Tell how much ram you have

RAM is different from a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, which holds files and applications on a permanent basis. Checking RAM on Windows 10 operating systems is simple. Following the steps below should tell you how much memory you currently have installed. Some higher-end computers, including gaming computers, may come with 16GB of RAM or more pre-installed. In general, the more RAM your computer has, the better ability it has to handle multi-tasking running multiple programs at the same time and potentially switching between them.

RAM, or random access memory , is essential for speedy computing and smooth visuals. It stores information from all the apps currently running, so they work even when left in the background, and can open quickly when you switch focus to them again. How much RAM you need depends on what you'll be using it for.

But if you're an audio or video professional, or a serious gamer, you'll want a computer with 16 GB or higher. If your computer has memory issues or is consistently slow, the problem could be your RAM. You can upgrade it if you feel this is a problem. But first, you'll want to see how much RAM you have already.

For you. But checking your available RAM is easy too. Hit command and the space bar to open up Spotlight Search. Select the Memory tab at the top, and look at the bottom of the Activity Monitor window. In this example, our Mac is using Freeing up some of this memory will help to speed up your Mac and make it work better.

Close background processes and startup items. Sleuthing out these hidden resource-hogs and silencing them can free up considerable RAM capacity. Increase your RAM capacity. Not every Apple machine lets you perform hardware upgrades. But if your computer allows it, you can add more RAM pretty easily. See our dedicated guide to learn how to upgrade RAM on your Mac.

Clean up your hard drive. RAM storage and disk storage are different. When you switch back and forth among a lot of processes, your OS is forced to retrieve the necessary data from your hard disk and put it back into your RAM. This process — called paging or swapping — wastes a lot of time, so having space available on your hard drive makes things easier.

Try removing bloatware, large apps you no longer use, and other junk files to free up more space. Not sure exactly how to deal with background processes or clean out your storage space?

Get automatic maintenance and enjoy a lighter, cleaner Mac today. Get it for Android , PC. For further help with the mem command, see our mem command page. Note Memory is not the same as disk space. Windows 3. Note If the computer does not recognize the memory, it's not included in the "Installed memory RAM " entry in the System Properties window. Additional information What type of computer memory to use in a memory upgrade? How much memory or RAM should my computer have? How to free lost system resources in Windows.