7 does not see all the memory. Windows doesn't see all RAM

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RAM becomes the cause of many troubles in a computer. For example, its quantity is one of the key factors on which the possibility and stability of games and various programs. Over time, a small amount of RAM leads to the fact that we need to change or add additional modules.

But what to do if the computer does not see the RAM?

Such problems happen with both the main and added boards. In fact, there can be a huge number of reasons for this, and we’ll talk about them today.

RAM and operating system

It is important to know that in terms of bit depth, operational Windows systems are divided into two main types.

As a rule, most of our computers are installed with 32-bit Windows OS.

This is the first reason why the computer does not see RAM. Please note that this type of software is designed to work with RAM with a total capacity of about 4 GB. The OS simply does not notice the rest of the memory, regardless of how many modules are installed on the PC and what their total volume is.

The solution to this problem is to install a 64-bit Windows versions, if the PC processor can handle it (which most modern chips can do).

You can get information about the OS version in two main ways:

If you have a 64-bit OS installed, but the computer still does not see the RAM, then the reason lies in another plane.

Limiting the amount of RAM by the operating system

When developing the Windows operating systems, Microsoft provided certain limits on the RAM that could be used by a particular OS. Let's look at the values ​​using the example of different Windows versions 7. Let’s immediately make a reservation that 64-bit versions are being considered (with the exception of “Win ​​7 Starter”, where there is none).

• Initial – 2 GB;
• Home Basic – 8 GB;
• Home extended – 16 GB;
• Professional – 192 GB;
• Corporate – 192 GB;
• Maximum – 192 GB;

A similar picture is observed in Win 8, although the thresholds there are much higher.

• Basic – 128 GB;
• Corporate – 512 GB;
• Professional – 512 GB.

Such limitations are quite normal, since cheaper versions of software always have more modest potential.

Therefore, if your computer does not see RAM, be sure to check the version of your OS.

Memory consumption for components

Almost every computer part requires a certain amount of RAM to run. correct operation. In particular, it is always used by the integrated video card, unless the PC uses a discrete alternative. And there are a lot of such components of a PC, each of which takes at least a small piece of RAM.

You can check this guess through the “System” menu in the control panel.

It specifies two RAM values:

1. Total (first digit);
2. Available (number in brackets).

IN in this case, calculating RAM consumption will not be the slightest difficulty. A simple mathematical operation that subtracts the available value from the total. The difference between them is actual consumption internal devices PC and system.

Volume limitation by motherboard

Not only the operating system can limit the amount of RAM, but also one of the components from which users least expect such a trick - the motherboard. It can have up to six slots for installing boards, but there is no guarantee that they will all work at once.

In this case, the same principle applies as the OS. The functionality of cheaper components is limited for the sale of expensive products.

If your computer does not see RAM, but the software can work with the installed amount, you need to go into the BIOS motherboard and see if there is a limitation. As a rule, you can see information about the available amount of RAM immediately after entering this menu.

If the BIOS displays the installed amount of RAM, but the OS still does not see it, then the problem lies somewhere in the software plane.

Incorrect RAM installation

Despite the apparent ease of installation, the RAM module can also be installed incorrectly. If the amount of RAM is not displayed either in the OS or in the BIOS, then the problem lies directly in the board. In this case, you need to carefully disassemble the PC and check that the device is installed correctly.

Updated: 03/02/2019 Published: 06/15/2018

Description

The system detects less RAM than is installed in the computer.

Or not all memory is available to the system:

Also, the BIOS may not detect its entire volume (more often than not, only half).

Cause

1. Part of the memory is taken by the built-in video card.
2. The edition or bit limit of the operating system.
3. Software limitation.
4. Memory reservation by the system.
5. RAM malfunction.
6. Processor-side limitation.
7. BIOS error or need to update it.
8. The maximum volume limit that the motherboard supports.
9. The motherboard does not support one of the memory modules.

Solution

1. Using the built-in video card

This problem is characterized by insignificant memory allocation for the video adapter. In this case we will observe slight decrease available memory, For example:

If we want the built-in video card to consume less memory, go to the BIOS/UEFI and find one of the parameters:

• Share Memory Size
• Onboard VGA Frame Buffer
• Display Cache Window Size
• On-Chip Video Window Size
• Onboard Video Memory Size
• Internal Graphic Mode Select
• Integrated Graphics Share Memory

* V different versions BIOS can be called differently. It is also possible that other parameters may be used - in this case, you need to study the documentation for the motherboard or use a search engine.

Then we change the amount of memory reservation for the required video systems:

2. Operating system limits

Different editions of the Windows system have limitations on the maximum amount of memory used.

a) All 32-bit versions can use a maximum of 3.25 GB of RAM. This architectural limitation is the limit of what a 32-bit system is capable of. The picture will look something like this:

To use more than 3 GB of memory, you need to reinstall the system to the 64-bit version.

b) Windows Editions also have limitations. For example, Windows 10 Home 64 bit will allow you to use 128 GB, and Windows 10 Pro x64 - 512 GB. With Windows 7 the situation is worse - the home basic edition will allow you to use only 8 GB, and the initial edition only 2 GB.

More details in the tables:

If our problem is related to the edition limit, we need to update the system or reinstall it.

3. Software limitation

The restriction can be set in the system. To remove it, open it command line and enter the command msconfig- the “System Configuration” window will open (you can also use Windows search by window name).

In the window that opens, go to the tab and click on Additional options :

Check that the checkbox is not checked Maximum memory:

4. Setting up the basic I/O system

In order for the computer to use all the memory, in some cases, BIOS/UEFI settings may be required:

5. Maximum volume that the motherboard supports

It is necessary to check what is the maximum volume that the motherboard itself can see. To do this, you should use the instructions - it is included in the kit, and you can also download it from the manufacturer’s website. Also, similar information can be found on some online stores:

6. Memory module failure

In the event of a memory failure, the system and BIOS will not display its entire volume (usually only half). For example, if 16 GB are inserted into the computer (2 8 GB sticks), we will only see 8.

In this case, you can try to remove and reinsert the memory sticks (you can blow some dust out of them). Also, the slats can be swapped. You can also try cleaning the contacts (a regular eraser will do). Some laptops or all-in-one computers have a separate cover, by opening which you can get to the memory modules, otherwise you need to completely disassemble the computer.

If this doesn't help, run a memory test. In the case when the test also shows part of the memory, we try to pull out both sticks and insert them one at a time - if the computer does not turn on with one of them, this faulty stick needs to be replaced, if the computer starts with all the sticks, perhaps we are dealing with a problem BIOS (step below).

7. Processor limitations

Each processor has its own limit on supporting the maximum amount of RAM. You need to go to the official website of the developer and check what maximum volume our processor supports.

8. Problem with BIOS / UEFI

Since BIOS/UEFI is responsible for collecting information about the computer, the problem may occur at the initial stage of turning on the PC.

First, let's try resetting the settings. To do this, disconnect the computer from the power source and remove the battery for 20 minutes (you can try it for the first time, 10 seconds). If this does not help, update the BIOS.

9. Module support from motherboard side

If you purchased additional memory and it is different from the second stick, you need to make sure that the motherboard supports the new module.

This can be done on the official website of the motherboard manufacturer - go to the support section and find the compatibility sheet. Among the list of equipment, you need to find the purchased memory.

10. Windows license limitation

The systems that come with computers use a strict licensing policy that limits the replacement of equipment. This can lead to a situation where, when adding memory, all of it will not be recognized.

In this case, you need to reinstall the system. In this case, a simple reinstallation over the existing system will not help - only full formatting system partition with the installation of new Windows.

11. Rearranging memory modules

Sometimes, rearranging memory modules helps. We simply disassemble the computer, take out the modules and swap them.

12. Cleaning modules with an eraser

If the problem appears on its own, you can try to remove the memory modules from the motherboard and clean their contacts with an eraser. Afterwards we blow out the connectors on the motherboard and insert the memory into place.

The number of questions related to the problem of system visibility of the entire amount of RAM does not decrease over time. It is worth noting that even 64-bit Windows users also encounter this problem.

Let's try to figure out why, for example, the 32-bit version of the OS sees only 3 GB instead of 4 GB, and the 64-bit version sees 7 GB out of the installed 8 GB.

32 bits

In principle, 32-bit systems should have no problem accessing physical memory up to 4 GB. But in practice everything looks a little different. Such versions of Windows are not able to fully use the amount of RAM, since a certain part of the addresses is allocated to the needs of computer devices.

Typically, standard padding starts at position zero, and devices are allocated addresses located in the fourth gigabyte. As long as the amount of RAM used is within 3 GB, no conflicts are observed. When this volume is exceeded, a situation arises when RAM cells are combined with cells that are allocated for devices, for example, graphics adapter. To avoid conflicts in this case, the OS refuses to use that part of the RAM where the device addresses overlap.

64 bit

Since 64-bit Windows systems are designed to work with up to 192 GB of RAM, it seems that there should certainly not be any problems here. Usually there are none, but certain situations are possible when you still have to deal with the fact that the system does not see the entire amount of RAM.

Firstly, special equipment is not provided for systems of this type, that is, any PC device is designed for both 32 and 64 bits. And this allows us to say that memory cells for devices are allocated within the same limits of four gigabytes. If your motherboard is unable to redirect or this function is disabled in the settings, then the memory limits on a 64-bit system will be the same as on a 32-bit system.

Of course, this situation can occur mainly on older machines. Although it should be noted that new PCs may also have a feature in the form of failure to route additional address lines, which prevents access to redirected memory. For example, in this situation, setting the volume to 8 GB will only allow access to 7 GB of memory. This may be due to the fact that only 33 address lines are routed on the motherboard.

In addition, the settings in the msconfig program, which regulate the upper limit of memory addresses, are related to redirection. If this setting will have a parameter of 4096 MB, then forwarding to the fifth gigabyte will be impossible and the actual memory size will be reduced to 3 GB. To avoid this, disable this setting if you have it enabled:

• enter in search bar yours Windows title programs - msconfig, which will allow you to access it;
• Open the “Download” tab and select “Advanced options”, and in it uncheck the “Maximum memory” item.

Why else doesn't Windows see the full amount of RAM?

1. There are restrictions depending on Windows releases. For example, initial Windows 7 only supports 2GB in both 32-bit and 64-bit.
2. The problem may lie in the old BIOS version. Outdated version will not allow access to the entire physical amount of memory.
3. There may be problems with installing the memory stick into the slot. To solve this problem, turn off the computer and if you have two memory sticks, then swap them, which will allow you to identify the problem.

How to find out the amount of available and installed memory in Windows 7

1. Activate the “Start” button and right-click on the “Computer” item, where you should select the “Properties” line.
2. In the window that opens you will see a line with

Installing additional RAM is not difficult; just insert the stick into the slot and turn on the computer. However, there are a number of issues related to hardware and software, which cause installation problems.

Windows is able to see and use a large amount of RAM. If Windows does not see all the RAM, the problem may be due to one of the following reasons.

You are using 32-bit Windows OS

Maximum amount of RAM supported by 32-bit versions of Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP is 4 GB. If you have more than 4 GB of memory, you will need to install 64 to use it. bit version. By the way, a larger amount of RAM is not the only difference and advantage of the 64-bit version.

Type installed system You can see it in the system properties. Right click on My computer choose Properties.

This is what the message looks like, saying that there is more RAM and you are not using the full potential of your hardware.

Your version of Windows has a RAM limit

32 bits is not the only thing that can limit the maximum amount of RAM. Windows editions also have their own limitations. For example, if you are using Windows 7 Starter, you can only use up to 2GB of RAM. Even 64-bit Windows 7 Home Basic can use a maximum of 8 GB of RAM.

Below in the tables you can see what restrictions exist in non-server operating systems.

Memory allocated to integrated graphics card or other hardware

Hardware components often use part of your internal system memory for yourself. For example, while a discrete graphics card (GPU) comes with its own RAM, integrated graphics (also known as integrated graphics) use a portion of the shared RAM as video memory.

Your computer may also allocate some of its RAM to other hardware, such as networking equipment. To determine how much of the RAM is reserved for hardware, use the Properties window mentioned above.

Motherboard limit

Motherboards also have RAM limits. Just because there is a free slot and you can insert a stick doesn't mean the motherboard can use all the installed memory.

To determine whether the motherboard sees all memory, enter your computer's BIOS. To do this, restart your computer and press the key when bootstrap(often this is Del or F2). Open the system information tab and view information about installed cards.

If your BIOS displays all your RAM, but the OS does not see it, then the problem is software. If your BIOS does not display all the bars, you are dealing with a problem of another level.

This information can be easily found from the motherboard specification. The maximum amount of supported RAM is usually indicated there.

RAM is not inserted correctly

If you know your motherboard supports the entire installed capacity, but it does not appear in your BIOS, the problem may simply be a contact. Try reconnecting the boards or changing slots.

These are just some of the possible reasons. If you encounter any problems, write in the comments, we will try to solve your problem.

All personal computer users are trying to increase their RAM. If you are going to install an additional stick, then this may interfere with your plans, since the computer may simply not see it. So why is not all the RAM available in different versions Windows?
The computer will not see RAM for several reasons. The size of the system can play a big role. Computer with 32-bit operating system, will not see more than 3 GB of RAM, because that's how it's designed. To solve this problem you need to install a 64-bit operating system.
A situation may arise that the system actually shows the amount of RAM that it should have, but it is available in smaller amounts of memory. This is explained by the fact that the memory is reserved for the built-in video card, but if there is a discrete one, such a problem will not be detected. But it’s still worth making sure of this and checking in the BIOS whether it is enabled or not and how much memory it has at the moment uses.
Also, if you select an option such as “Maximum memory”, you will not be able to take full advantage of it. You can check this using the system configuration.

Possible problems

If this parameter is not found, you should update the BIOS. There is also a possibility that this function was not implemented during the production of the motherboard. In this case the best option will replace old version to a newer one that will support unlocking RAM to use more than 4 GB.

Outdated hardware can also be a hindrance. Older generation motherboards may not see more than 4 GB. To do this, you need to look at the characteristics of the motherboard itself and find out about the maximum amount of memory that it can support.

It is also possible that if the stick is new, you can try installing RAM in different slots, this may solve the problem. Maybe rearranging it will help the system see them.
If these methods did not help solve the problem, then consider the following options that may help you.
Incorrect BIOS setup This could also be to blame.

Enable memory reallocation

Check your BIOS to see if memory reallocation is enabled in its settings. If you redistribute the memory, then its huge amount can become available to Windows. The one who supplies the equipment decides what to call the function that will be responsible for memory redistribution. It may have names such as memory expansion, memory reallocation, or other similar names. But also exclude the fact that such a function as memory redistribution may not be available on the computer.

Resize AGP video hardware using BIOS settings

You need to find out about the allocated memory specifically for AGP video equipment. The system shares this memory with the video adapter, which is used to display textures and renderings. BIOS Settings will help you adjust the size of your video equipment. Its size is usually 32,64,128 or is set automatically. Then you should restart the computer and check the amount of RAM.