If you’ve ever run into performance issues while gaming or using graphics-intensive applications on Windows 11, you may have come across the term VRAM (Video RAM). VRAM is a special type of memory dedicated to handling your system’s graphical tasks, and having more of it can lead to better performance in gaming, 3D rendering, and video editing.
Many people wonder if they can increase their dedicated VRAM, especially when dealing with integrated graphics that share system RAM. While increasing VRAM isn’t as simple as upgrading regular RAM, there are a few tweaks you can try to boost performance. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to check your current VRAM and some methods you can use to increase it.
What Is VRAM?
VRAM is a type of memory used by your graphics card (GPU) to store visual data like textures, shaders, and frame buffers. The more VRAM you have, the more complex visuals your system can handle without slowing down. Dedicated GPUs come with their own VRAM, while integrated graphics share a portion of your system’s RAM.
Dedicated VRAM refers to the memory that is exclusively assigned to your GPU, while shared memory is dynamically allocated from your system’s RAM, particularly when you have integrated graphics, like Intel or AMD APUs.
How to Check Your Current VRAM in Windows 11
Before we get into how to increase VRAM, it’s important to first check how much you currently have. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Go to System > Display.
- Scroll down and click Advanced display.
- Under Display information, click Display adapter properties.
- In the pop-up window, look for the Dedicated Video Memory entry under the Adapter tab. This is your current VRAM.
Method 1: Increase VRAM via BIOS (For Integrated Graphics)
If you’re using integrated graphics (common in laptops or budget PCs), you may be able to increase the amount of VRAM through your system’s BIOS. This method doesn’t physically add more VRAM but allows you to allocate more system memory to the GPU. Here’s how you can do it:
- Enter the BIOS:
- Restart your computer and press the designated key (often Delete, F2, or Esc) as soon as it starts up to enter the BIOS. This key varies by manufacturer, so keep an eye on the boot screen for instructions.
- Navigate to the Advanced Menu:
- In the BIOS, look for the Advanced or Chipset settings. This is where you’ll find the options related to your integrated GPU.
- Adjust VRAM Allocation:
- Look for an option like Graphics Settings, Video Settings, or iGPU Configuration.
- Find a setting labeled Pre-Allocated VRAM or UMA Frame Buffer Size. This is where you can change the amount of system memory that’s allocated as VRAM. Common options range from 128MB to 512MB or even 1GB, depending on your system.
- Save and Exit:
- Once you’ve made the changes, save your settings and exit the BIOS. Your system will reboot, and the new VRAM allocation should be in effect.
Keep in mind that increasing VRAM through the BIOS will reduce the amount of system RAM available for other tasks, so make sure your system has enough memory to handle this adjustment.
Method 2: Adjust VRAM in the Registry (For Integrated Graphics)
If you don’t have an option to adjust VRAM in your BIOS, you can try a registry tweak to simulate an increase in VRAM. This method won’t actually increase your VRAM, but it can help certain applications recognize a higher VRAM limit, which may improve performance in specific cases.
Here’s how you can make this tweak:
- Open the Registry Editor:
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and press Enter.
- Navigate to the Right Key:
- In the Registry Editor, go to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Intel
(If you’re using an AMD processor, look for a similar path under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\AMD).
- Create a New Key:
- Right-click in the Intel folder, select New > Key, and name it GMM.
- Create a New DWORD Value:
- Inside the newly created GMM key, right-click on the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this value DedicatedSegmentSize.
- Assign a Value:
- Double-click the DedicatedSegmentSize entry, choose Decimal, and enter a value in MB that you want to allocate (e.g., 512 for 512MB).
- Save and Exit:
- Click OK, close the Registry Editor, and restart your computer.
This tweak doesn’t physically increase your VRAM, but it can trick certain games or applications into recognizing a higher value. Keep in mind that this may not work for all games or apps.
Method 3: Upgrade to a Dedicated GPU
If you’re looking for a significant boost in VRAM, the best option is to upgrade to a dedicated graphics card (if you’re using a desktop PC). Dedicated GPUs come with their own VRAM, starting from 2GB and going up to 16GB or more for high-end models. If you’re a gamer, video editor, or 3D designer, upgrading to a dedicated GPU can drastically improve your system’s graphical performance.
For laptops, upgrading the GPU isn’t typically an option. However, you can consider an external GPU (eGPU) if your laptop supports it. This involves using a dedicated graphics card externally, connected through a Thunderbolt port, to provide better graphics performance.
Method 4: Optimize System Performance
If increasing VRAM isn’t feasible or doesn’t lead to significant improvements, you can still optimize your system for better performance in graphics-heavy applications:
- Close unnecessary background apps: Free up more system resources by disabling non-essential apps.
- Update your GPU drivers: Ensure that your integrated or dedicated GPU drivers are up to date. You can do this via the Device Manager or directly from the GPU manufacturer’s website.
- Lower in-game settings: If you’re facing performance issues in games, reducing the resolution or graphical quality settings can help alleviate VRAM pressure.
While increasing dedicated VRAM in Windows 11 can help improve performance in certain cases, it’s important to remember that your options are somewhat limited, especially with integrated graphics. The BIOS method can offer a small boost, and the registry tweak might help certain applications recognize a higher VRAM value. However, for a significant performance upgrade, a dedicated GPU is your best bet.
I hope this guide helps you get the most out of your system’s VRAM! Let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance!