How to Replace the Memory (RAM) in Your Windows Computer

Increase your Windows computer's processing power by adding RAM

RAM memory chip
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Photo of Tim Fisher, Lifewire GM and Writer
Tim Fisher
General Manager, VP, Lifewire.com
Tim Fisher has 30+ years' professional technology support experience. He writes troubleshooting content and is the General Manager of Lifewire.
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Tim Fisher
Updated September 20, 2019

If your Windows PC is running slowly or if you can't run certain software on it or upgrade its operating system, increasing the computer's random access memory (RAM) may help.

For more information about RAM, check out Lifewire's overview.

The type of RAM you need depends on the make and model of your computer and whether it's a desktop or a laptop. In addition, the computer's motherboard has strict requirements for which generation of RAM it will accept. So, be sure to look up the specifications for your machine. You also need to know which slots on the motherboard and in which combinations you can install the RAM modules.

How to Replace the RAM in a Computer

After you purchase the correct RAM chips for your computer, you open the computer and add them to empty slots intended for RAM chips, or you remove the old chips and replace them with new chips.

The specific steps necessary to replace the memory in your computer depends on whether you are replacing the RAM in a desktop or laptop computer.

Below are links to illustrated guides that walk you through the process of replacing the RAM in your computer:

Replacing memory is a simple task that anyone with a screwdriver and a little patience can easily complete in less than 15 minutes.