Your computer hardware and Windows 7 limit the amount of memory your computer can use. For 32-bit operating systems, this limit is 4 GB of RAM. 64-bit operating systems can use much more. However, if your Windows 7 64-bit computer cannot recognize all of your computer’s RAM, there is a quick solution that might work. Learn how to set the maximum amount of RAM Windows 7 64-bit can use.
Windows 7 and maximum memory
Many Windows 7 32-bit users have been disappointed that not all of their 4GB of RAM (or more) can actually be used by the operating system. Many opted for the 64-bit version of Windows 7, but still couldn’t get the operating system to recognize and use all the memory installed on the PC.
Typically, your computer hardware and Windows 7 work together to identify the hardware installed on your computer. This includes the memory or RAM you installed. Sometimes, your computer doesn’t know what you have and may report that you have less RAM than you actually have. Assuming it’s not a hardware bug or glitch, you can try one trick.
Fix the maximum memory that Windows 7 64-bit can handle
The amount of memory installed on your computer is not necessarily the same amount that a 64-bit version of Windows 7 can address. Address simply means use. Fortunately, you can specify how much memory 64-bit Windows 7 should address at boot.
Log in to Windows 7 64-bit with an account with administrator rights. Click “Start” and then right-click “My Computer”. Select “Properties” from the menu.
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The properties window for your computer will open. In the “System” section, pay attention to the amount of installed memory (RAM). Then close the Properties window.
Click Start and then Run. If you do not have the Run command on the Start menu, you can hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press the R key. In the Run dialog box that opens, enter MSCONFIG and click OK.
The system configuration window will open. Click the Downloads tab and then click the Advanced Options button.
The Advanced Boot Options window will open. Click the Maximum Memory option and enter the maximum memory you entered earlier in the My Computer window. When finished, click OK, close all other open windows, and restart your computer.
Windows 7 64-bit does not always correctly determine the amount of memory installed on your computer. You can work around this issue by manually specifying how much memory 64-bit Windows 7 should use by changing the value in the Advanced Boot Options window.
Assuming you don’t have hardware or software bugs, Windows 7 will be able to correctly determine how much memory you have installed and what is the maximum amount of memory to use at boot.
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