16GB RAM 7.95GB Usable Windows 10 | How to Recover Missing Memory Space?

In this case, your first concern should be checking BIOS profiles, and RAM used on boot settings, and inspecting the RAM sticks and modules manually. You can also try updating your graphics and hardware drivers to the latest versions and make sure the dual-channel configuration is installed correctly.

Why is My 16GB RAM PC Only Showing 7.95GB Usable?

RAM is an essential component to ensure faster memory transfer by coping with the processor and other components, making your computer much more efficient. Generally, faster RAM ensures faster-processing speed with the matched processor and other peripherals. However, being unable to use your RAM at its full potential can be a bummer. 

As many users reported that Windows property window, Speccy, or similar software, or the Task Manager shows that only a part of the total amount of RAM is currently usable by Windows. The rest of the unusually large amount of RAM is shown to be “Hardware Reserved”

The reason behind such a dilemma might be an outdated BIOS or the memory module you inserted is not working. One reason behind this may be the memory has been reserved for the internal graphics adapter installed on your computer.

However, for a dedicated graphics card installed on your computer, it’s not the issue. Also, the unusual amount of RAM such as 1024 MB to 4181 MB is not normal, at all.

How to Recover Missing Memory on Your 16GB Windows 10 PC?

Before you jump into any solution method trying to fix the problem, you must know the operating system version you’re working on. As you might know, a 32-bit Windows 10 operating system installed can only use 3.5GB RAM no matter how much RAM is physically installed on your computer. 

For using more, you need to install a 64-bit operating system.

Go to the Window Search bar. Search for About your PC.

Then check the About your PC section.

You can also search for, type msinfo, and press Enter. 

Look for the System type in the right pane in the System Information window. For system type, the value is x86 means a 32-bit Windows 10 installed. If it is x64 then you have a 64-bit Windows 10 installed. Now, follow the described methods below to fix the issue.

Fix 1: RAM used on Boot

During the boot procedure when your system is turning on, the option in Windows is used to reserve RAM. Chances are that it permanently and unnecessarily reserved a significantly large amount of RAM for it. To fix it, follow the steps below:

First, open Run by pressing and holding the Windows key and pressing R. 

Type msconfig in the dialog box and press Enter.

In the System Configuration window, Go to the Boot tab and select your operating system.

Click on the Advanced Options button.

Clear the checkbox next to Maximum memory in the upper right corner. You can see the maximum RAM that can be used by your system.

Click OK to apply changes and restart your PC to check if the issue persists.

Fix 2: BIOS Settings

In BIOS settings, there are RAM profiles that control the memory or frequency of RAMs used by the system. For a separate dedicated video card installed, you have to make sure the internal graphic processing unit (iGPU) is turned off which is used in case you don’t have an external one.

To undo the changes –

Restart your PC to enter BIOS mode. To enter BIOS mode, look for the specific key to press shown in the lower part of the screen. Generally, it’s F1, F2, F12, or the Esc key. If you’re confused, search for your specific key searching by according to your operating system.

There is a Memory Map Feature for full access to the RAM installed on Windows. Make sure it is Enabled or turned On. 

Make sure to check XMP profiles in BIOS, as all high-performance RAM uses XMP profiles. If you don’t enable XMP your RAMs will run at your system’s standard specifications dependent on the CPU. Select the proper XMP profile to enable the right RAM usage.

Also, update your BIOS to the latest version by downloading it from the system manufacturer’s website. You can try Reset BIOS to the default setting and check if that works.

Fix 3: Check RAM Sticks

Any physical damage to the loose connection of the RAM sticks may also cause an unusable RAM problem.

To check RAM sticks –

• First, turn off your PC.
• Open the case/ thermal glass of the CPU casing. 
• Unplug the sockets of the RAM sticks and pull them out carefully. 
• Check if there are any connection problems or if the RAM sticks were plugged incorrectly. 
• Make sure that the contacts are clean and remove any dust that may be inside the slots.

Optimize your system’s performance with this dust cleaner.

Fix 4: Update Drivers 

Outdated graphics and other drivers are the root cause of many hardware-related problems. Update your operating system and graphics drivers to the latest version to ensure everything runs smoothly. Turn automatic updates on so you don’t have to go through the hassle of updating the drivers or system manually.

Restart your PC to check if the issue is resolved. 

Fix 5: Dual-Channel Configuration

If you have 4 memory slots try switching the 2 sticks into the 2 closest slots to the CPU or the 2 farthest slots. There might be a dead slot in one of them, causing the problem. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is 7.9 GB RAM usable?

When you see that 7.9 GB of 8 GB RAM is usable and a small amount of memory is unused, don’t worry as this is a pretty normal situation. This 0.1 RAM is dedicated to the motherboard, BIOS, and some specific drivers so that they can use in special cases. 

How much RAM is usable in Windows 10?

For your information, Windows 10 Home 64-bit version can support up to 128 GB of RAM. But the other 64-bit versions such as Windows 10 Education, Enterprise, and Pro far more capable of supporting a pretty large amount of RAM, which is 2 TB.

What RAM usage is too much?

When you see that the Memory column in the Process tab of Task Manager is showing a percentage within 70% to 99%, it means the RAM usage of your system is high to pretty high. Sometimes, this can be an issue.

To Conclude

If none of the methods seem to work, chances are that your RAM sticks, motherboard, or CPU have internal hardware defects. Contact an experienced technician or certified repair shop to address the problem and leave it to the professionals.