How to check how much RAM your Windows 11 PC has

Quick answer: Right-click Start, choose Settings, then go to System > About. Under Device specifications, the Installed RAM line shows how much memory your PC has. For a live view of how much is in use, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and select the Performance tab.

Microsoft just said Windows 11 now runs up to 20% more responsive on 8GB PCs, so it's worth knowing whether yours is one of them. The steps below come from Microsoft's own support and Windows help pages and work on Windows 11.

Method 1: Settings (fastest)

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Settings. (You can also select Start > Settings.)
2. Select System, then scroll down and pick About.
3. Under Device specifications, find Installed RAM. That's your total memory, for example 8.00 GB or 16.0 GB.
4. On the same page, Processor shows your CPU and System type shows whether Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit.
5. Scroll to Windows specifications to see your edition and version. Look for 26H2 if you want Microsoft's new 8GB memory improvements.

Method 2: Task Manager (see what's using it right now)

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Select the Performance tab.
3. Select Memory to see your total RAM and a live graph of how much is in use.
4. To see which apps are using the most, open the Processes tab and select the Memory column header to sort by it.

Method 3: System Information (full details)

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
3. In System Summary, look for Installed Physical Memory (RAM). This tool also lists your BIOS version, motherboard and other hardware details.

Is 8GB enough?

For everyday browsing, email, Office and video calls, Microsoft says 8GB is "a great fit." It also says demanding work such as 3D modeling, advanced video editing or large-scale data processing benefits from 16GB or more. Microsoft's own buying guide puts it simply: 8GB is fine for everyday tasks; 16GB or more for gaming or creative work.

If you have 8GB, the best free upgrade right now is software: go to Settings > Windows Update, turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they're available, select Check for updates, and keep Edge, Microsoft 365 and Teams updated. Microsoft says its new memory improvements need Windows 11 version 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later.

Troubleshooting

• Task Manager shows most of your memory "in use." That's not automatically a problem. Microsoft says Windows deliberately uses spare memory to keep apps and data ready, and the real test is whether your PC stays responsive.
• Installed RAM shows a smaller "usable" number. Some memory is reserved for hardware such as built-in graphics. Microsoft says it is working with PC makers to reduce how much memory is reserved this way.
• Can't find About? In Settings, type About in the search box at the top.

FAQ

Can I add more RAM to my laptop?
It depends on the model. Many thin laptops have memory soldered to the motherboard, so check your PC maker's support page for your exact model before buying anything.

Does Windows 10 show RAM in the same place?
Settings > System > About exists on Windows 10 too, but Windows 10 support ended on Oct. 14, 2025, and Microsoft's new 8GB improvements are for Windows 11.

How do I check my storage instead?
Go to Settings > System > Storage, per Microsoft's support page.

Sources: Microsoft Support, Microsoft Windows Learning Center and Windows Experience Blog.