How to Increase RAM Speed in Windows 11
If your Windows 11 PC feels sluggish and everything’s a bit sluggish, cranking up the RAM speed might be just what you need. The good news is, it’s mostly about tinkering with a few settings rather than splashing out on new gear, which is a relief. But let’s be honest—digging into BIOS can seem a bit intimidating if you’re new to it. Just take your time, go steady, and hopefully, you’ll squeeze some extra performance without breaking anything.
Update Your BIOS
First stop’s the BIOS. It’s that old firmware on your motherboard that can sometimes put a stop sign in your system’s performance. Updating it can fix bugs and may even help your RAM run at better speeds.
Head over to your motherboard manufacturer’s website, find your model, and grab the latest BIOS update. They usually have clear instructions, often involving copying the update onto a USB stick. It’s super important to do this right—flashing the BIOS incorrectly can brick your motherboard, and nobody wants that. Get it right, though, and your RAM should run a lot smoother.
Command line tip: Some setups use Flash Utility tools, or if you’ve got an AMI BIOS, AFUDOS might do the trick — check your motherboard’s docs for the specifics.
Manage Startup Programs
Next up, let’s shed some of the crap that loads when you fire up the PC. If too many programs launch at startup, your RAM’s got a tough time keeping up—total buzzkill, right?
Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and go to the Startup tab. You’ll see a list of programs that start when your PC fires up. Disable any that you don’t need right away. Less clutter means faster boot times and a snappier system overall. Just be careful not to turn off anything essential—that’s another rabbit hole.
Pro tip: In Windows 11, you can also check out Settings > Apps > Startup for a more user-friendly way to manage these.
Enable XMP/AMP in BIOS
Now, here’s a bit of a geeky tip—enabling XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) or AMP in your BIOS. It tells your motherboard to run your RAM at the speeds it’s really capable of, instead of the default, slower settings.
Reboot and get into BIOS (usually by pressing F2, Delete, or whichever key your motherboard uses). Find the Overclocking or Memory section and enable XMP. It should automatically detect the right speed and timings. Save your settings and exit. Sometimes the option might be under Advanced > Overclocking > XMP Setting. The difference can be pretty noticeable.
Quick note: BIOS scripting isn’t common for most users, but some advanced setups might have tricks. For most, sticking to the GUI options is the way to go.
To check if the RAM speed has increased, open Task Manager > Performance > Memory or use a tool like CPU-Z for detailed info.
Clean Up Your RAM
This is about tidying up your PC — sort of like spring cleaning for your RAM. Windows 11 does a good job on its own, but a few manual tweaks can give you a nice boost.
Run Disk Cleanup: press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, and delete any temporary files. Uninstall apps you don’t use via Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Clearing unwanted junk frees up RAM and helps avoid overload. And don’t underestimate the power of a restart—it clears background processes and keeps things running smoothly.
Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
Virtual memory acts as a backup for your RAM, using part of your hard drive to help out when your physical RAM hits capacity. It’s slower than RAM, but it keeps your system stable when multitasking or working with big files.
To tweak this, go to Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings. Then click on Performance > Settings > Advanced, and hit Change under Virtual memory. Untick Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, select your main drive (usually C:), and set the Initial size and Maximum size to about 1.5 to 3 times your RAM (say, 24,000 MB to 48,000 MB if you’ve got 16 GB). Click Set, then OK. Restart your PC to apply the changes.
Bonus tip: If you’re comfortable with command-line stuff, you can also manage virtual memory via wmic or PowerShell, but sticking with the GUI is simpler and safer.
Top Tips for Increasing RAM Speed on Windows 11
- Stay on top of maintenance: Clean out junk files and unused apps regularly to keep RAM running smoothly.
- Monitor background apps: Use Task Manager or Resource Monitor (type
resmonin Run) to see what’s gobbling RAM and close what you don’t need. - Hardware upgrades: If all else fails, adding more RAM or faster sticks is the way to go. Check your Task Manager > Performance > Memory to see what you’ve got now.
- Keep Windows and drivers up to date: Sometimes updates patch performance bugs. Head to Settings > Windows Update to grab the latest.
- Adjust power settings: Set your Power Plan to High Performance. You can do this via Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options or quick settings on your taskbar (Windows + A then tap Power & Sleep > Additional power settings).
FAQ: Common Questions about RAM Speed
Can I speed up my RAM without buying new hardware?
Absolutely! Plenty of wins come from tweaking BIOS settings, enabling XMP, and managing virtual memory—no need to shell out. Many people see a noticeable boost just by fiddling with these options.
Do BIOS updates help with RAM speed?
Yes, sometimes they do. Updates can include optimisations for newer RAM models or bug fixes that improve speed. If the update notes mention RAM, you’re probably good.
What’s virtual memory and how’s it helpful?
It’s like a safety net—your system uses part of the hard drive as extra RAM when needed. It’s slower, but it stops crashes and keeps things ticking when things get hectic.
How do I check if my RAM speed went up?
The easiest way is through Task Manager > Performance or using tools like CPU-Z. Check the reported speed after you’ve made changes, and it should match what your RAM is rated for.
Is fiddling with BIOS safe?
Generally, yep—if you’re careful. Stick to the instructions and avoid random tweaks. It’s a good idea to note down your original settings before making changes, just in case. For most users, BIOS updates are safe if you follow the proper procedures, like using tools such as Asus EZ Flash or Gigabyte Q-Flash.
Bottom line: these tweaks can give your PC a real performance boost without forking out for new hardware. It’s like giving your machine a tune-up — and it often pays off in the long run.
Hopefully, these tips help you squeeze a bit more speed without turning it into a drama. Cheers!