8GB Hardware Reserved RAM Windows 10 – How to Recover Lost RAM in Windows 10

Many Windows 10 users have discovered that Windows 10 is using only some of their RAM and that a lot of memory is being reserved. An integrated graphics card is frequently associated with the hardware-reserved memory, and the BIOS can also set aside some memory.

Hardware reserved memory, typically a portion of shared graphics memory is generally a memory block isolated from the RAM. Many people are troubled by the Windows 10 hardware reserved memory issue.

Why Does My RAM Say 8GB Hardware Reserved on Windows 10

There are several causes for an increase in hardware reserve memory. It generally happens when a graphic card is out of date or is built to use some RAM for processing. Additionally, hardware-reserved memory might expand as a result of BIOS errors.

If optimization determines that hardware reserved memory has increased to the value of the entire RAM module, RAM is most likely destroyed.

There are often a few hundred megabytes of hardware-reserved memory. The most that can be used on 32-bit systems is 3.5 GB. Out of the 16 GB of RAM available for 64-bit computers, 1 GB is typically allocated. Between 1GB and 4GB RAM (Hardware Reserved) is defective and needs to be fixed.

How Do I Fix the Hardware Reserved RAM Error?

For the critical operations of the computer, there is a special section of memory called hardware-reserved memory. These procedures make sure that the CPU and external peripherals like the keyboard, printer, and graphics work together in harmony. For routine daily tasks, it is not usable.

Additionally, hardware reserved memory is used to hold the drivers for computer peripherals such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and trackpads, which are given dedicated storage to ensure uninterrupted operation.

The RAM needs to be changed if the reserved ram issue is being caused by a faulty ram. It’s possible that it simply has to be reseated, or that the timings or voltage in the BIOS are incorrect, or some other issue.

Before handling any RAM in this situation, the user must make sure to expel static electricity or use a grounded anti-static wrist strap. For the hardware reserved issue, there are some other alternative fast fixes.

Solution 1: Installation of 64-Bit Windows

To fix hardware reserved RAM, the first thing should do is to check  Windows 10 system is 32-bit or 64-bit. This is so that a 32-bit Windows OS, regardless of how much RAM is installed on the computer, can only access 3.5GB of RAM. In this instance, a 64-bit version of Windows 10 must be installed to access all RAM.

Solution 2: Modification of the Maximum Memory

In Windows 10, the maximum memory option is used to reserve RAM during the boot process. If this is set to the maximum memory, Windows 10 may discover a significant amount of hardware reserved RAM. Here, a few simple steps can be taken to modify the settings.

Step 1: Open the Run dialog box by pressing Win + R, then enter “msconfig” into the box after pressing Enter.

Step 2: Select the operating system from the list under the Boot heading in the System Configuration window, and then click on Advanced Options.

Step 3: Uncheck the option next to Maximum memory, then click OK to save changes.

Step 4: In the System Configuration window, click Apply and OK.

The computer can be restarted to see if the hardware-reserved memory Windows 10 issue still exists.

Solution 3: Optimization of  Windows 10 Virtual Memory

Some people claimed that changing the Virtual Memory could resolve the problem with Windows 10 not utilizing all of the RAM. It is located by default in the C:\ disk and is used by Windows to control memory usage. The following procedures can be used to optimize virtual memory.

Step 1: To access the File Explorer, press Win + E. Next, select Properties from the context menu by right-clicking the This PC entry.

Step 2: On the left side of the window, select Advanced system settings.

Step 3: Select the Advanced tab and, in the Performance section, select the Settings button.

Step 4: Click the Change button in the Virtual memory box under the Advanced tab.

Step 5: Uncheck the box next to Manage paging file size for all disks automatically.

Step 6: Choose the C drive from the list of drives, choose Custom size, increase the size, and then click OK to make the change. Here, it can be set based on real circumstances.

Solution 4:  Update BIOS

Windows 10 hardware reserved memory can occasionally be caused by an outdated BIOS. Users can attempt to update the BIOS to try to fix this problem.

Solution 5: Reset the BIOS to Default

The hardware-reserved RAM Windows 10 issue could be brought on by incorrect BIOS. The user could try setting the BIOS back to its default settings to repair it.

Step 1: When the Windows startup screen opens, press F2 or Delete to access the BIOS.

Step 2: Select Restore Settings (or Load Defaults) at the bottom of the right pane and click to approve this modification to restore BIOS.

Step 3: Restart the computer and exit the BIOS.

Solution 6: Update Windows

The hardware-reserved memory Windows 10 issue can be caused by some Windows bugs. To fix these issues, Microsoft frequently releases patches and upgrades. So, users can attempt updating Windows 10 to the most recent build.

Step 1: After opening Settings select the Update & Security option.

Step 2: To begin updating Windows 10, click the Check for Updates icon. Install any Windows 10 updates that are available to see if the hardware-reserved RAM issue is fixed.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can Windows 10 run smoothly on 8GB RAM?

8 GB of RAM is the very least that should be taken into consideration to avoid dissatisfaction if the computer is intended for photo or HD video editing and rendering, or if users simply want a speedy system.

Is It Safe To Reduce Hardware Reserved Memory?

It is generally safe to reduce the amount of hardware-reserved memory. Most of the time, the PC is unaffected by this. However, under some circumstances, it might obstruct the boot process.

Conclusion

When hardware-reserved memory consumes a significant amount of RAM and causes the computer to run slowly, it becomes undesirable. Although hardware-reserved RAM is becoming an issue among Windows 10 users, it can be resolved by adhering to a few basic tips.