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How to Increase Dedicated Video RAM on Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

Many Windows 10 users want to improve their computer’s graphics performance by increasing the Dedicated Video RAM (VRAM). VRAM is the memory that your system allocates specifically for handling graphics-related tasks, such as gaming or video editing. Having more dedicated VRAM can help improve the smoothness and quality of visuals.

However, increasing dedicated VRAM is not always straightforward because it depends on your hardware and system settings. This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to check and adjust your VRAM allocation, helping you get better graphics performance where possible.

Before making any changes, it’s important to understand what dedicated VRAM is and how it differs from shared memory. Dedicated VRAM is reserved only for your graphics card, while shared memory uses part of your system RAM when needed.

Let’s get started with the basic steps to increase your dedicated video RAM on Windows 10.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks

  • Confirm your graphics card type: Integrated graphics usually share system RAM, while dedicated GPUs have fixed VRAM.
  • Check current VRAM allocation: Knowing your current VRAM helps understand if an increase is possible.
  • Access to BIOS/UEFI: Some VRAM settings are controlled in BIOS, so you may need to restart your PC and enter BIOS.
  • Backup important data: Changing BIOS settings can cause issues; always backup before proceeding.

Step 1: Check Your Current Dedicated Video RAM

Before increasing VRAM, it’s helpful to see how much is currently allocated. Follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the Desktop and select Display settings.
  2. Scroll down and click on Advanced display settings.
  3. Click on Display adapter properties for the display you want to check.
  4. In the new window, look under the Adapter tab for Dedicated Video Memory. This shows how much VRAM your system is currently using.

Knowing this value helps you understand your starting point.

Step 2: Increase VRAM Through BIOS/UEFI Settings

For many systems, especially those with integrated graphics, the amount of dedicated VRAM is controlled in the BIOS or UEFI firmware. Here’s how to check and adjust this setting:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. During startup, press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI setup. This key is often Delete, F2, F10, or Esc. Your screen may briefly display which key to press.
  3. Once in BIOS, navigate to the Advanced or Chipset settings. The exact menu names differ by manufacturer.
  4. Look for settings named Video Memory, Graphics Settings, IGD Memory, or VRAM size.
  5. Increase the value to a higher amount. For example, if it is set to 128MB, you might increase it to 256MB or 512MB depending on available options.
  6. Save the changes and exit BIOS (usually by pressing F10 and confirming).

Why this is important: Integrated graphics use system RAM as VRAM, so increasing the allocation here allows more memory dedicated solely for graphics tasks.

Important Notes About BIOS VRAM Adjustment

  • Not all systems allow VRAM adjustment in BIOS.
  • Increasing VRAM allocation in BIOS reduces available system RAM for other tasks.
  • Be cautious not to allocate more VRAM than your system can support.

Step 3: Adjust VRAM Using Windows Registry (Advanced)

If your system doesn’t allow VRAM changes in BIOS, you can try modifying the Windows Registry. This method is more advanced and should be done carefully.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareIntel
  3. Look for a key named GMM or create it if it does not exist.
  4. Inside GMM, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named DedicatedSegmentSize.
  5. Double-click on DedicatedSegmentSize and set the value data to the amount of VRAM you want to allocate, in megabytes (MB). For example, enter 256 for 256MB.
  6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
  7. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Note: This method typically works only for Intel integrated graphics and may not be effective for all systems.

Step 4: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Sometimes, outdated graphics drivers can limit your system’s ability to allocate VRAM properly. Keeping drivers updated ensures optimal performance and compatibility.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.
  5. Restart your PC if needed.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps do not increase your dedicated VRAM, consider these alternatives:

  • Use a dedicated graphics card: Installing a separate GPU with its own VRAM is the most effective way to increase graphics memory.
  • Adjust game or software settings: Lowering graphics quality or resolution can reduce VRAM usage.
  • Upgrade system RAM: More system RAM can indirectly improve shared memory performance on integrated graphics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I increase VRAM on any Windows 10 PC?

Not always. Dedicated VRAM is mostly fixed for dedicated GPUs, while integrated graphics may allow some adjustment in BIOS or via registry. It depends on your hardware.

Does increasing VRAM improve gaming performance?

Increasing VRAM can help if your current allocation is too low for the game’s requirements. However, other factors like GPU power and CPU also affect performance.

Is it safe to change VRAM settings in BIOS?

Yes, if done carefully. Always back up your BIOS settings and avoid setting VRAM higher than your system supports.

Why don’t I see VRAM options in my BIOS?

Some manufacturers lock these settings or they may be unavailable on systems with dedicated GPUs.

Will updating my drivers increase VRAM?

Updating drivers optimizes hardware usage but does not directly increase the physical VRAM amount.

When Nothing Works

If you cannot increase your dedicated VRAM using these methods, you may need to consider hardware upgrades. Installing a dedicated graphics card is the most reliable way to get more VRAM and better graphics performance.

For further assistance, visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support website. They often provide detailed guides and BIOS updates that may unlock VRAM options.

Microsoft’s official support and forums can also be helpful for troubleshooting specific hardware or software issues.

Conclusion

Increasing dedicated VRAM on Windows 10 can help improve graphics performance, especially on systems with integrated graphics. By checking your current VRAM, adjusting BIOS settings, and carefully modifying the registry, you can sometimes allocate more memory for graphics tasks.

Keep in mind that dedicated GPUs have fixed VRAM, so upgrading hardware may be necessary for significant improvements. Always proceed cautiously with BIOS and registry changes, and keep your drivers updated to ensure the best possible experience.

With these steps, you are now equipped to manage your dedicated video RAM effectively and enhance your Windows 10 system’s graphics capabilities.

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