- Learn what VRAM is and how it plays a critical role in generating high-resolution visuals.
- Before you jump into how to increase VRAM in Windows 11, make sure you know how much VRAM you have by going through the steps.
- To boost your computer’s VRAM, bring up the BIOS menu by repeatedly pressing the F2, F5, F8, or Del keys, then follow the procedures below.
- If you’re unfamiliar with BIOS, the Registry method is a simple and straightforward alternative.
XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE
Have you ever received warnings about your computer graphics card’s memory while using intensive graphics software or new games? To prevent these issues and run resource-intensive games or applications smoothly, you’ll need a graphics card and RAM that meet their specifications.
Whether your computer is old or experiencing graphic troubles for no obvious reason, you can fix the problem by tweaking some parameters in some circumstances.
The method we’ll go through in this article is increasing VRAM in Windows 11, which is one of the most efficient ways to get more out of your computer, especially the graphics card.
But before we get into it, let’s look at what VRAM is and what it does. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Why should I increase VRAM?
We need to point out which aspects of games and graphics software use VRAM the most. An essential criterion in VRAM consumption is the accuracy of your screen image. Better screens (such as 4K gaming) use more VRAM because more accurate images have more display pixels.
In addition to the screen, designs and textures in a game will significantly affect the amount of VRAM you need. Many modern computer games allow you to enhance graphics or visual quality settings.
Several years ago, you could play a game with low or medium graphics settings with a cheap graphics card (or even without a separate graphics card). But high or super graphics mode that makes games look better will undoubtedly require more graphical memory.
Beautification features such as anti-aliasing also consume more VRAM due to more pixels. Therefore, if you play on two screens simultaneously, it will intensify.
Certain games may require different amounts of VRAM. For example, a game like Overwatch does not require a lot of high graphics, but a game with advanced lighting and texture and a more detailed design like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Far Cry 6 requires more graphic resources.
A free graphics card with only 2GB of VRAM (or internal system graphics) is enough to play computer shooting games. You could run even older games with fewer graphics memory.
Even if you are not interested in gaming, some popular software requires a significant VRAM. For example, 3D design software such as AutoCAD, professional graphic editing software such as Photoshop, or high-quality video editing will suffer if you do not have enough VRAM memory.
Consequently, whether you upgrade your GPU or increase VRAM on your Windows 10 or 11 computer, running resource-intensive apps requires a computer with sufficient VRAM.
How can I check VRAM using Windows 11’s Settings?
You can easily view the amount of video memory on your computer in Windows 11 using these steps:
- Use the Windows + I key combination to open the Settings menu, or right-click on the Start menu and select Settings.
- Select the Display option from the System window.
- After that, scroll down and click on the Advanced Display option.
- Then select Display adapter properties. If you have multiple monitors, select the one you want to see the VRAM information for.
- In the new window, next to the Dedicated Video Memory, you’ll see the amount of video memory in your computer.
In the Adapter Type section, you will see the name of your Nvidia or AMD graphics card, depending on the device you have.
Assuming you see the terms AMD Accelerated Processing Unit or Intel HD Graphics (most likely), you are using the graphics processor on your system motherboard.
If you are using a graphics processor on your system motherboard and unhappy with its poor performance, upgrading it to a dedicated graphics card (even not-so-professional graphics cards) can significantly improve your system’s graphics performance.
So, the best way to increase video memory is to purchase a graphics card with plenty of it. In case this is not an option for you (for example, laptops), you can increase the VRAM of your computer in one of the following ways:
How can I increase VRAM in Windows 11?
1. Use BIOS
- Restart your PC and press the BIOS key repeatedly during the bootup. F2, F5, F8, or the Del key can be used to access the BIOS.
- In the BIOS menu, look for an option called Advanced Features. After that, look for Graphics Settings, Video Settings or VGA Share Memory Size options.
- This section should give you the option to change the amount of memory allocated to your GPU. The default value here is 128 MB. If you have enough memory, you can increase this amount to 256 or 512 MB.
- Finally, Save the changes and restart your computer.
This feature is present on all CPUs and BIOS; however, if this method does not work, proceed to the next solution.
Although the first method is the simplest and is available on all CPUs and BIOS, you may also use Registry Editor to increase VRAM in Windows 11 by following the instructions below.
2. Use Registry Editor
NOTE
Making incorrect changes to the registry can cause problems with your computer’s operating system, so you need to be careful.
- To launch the Run app, go to the Start menu, type Run, and then hit Enter.
- Then type regedit to open Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareIntel
- In the left panel, right-click on the Intel folder, hover mouse over New, and then select Key.
- Name the key as GMM then click on it.
- After that, right-click inside the right panel, select New, then click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Then name it DedicatedSegmentSize. Note that, the initial letter of each word should be capitalized, and no spaces should be used in between the words as you type them.
- Double-click it, choose Hexadecimal, then enter the recommended value data using your system RAM information and hit OK: 1GB – 128MB; 2GB – 256MB; 4GB – 512MB; 6GB – 1024MB; 8GB – 2048MB; 16GB – 4096MB.
Now restart your computer to have the modifications take effect, and then test the software or games to see how they function.
How much VRAM memory do I need?
An exact value for the VRAM memory requirement cannot be specified. However, we can provide some basic instructions on how much VRAM you need for graphics cards.
- 1 to 2 GB VRAM: These graphics cards typically cost less than $100. They perform better than the system’s internal graphics but can not run many modern computer games with above-average settings. Buy these cards only if you want older computer games that do not run on the system’s internal graphics. They are also not recommended for editing movies and 3D tasks.
- 3 to 6 GB VRAM: Such cards are suitable for medium games or regular video editing. You cannot use great graphics settings in games. But you can play modern games with 1080p image resolution with few problems. If you have financial constraints, buy a 4GB graphics card, but you will undoubtedly have a higher graphics capacity if you buy a 6GB card.
- 8GB VRAM or higher: These graphic cards with this amount of VRAM are suitable for people who play professionally. If you want to play the latest games in 4K quality, you need a high VRAM graphics card.
Graphics card manufacturers typically consider the appropriate VRAM memory for a graphics card depending on its GPU power.
As a result, a low-cost $75 graphics card will have less VRAM memory, while a $500 graphics card will have more memory. If a weak GPU does not have the power to process and display 8GB of VRAM video images, having that amount of VRAM would be a waste of money.
You do not always have to worry about getting the maximum amount of VRAM. For example, you won’t need an $800 graphics card with 128GB of VRAM to run 2D games. When you have several VRAM options to choose from, you only need to pay attention to the amount of VRAM memory you get.
So, before we start increasing VRAM in Windows 11, the first step is to check how much VRAM you already have by following the procedures above.
If the software or games you want to run on your computer have system requirements that exceed your graphics card’s capabilities, your only alternative is to get a new one that can handle them.
On the other hand, if your computer can run heavy graphical apps but you want a smoother result, increasing VRAM is the way to go in Windows 11.
Another crucial factor to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t demand too much from integrated GPUs. Even with a boosted VRAM, integrated GPUs will not provide high textures and a high number of FPS.
As a result, it is safe to say that Dedicated GPUs are the best option if you’re looking to get the most out of your gaming experience.
Have you completed the above procedure? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below.
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