Is your computer running slowly because your memory is being reserved more and more? Let’s see why this happens and how we can reduce the number of hardware reserved memory windows.
What is hardware reserved memory?
Hardware-reserved memory is a separate section of memory dedicated to critical computer functions. These processes provide coordination between the CPU and external peripherals such as graphics, keyboard, printer, etc. They are not available for normal day to day processes.
Everyone wants their device to work like a horse. A big chunk of system performance is RAM. It provides temporary storage space for various applications.
For example, if you start playing Fortnite, your saved maps will be copied from storage to RAM. Then you start completing missions and your RAM runs at lightning speed for fast-paced gameplay. Later, the files are moved back to the storage drive.
So where does hardware reserved memory fit into this picture? Well, it works in the background, ensuring that the various parts of the computer work in harmony during this saga.
How is free RAM related to system speed?
RAM alone can determine the efficiency of a system. There are two factors of RAM that affect system speed.
- Memory Capacity: The amount of memory that can be stored in RAM. Measured in gigabytes.
- Memory speed: This is the speed at which the RAM can process various programs.
As a rule, increasing the amount of memory has an exponential effect on system performance. This means that RAM stores more data and processes information faster.
How is hardware reserved memory used?
Image and video processing requires breakneck speed. RAM works like a breeze, so the hardware reserved memory is mostly part of the virtual RAM used to optimize graphics performance.
In addition, hardware reserved memory is also used to store drivers for computer peripherals such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and trackpads, provided with dedicated storage to ensure that their operation is never interrupted.
What are the causes of high hardware headroom?
An increase in hardware headroom can occur for various reasons. It mostly happens when your graphics card is outdated or designed to use some of the RAM for processing. Bugs in the BIOS can also increase the hardware reserved memory.
Warning
When you see that the hardware reserved memory has increased to the value of the entire RAM module, it means that the RAM is corrupted.
RAM is an integral part of a computer, so get a new RAM module immediately!
How to check hardware reserved memory?
To check how much memory is reserved by hardware, do the following:
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
- Click on the “Performance”tab.
- Finally, click Disk.
- Now look for the “Hardware Reserved”option in the lower right corner of the Task Manager.
How much hardware reserved memory is right for your PC?
A typical value for hardware reserved memory is a couple of hundred megabytes. For 32-bit systems, a maximum of 3.5 GB can be used. For 64-bit systems, out of 16 GB of RAM, 1 GB of RAM is usually reserved. Hardware reserved memory between 1 GB and 4 GB is defective and needs to be repaired.
How is RAM divided into different sections?
The division of labor ensures higher productivity and efficiency of any system. Similarly, different components of RAM are specialized for specific tasks. Here is a table showing the various components of RAM and their associated functions:
| Chapter | Functions |
|---|---|
| Actively used | Currently used for various operations |
| Equipment reserved | BIOS and other peripherals |
| Changed | Processes that are transferred to the hard drive for permanent storage |
| Stand next to | Participates in the processing of cached data |
| Free use | Not involved in any function |
How is cached memory different from hardware reserved memory?
The cache stores information about previous processes, so the next processes are much faster. The cache interacts with the CPU and is ultimately processed faster. On the other hand, hardware reserved memory from another world, working to provide the basic functionality of the system.
Is it safe to reduce hardware reserved memory?
In most cases, it is relatively safe to reduce the hardware reserved memory. Mostly, it does not adversely affect your computer. However, in some cases, this may interfere with the download procedure.
Top 10 Solutions to Reduce Hardware Reserved Memory Windows
Here are the top 10 solutions to reduce hardware reserved memory:
- Install 64-bit version of Windows
- Fix BIOS settings
- Update BIOS and reset to default
- Troubleshooting Windows startup
- Disable automatic RAM virtualization
- Update your registry
- Scan RAM for errors
- Check if the RAM is installed correctly
- Shuffle RAM modules
- Update your drivers and Windows
Let’s now start working on reducing the hardware reserved memory:
1. Install the 64-bit version of Windows.
The maximum memory usage for 32-bit Windows is 3.5 GB. Therefore, all memory above 3.5 GB is reserved.
Follow these steps to find out if your computer is a 32-bit OS or a 64-bit OS:
- Use the keyboard shortcut Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
- In the right pane, look for System Type if it is listed as ×86 which means 32-bit windows is installed.
- Install new windows if your system supports 64-bit operating systems.
2. Fix BIOS settings:
Certain BIOS settings can increase the hardware reserved memory. To fix the system BIOS, follow these instructions:
- Use F2, F10, F12, F1 or Del depending on the manufacturer at boot to open the BIOS settings.
- For a PC with an external dedicated graphics card installed, you follow the path Advanced Graphics<Internal Graphics Mode<Disabled. Or find On Board Graphics and disable them.
- Enable the memory mapping feature. Follow the path System Configuration < BIOS/Platform Configuration (RBSU) < Memory Options < Memory Remap.
- Turn on render standby. Go to System Agent < Graphics Configuration < Pending Render (RC6)
- Now turn off Multi-Monitor by selecting OnBoard Device configuration < Intel Multi-Display < Turn off.
- Locate the iGPU memory and set it to AUTO.
- Save all these settings and restart your computer.
Note. The most common way to change BIOS settings is listed above. You will have to look for a way to change your PC settings online.
3. Update the BIOS and reset the settings to default.
Errors can appear in your computer’s BIOS settings. To update the BIOS, follow these steps:
- Go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest BIOS available on a USB stick.
- Open your computer’s BIOS settings according to your manufacturer.
- Find the BIOS version, system information, or firmware version.
- On this tab, click Update BIOS.
- Download the USB stick to start the process.
- Restart and wait for the results.
- Alternatively, try resetting your BIOS settings to their defaults. Most often, this can be done using the F9 or F5 key. However, read your computer manual or search the Internet for the exact instructions for your computer.
4. Troubleshoot Windows startup
Follow these steps to make the Windows launcher use all available RAM:
- Hold Windows key + R to open the Run menu.
- Type
msconfigand press Enter to open the system configuration window. - On the download tab, click the “More Options”button.
- Uncheck the box next to Max Memory.
- Enter 1 in the maximum memory setting
- Now enter the amount of RAM installed on your PC in MB. 1 GB of RAM is 1024 MB, so 4 GB of RAM is 4096 MB and 8 GB is 8192 MB. Make sure you enter the correct value in megabytes.
- Finally, click OK.
5. Disable automatic RAM virtualization.
First, what is virtual memory? It is defined as the space allocated on your computer’s hard drive to perform the functions of RAM. In short, it’s fake RAM. Disabling virtual memory to improve system performance is risky. This can increase the chance of system errors and application crashes. However, here are the steps to disable automatic RAM virtualization:
- Press the Windows key and search for “Advanced”.
- Select “View advanced system settings”from the menu.
- Go to the “Advanced”tab and click “Settings”. A new performance options window will appear.
- Click the Advanced tab and click Change under the Virtual Memory heading.
- Clear the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box.
- Now select each drive from the list and select “No page file”.
- Finally, choose “OK”to save your changes.
- Restart your computer.
Now check if the hardware reserved memory has decreased. If not, revert the changes immediately.
6. Update the registry
- Press the Windows key + R.
- Type Regedit and press Enter.
- Now move on to the next key:
“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management”
- Set the data value to 1 and click OK.
7. Scan RAM for errors
Defective RAM can increase the hardware reserved memory many times over its normal value. Before you start testing your RAM, use memtest86 to check for errors. Follow these instructions:
- Download memtest86 from his website.
- Take a USB drive and install the software on it.
- Boot USB drive from BIOS.
- Run the error checking software.
- Inspect the equipment in the following steps for more information.
8. Check if the RAM is installed correctly.
A physical examination of the RAM should be performed by a computer technician. However, by taking the appropriate precautions, you can also test your RAM by doing the following:
- Disconnect the power cable and other wires from the computer.
- Open the top or side cover of the CPU.
- The CPU will have rectangular chips on the motherboard.
- Disconnect the RAM modules and remove the chips.
- IijjUse alcohol swabs to clean the RAM modules and reinstall them.
- Place the top or side case cover back on the CPU and connect the wires.
- Finally, turn on the CPU to see if the error is resolved.
Precautionary measures
- Always use plastic gloves.
- There should be no liquid around the worktable, as it may spill.
- Do not touch any other parts of the computer other than the RAM modules.
9. Arrange the RAM modules in the correct order
The hardware reserved memory may increase due to improper installation of RAM modules. A general rule of thumb when installing a large number of RAM modules in a computer is that they should be installed in equal-sized slots in sets of two, three, or four modules. Follow these instructions to check if the RAM modules are installed correctly.
- Please refer to your motherboard manual.
- Disconnect the power cable and remove the processor cover.
- Follow the instructions in your manual to check if the RAM modules are installed correctly.
- Connect the cables back and turn on the computer.
10. Update your drivers and Windows
Keeping your drivers up to date is key to keeping reserved hardware memory low. Updated drivers improve communication between peripherals and the CPU. Keeping Windows up to date serves the same purpose. To check for driver updates:
- In the Windows search bar, type “Device Manager”.
- Click on the devices you want to update.
- Select “Search automatically for updated drivers”.
Follow this path to manually check for Windows updates:
- Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and then select Check for updates.
FAQ
How to change RAM settings in BIOS?
Press Windows Key + R > type msconfig. > Press Enter > press OK > click Advanced Options > enter the amount of MB you have in the Maximum Memory option > Save Changes > Restart your computer “.
How can I boot my laptop if it won’t start after freeing the hardware reserved RAM?
Freeing up hardware-reserved memory can prevent the laptop from starting. In this case, start the safe mode from the BIOS settings. Revert your changes and try restarting your computer.
Is it good to clear the RAM cache?
Clearing the RAM cache removes all junk files. This in turn speeds up your device.
Why is my computer only using half of the RAM?
Using only half of the RAM can slow down the performance of your device. This can happen due to incorrect RAM connection or because you are using a 32-bit system.