Fix the Maximum Amount of Memory Usable by Windows 7 64-bit

If your PC is having trouble recognizing it

Your computer’s hardware and Windows 7 limit the amount of memory that your computer can use. In the case of 32-bit operating systems, that limit is 4GB of RAM. 64-bit operating systems can use much more. However, if your Windows 7 64-bit PC is having trouble recognizing all of the RAM in your computer, there is a quick fix that may work. Learn how to fix the maximum amount of RAM Windows 7 64-bit can use.

Windows 7 and Maximum Memory

Many users of the 32-bit version of Windows 7 were disappointed that not all of their 4GB of RAM (or more) could actually be used by the operating system. Many opted for the 64-bit version of Windows 7 but still had trouble getting the operating system to recognize and use all of the memory installed in the PC.

Typically, your computer’s hardware and Windows 7 works together to identify the hardware you have in your PC. This includes the memory or RAM you have installed. Occasionally, your computer is not aware of what you have and may report that you have less RAM than you actually do. Assuming this is not a hardware error or failure, there is one trick you can try.

Fix the Maximum Memory Windows 7 64-bit Can Address

The amount of memory you have installed in your PC is not necessarily the amount that Windows 7 64-bit can address. Address simply means use. Luckily, you can specify how much memory Windows 7 64-bit should address on boot up.

Log in to Windows 7 64-bit with an account that has administrative privileges. Click onStartand then right click onMy Computer. ChoosePropertiesfrom the menu.

This opens thePropertieswindow for your computer. In the section labeledSystem, note the amount ofInstalled Memory (RAM). Then, close thePropertieswindow.

Click onStartand then onRun. If you don’t have theRuncommand on yourStartmenu, you can hold down theWindowskey on your keyboard and press theRkey. With theRundialog box open, type inMSCONFIGand click theOKbutton.

This opens theSystem Configurationwindow. Click on theBoottab and then click on theAdvanced Optionsbutton.

This opens theBOOT Advanced Optionswindow. Click on theMaximum Memoryoption and type in the maximum amount of memory you noted earlier in theMy Computer Propertieswindow. When finished, click theOKbutton, close all remaining windows that you have opened, and restart your computer.

Windows 7 64-bit does not always correctly identify the amount of memory you have installed in your PC. You can fix this problem by manually specifying how much memory Windows 7 64-bit should use by changing a value in theBOOT Advanced Optionswindow.

Assuming you have no hardware or software errors, Windows 7 should then be able to correctly identify how much memory you have installed and the maximum amount of memory to use at boot up.

Founder of Help Desk Geek and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications.Read Aseem’s Full Bio

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