If you’ve recently upgraded your computer’s RAM, you may be wondering what to do next. While installing new RAM can significantly improve your computer’s performance, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that your new hardware is properly recognized and utilized by your system.
In this article, we’ll discuss what to do after installing new RAM on a Windows 10 computer, including how to check if your RAM is working correctly and how to optimize your system for the best performance.
Why Upgrade Your RAM?
Before we dive into what to do after installing new RAM, let’s quickly review why you may want to upgrade your computer’s memory in the first place.
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that is responsible for temporarily storing data and instructions for your computer to access quickly. The more RAM your computer has, the more data it can store and access at once, resulting in faster performance.
Upgrading your RAM can help speed up your computer, especially if you frequently run multiple programs or use memory-intensive applications like video editing software or video games. It can also help improve overall system stability and prevent crashes or freezes.
How to Check if Your RAM is Working Correctly
After installing new RAM, it’s important to make sure that it is working correctly. Here’s how to check if your RAM is recognized and functioning properly on a Windows 10 computer:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “msinfo32” and press Enter.
- In the System Information window, under the “System Summary” section, look for the “Installed Physical Memory (RAM)” field. This will show you the total amount of RAM installed on your computer.
- If the amount of RAM shown matches the amount you installed, then your new RAM is recognized and working correctly.
If the amount of RAM shown is less than what you installed, there may be an issue with the installation or compatibility of your new RAM. In this case, you may need to troubleshoot or seek assistance from a professional.
Optimize Your System for the Best Performance
Now that you’ve confirmed that your new RAM is working correctly, it’s time to optimize your system for the best performance. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your computer is utilizing your new RAM to its full potential:
Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
Virtual memory is a feature in Windows that allows your computer to use a portion of your hard drive as additional memory when your physical RAM is full. By default, Windows manages virtual memory automatically, but you can adjust the settings to optimize performance for your specific system.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “sysdm.cpl” and press Enter.
- In the System Properties window, click on the “Advanced” tab.
- Under the “Performance” section, click on “Settings”.
- In the Performance Options window, click on the “Advanced” tab.
- Under the “Virtual memory” section, click on “Change”.
- Uncheck the box next to “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives”.
- Select the drive where your Windows installation is located (usually the C: drive).
- Click on “Custom size” and enter the recommended size for your virtual memory. This is typically 1.5 times the amount of physical RAM installed on your computer.
- Click on “Set” and then click “OK” to save the changes.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Update Your Drivers
Drivers are software that allow your computer’s hardware to communicate with the operating system. After installing new RAM, it’s a good idea to check for any driver updates to ensure that your system is running smoothly.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter.
- In the Device Manager window, expand the categories and look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to them. This indicates that the driver is outdated or not functioning correctly.
- Right-click on the device and select “Update driver”.
- Follow the prompts to update the driver.
- Repeat this process for any other devices with outdated drivers.
Run a System Maintenance Check
Windows 10 has a built-in system maintenance tool that can help optimize your computer’s performance. This tool checks for any issues that may be affecting your system and resolves them automatically.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “control” and press Enter.
- In the Control Panel, click on “Troubleshooting”.
- Under “System and Security”, click on “Run maintenance tasks”.
- Follow the prompts to run the system maintenance check.
Additional Tips for a Successful RAM Upgrade
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when upgrading your computer’s RAM:
Check Compatibility Before Purchasing
Before purchasing new RAM, it’s important to check the compatibility with your computer’s motherboard. You can usually find this information in your computer’s manual or by searching for your computer’s model number online.
Install RAM in Pairs
For optimal performance, it’s recommended to install RAM in pairs, especially if you have a dual-channel motherboard. This means installing two identical RAM sticks in the corresponding slots on your motherboard.
Handle RAM Carefully
RAM is sensitive to static electricity, so it’s important to handle it carefully when installing it. Make sure to ground yourself before handling the RAM and avoid touching the gold contacts on the stick.
Keep Your Old RAM
If you’re upgrading your RAM, it’s a good idea to keep your old RAM sticks as a backup. This can come in handy if you ever need to troubleshoot or if you decide to upgrade your RAM again in the future.
Conclusion
Upgrading your computer’s RAM can significantly improve its performance, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your new hardware is working correctly and optimized for the best performance. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can make the most out of your RAM upgrade and enjoy a faster, more efficient computer.
