, follow these steps:
- Click the Start button or Windows
- Right click on the Computer icon
- Select Properties.
You need to look at the value indicated in the Installed memory (RAM) field of the System section. For example, if it says 8.00 GB (3.5 GB free), then 3.5 GB of the 8 GB installed memory is available.
What needs to be done to free up system-reserved RAM
First of all, you need to make sure that your OS supports the amount of memory you installed, yes, this is the reason most users encounter, they immediately start picking the BIOS, system settings, and go to the Microsoft website and look at the tables, for some reason they are in no hurry. Of course, this is a big "merit" of would-be gurus, who themselves, not understanding the topic, rewrite texts from other sites.
Therefore, I recommend visiting the site, or at least looking at the screenshots of the tables below, finding your OS and making sure that it supports the set amount of RAM, and only then dig further. If it does not, then there are two options: either to score in memory, or to install another OS.
Physical memory limit table in Windows 7
Physical memory limit table: Windows 10
Physical memory limit table: Windows Server 2016
Physical memory limit table: Windows 8
Physical memory limit table: Windows Server 2012
Physical Memory Limit Table: Windows Server 2008 R2
Physical Memory Limit Table: Windows Vista
Physical Memory Limit Table: Windows Server 2003 R2
Physical Memory Limit Table: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2)
Physical Memory Limit Table: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
Physical Memory Limit Table: Windows Server 2003
Physical Memory Limit Table: Windows XP
Physical memory limit table: Windows Embedded
So, after making sure that everything is in order with the support of the RAM, we move on to other steps.
What to try to get rid of system reserved memory
1. You need to check the system configuration parameters
This issue can occur if the Maximum Memory option was selected by mistake. To disable it, you need to do the following:
- Click the "Start" or Windows button
- Enter msconfig in the Find Programs and Files field then select msconfig in the Programs list.
- In the System Configuration window, click Advanced Options on the Boot tab.
- Uncheck the "Maximum Memory" checkbox and click OK.
- To restart a computer.
2. Updating the system BIOS
The problem can occur if the computer has an older BIOS version. If you are using an older computer, the system may not be able to access all of the installed RAM. In this case, update the system BIOS to the latest version.
To update the BIOS on a computer, you need to go to the computer manufacturer's website and download the BIOS update. Or contact your computer manufacturer for help.
Checking BIOS setup options
Sometimes the problem occurs due to incorrect settings of some BIOS settings.
Enabling memory reallocation
You need to check if memory reallocation is enabled in the BIOS settings. This option gives Windows access to more memory.
You can enable it in the BIOS by calling the BIOS menu at boot. Usually this is the "Del" or "F2" key, sometimes there are other options, you need to look in the manual for your computer.
The exact name of the memory reallocation function depends on the hardware vendor. In some versions of the BIOS, it is called "memory reallocation", "memory expansion" or may have another similar name. It is also possible that your computer may not support memory reallocation at all.
Resizing AGP video aperture in BIOS options
You need to review the BIOS settings and find out how much memory is allocated for the AGP video aperture. This is the amount of memory that the system shares with the video adapter used for texture display and rendering. This amount of memory will not be used by the system as it is blocked by the video adapter.
The size of the AGP video aperture is configured in the BIOS parameters and has standard values:
- 32 MB;
- 64 MB;
- 128 MB;
- Auto.
After changing this parameter in the BIOS, you need to restart the computer, and then check the amount of available memory. You can try each of the options to see which one gives the best result.
Checking for Potential Issues with Installed Memory Modules
Sometimes the problem occurs because of a problem with the installed physical memory modules.
Check for damaged memory modules
To check the PC for such a problem, you need to turn off the computer, disconnect it from the network, and then swap the memory modules (strips).
Checking the location of memory modules (strips)
To find out how to install memory modules (brackets) into slots, you need to look at the user's guide supplied with your computer.
If your computer does not use all of the memory slots, you may need to use specific memory slots. For example, if your computer has four memory slots, it is possible that you should use slot 1 and slot 3 when installing only two modules.
Are memory hub cards used?
If your computer uses a memory hub card (a card that contains multiple memory modules and fits into a single memory module slot), then additional system configuration may be required. And the available memory may be less than expected.
As for the reasons that when viewing the available volume, it turns out that the memory is reserved by hardware (how to remove the existing reserve in Windows 7, we will consider a little later), in general, they are associated not even with the operating system processes themselves, but with the release of memory for integrated graphics accelerators , mounted directly into the motherboard, which cannot provide enough memory to perform any system and non-system operations related to displaying current events on the screen in terms of the correct operation of the system interface itself.
In addition, it is not uncommon for RAM to be allocated in accordance with user settings, where the system partition specifies the use of all processor cores with the maximum amount of RAM allocated to each core. But the main problem with setting such options is that not everyone is aware of how many cores a processor has and what memory to allocate for each of them. For example, many believe that the second generation Intel Core i7 processor line in laptops is a 4-core processor. This is not true. They can be called as such rather conditionally, since there are two streams of computing power per core. Having installed memory for four processors / cores instead of two, and you get the problem that the memory is "eaten up" in the system properties.
RAM is reserved by hardware: how to remove it? The simplest method to fix the problem
But let's get back to the original problem. To begin with, even after the initial installation of the operating system, go to its properties and look at the available amount of RAM in the performance section, compared to that which is fully determined. If the discrepancy is too large, it is possible that the installed system has limitations.
At least initially, it is worth looking through the special compatibility tables of system versions with the computer configurations used. It may very well be that the installed OS will have to be changed (no additional actions will have any effect in this case). On 32-bit systems, the ceiling is typically 4 GB. Anything that will be installed above will be defined as hardware reserved memory. How to remove (in Windows 10, for example) such nonsense, I think, is already clear. If the system does not support installing more RAM, then there is nothing to try. Change the system or remove the memory sticks.
Using System Configurator Settings
The Windows Configurator, which is called by the msconfig command, is a little more complicated. This is where the memory allocation settings for each processor core are located.
If you already set such parameters yourself and precisely by means of the system, specify only the main cores without taking into account threads and memory allocation for each core. If you are prompted to specify the maximum memory, do not flatter yourself - the system after a reboot (and it is mandatory after setting the appropriate options) may simply "fly off", and after that no means of its reanimation will help (naturally, except for a complete reinstallation).
The best method for solving the problem
In general, it is believed that the problem of how to remove the memory reserved by the hardware can be solved quite simply by installing an operating system similar to the previous one, but having a 64-bit architecture.
Here you don't have to deal with additional options settings. No, you can, of course, try again to establish the use of all CPU cores, but believe me, this will not lead to anything good (tested in practice). Therefore, in order to avoid such incidents, it is better to provide an independent choice to the system itself.
Graphics adapters
In addition, if you see that the memory is reserved by hardware (it is already a little clear how to remove the reserve), pay attention to that moment that two video cards can be installed on the computer.
Try switching from an integrated adapter to a discrete one, using, in the simplest case, at least the "Device Manager", where the built-in chip, as already clear, you just need to turn off.
Instead of an afterword
For the rest, initially you should rely on the tables for limiting the used RAM, since non-observance of such conditions in case of incompatibility of the system with the hardware of the installed equipment can further cause such problems to appear, not to mention more serious consequences.
As for the main solution, immediately pay attention to the graphics card, for which the 32-bit OS allocates memory, and even for the execution of its own processes, which will not be able to run without using the minimum required volume (the graphical interface will simply not work). And this, in turn, can provoke the appearance of problems of a more serious nature, which cannot be eliminated by standard methods.
Earlier on our forum, they were interested in the question of how to enable hardware acceleration in DirectX, which allows you to accelerate some functions of graphics accelerators and run games that refuse to work on a PC earlier. This time, let's look at the topic of how to enable hardware acceleration of the video adapter on Windows 10 or deactivate this option.
Step-by-step instructions to enable and disable hardware acceleration in Windows 10
The first way to turn off hardware acceleration of the video adapter in Windows 10 is described in detail on the official Microsoft forum. Let's consider it step by step:
- Right-click on an empty spot on the desktop and select "Screen Options".
- A new window will open. Click on the link "Additional parameters".
- We need the Diagnostics tab. In it, click on the "Change parameters" button.
- By clicking on this button, a window will appear in which you can, by dragging the slider to the desired position, activate or deactivate hardware acceleration in Windows 10.
IMPORTANT! If the "Change settings" option is not active, it means that the option to enable / disable hardware acceleration is not available on your PC due to the technical characteristics of your device. Alternatively, hardware acceleration is already enabled.
If the hardware acceleration of sound and video in Windows 10 adversely affects the operation of games, programs and the system as a whole, you can disable it using a special registry tweak. To do this, do the following:
- We open the notebook. Insert the following text into it:
"DisableHWAcceleration" \u003d dword: 00000001
- Save the file under any name, only with the .reg extension.
- We launch the finished file.
- After making changes to the registry, the system needs to be rebooted.
If the changes need to be noted (made using this tweak), you should write the following in a notepad:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
"DisableHWAcceleration" \u003d -
We also save the document under any name, only with .reg expansion.
If you don't want to use registry tweaks, you can manually edit the required parameters. To do this, you should do the following:
- Click "Win + R" and enter "regedit".
- The Registry Editor will open. Go to the branch "HKEY_CURRENT_USER \\ Software \\ Microsoft \\ Avalon.Graphics". Here we find the parameter "DisableHWAcceleration". To enable hardware acceleration, set this parameter to 00000001 (1). To disable acceleration, change "1" to "0" to get 00000001 (0).
- We save the changes and reboot the PC.
So by following the above steps, you can enable or disable hardware acceleration in Windows 10.
Read, what does memory compression mean in Windows and how to view compressed memory information on your PC... And also what to do if the computer does not have enough RAM and how to determine how much memory a certain process takes. Windows 10 uses compression to store more data in your system's RAM. In the Windows 10 Task Manager, the Performance tab displays information about the size and current memory usage. Among other parameters, it is indicated that part of the memory is compressed. Let's see what this means?
Memory compression is a new feature in Windows 10 that is not available in earlier Windows 8 and 7. At the same time, Linux and MacOS use this feature.
Typically, if your computer has 8 GB of RAM, and the running applications and the system itself use 9 GB of data in memory, at least 1 GB had to be saved in the paging file on your computer's hard drive. Accessing data in the paging file slows down the performance of individual applications and the system as a whole.
However, using a compression algorithm (the same as in a Zip file), the data size can be reduced and placed entirely in RAM. For example, the system can leave 6 GB of uncompressed data, and compress 3 GB, so that they would actually take up 1.5 GB. Thus, you will have 7.5 of 8 GB of RAM occupied.
Are there any downsides to this approach? Yes and no. Data compression and reverse procedure require certain CPU resources. Therefore, not all data is stored compressed, the system compresses only the information that it considers necessary. The compression and decompression operation itself is much faster than writing and reading data from disk. Therefore, Windows is looking for a compromise between these two approaches.
Why doesn't Windows compress all data?
As we have already seen, the speed of data compression and decompression is much higher than writing and reading data from disk. Working with such data is fully automatic and does not require user intervention, so why does the system not compress all the data?
Working with uncompressed data is much faster. If the operating system needs to search for a large amount of data stored in RAM, then the procedure for reading, decoding and re-encoding data requires significant processor time. In addition, the system reserves a part of the RAM to expand the required memory buffer in case of such a need.
Based on this, Windows tries to store data that is often accessed in a compressed form, the data that the system accesses less often is compressed or even saved to the paging file.
What to do if the computer runs out of RAM?
So what if you see your system using a large amount of compressed data or working with a large paging file? The answer is obvious, add more RAM to your PC, this will be the best solution. It's also obvious that it's best to use as fast RAM as your motherboard can handle.
A less obvious solution would be to use an SSD drive for the paging file or the system as a whole. Earlier we looked at how to transfer the paging file to another drive in our video:
Since the speed of reading and writing to an SSD disk is several times higher than that of a traditional hard disk, the entire system will work faster.
How to View Compressed Memory Information on Your PC
To view information about how much memory is compressed on the system, you must use the Task Manager. To launch it, right-click on the taskbar and select, or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (for Windows 10, 8) or Ctrl + Alt + Delete (for any Windows) and select.
Runs short by default, you need to access the full version. To do this, press the button More details in the lower left corner of the window.
Go to the performance tab and select Memory from the list on the right. You will see how much memory is compressed in the section Use (Concise)... For example, in the screenshot below, the Task Manager shows that our system is currently using 4.2 GB, 21.6 MB is compressed memory.
This setting is constantly changing depending on the number of applications running and their memory usage. The amount of compressed memory can also change from the work of system tasks in the background, you can watch this process in real time.
The screenshot also shows that our system uses 8GB of DDR3 RAM. 1 GB Hardware Reserved - This memory is used by the onboard graphics. The memory form factor is DIMM, 2 strips are used and 2 more slots in the system are free. 1.9 GB Cached displays the current paging file size. If you hover your mouse over the diagram in the Memory structure section, the system will display a tooltip with additional information.
How to determine how much memory a particular process is using
For detailed information on the memory occupied by each process, go to the Processes tab, then find the required one and select it, the memory column will indicate the actual memory occupied.
Some applications have multiple concurrent processes, such as Google Chrome. In this case, you need to calculate the amount of memory consumed by all running processes.
