The problems associated with the fact that not all RAM is available in Windows are familiar to many users. When the system properties window is called up, the full amount is displayed, but after it for some reason it is indicated that a little less memory is available. Even worse, when the user knows exactly how much RAM is installed, and 50 percent or less is available. Why this is happening, and how to use the maximum amount of RAM, then we will consider. But first, a brief discussion of the main reasons for this phenomenon.
Why is not all RAM available?
So, the fact that Windows operating systems sometimes produce indicators whose values are obviously less than the total amount of installed RAM can be associated with a number of reasons, among which the most significant are the following:
- A 32-bit system is installed that does not support memory larger than 4 GB;
- maximum memory is not supported by the motherboard;
- in the system parameters there is a limit on the maximum used RAM volume;
- memory redistribution settings are incorrectly set in the BIOS;
- memory is partially reserved for built-in video adapters;
- Too many active processes started
- installed strips are damaged, their performance is broken, or they are connected incorrectly;
- memory usage is blocked by viruses.
It’s worth mentioning right away that issues related to viral exposure will not be considered in detail. Here you can advise just in case to check, using portable antiviruses or similar programs that have bootloaders at their disposal.
How to use all installed memory in the simplest ways?
Much more important issues, when not all RAM is available, are problems with connecting memory strips or their incorrect operation. First, make sure that the motherboard is designed for installed volume, and also check the density of the inserts of the strips in the corresponding slots. It will also be useful to perform a memory test, for which it can use its own Windows tool (mdsched) or third-party programs like Memtest86 / 86 +.
If no problems are detected at this stage, pay attention to the bit depth of the installed Windows modification. If you have a 32-bit version that cannot work with RAM larger than 4 GB (unless you use special tools), no matter how much memory you install above this limit, the system still does not recognize it.
The best solution would be to install a 64-bit version of Windows. But in this case, previously installed programs may not work, and important files will have to be copied to another logical partition or to removable media.
Sometimes it happens that not all RAM is available due to incorrectly set options for using memory in the system configuration (msconfig).
In the configurator, on the download tab, click the button for additional parameters and check whether the checkbox is selected for the maximum memory item. If it is, remove it, save the installed options and reboot the system.
As already clear, partially the memory can be "eaten up" by a huge number of active background processes and services that are not visible to the user. First, turn off all unnecessary components at startup (in Windows 7 and below, the corresponding tab in the configuration settings is used for this, in versions above - “Task Manager”).
Just in case, view the active components of the system in the programs and components section and turn off unused components (Hyper-V module, Internet Explorer, if you use another browser, print service, if there is no printer, etc.). Similarly, you can set the disabled startup type for some other services (services.msc), but in this case you need to know exactly what can be deactivated and what is not.
Little RAM is available: what settings can be changed in the BIOS?
If the problem persists after applying the above solutions, go to the settings of the primary BIOS / UEFI systems and check the memory settings, which should contain an item containing the words Remapping or Remap (redistribution).
If you have 64-bit Windows installed and the memory is more than 4 GB, set it to Disabled. Otherwise, you need to activate it.
If not all RAM is available due to the reservation of additional space for the video card built into the motherboard, set the value for this item to match the memory size of the adapter (you can find it on the monitor tab when calling the DirectX - dxdiag dialog). This is done by changing the automatic detection (Auto) to one of the available options (32, 64 or 128 MB).
Patching 32-bit systems
Finally, it is possible to use all the memory over 4 GB in 32-bit systems using ReadyFor4GB utility for this. First, the executable executable file of the same name is launched from the application folder, and then the Check and Apply buttons are pressed. After that, similar actions are performed for the ntkrnlpa.exe object. Then the AddBootMenu.cmd file is launched and confirmation of the command execution is given. After a reboot, if the menu with the bootloader appears, Windows is selected [128GB with ntkr128g.exe].
Note: all actions are performed exclusively with the launch of files on behalf of the administrator at your own peril and risk, since the system’s operability after using this method is not fully guaranteed.