How to Find Your System’s VRAM in Windows 11

This guide explains how to check your computer’s Video RAM, or VRAM, in Windows 11.

Why check your VRAM?

VRAM stands for Video Random Access Memory. It is a special type of memory built directly into your graphics card. It stores textures, lighting effects, and 3D models so your screen can update quickly. If you play modern games or edit 4K videos, you need enough VRAM to handle the data. If your VRAM is full, your computer will use your system RAM instead, which is much slower. This causes lag, stuttering, or crashes. Knowing your VRAM helps you decide if your computer can run specific software.

What happens when you are done?

After following these steps, you will know exactly how much dedicated video memory your graphics card has. You will also understand the difference between dedicated and shared memory. This helps you troubleshoot performance issues and ensures your hardware meets the requirements for your favorite apps.

How to find your VRAM in Windows 11

You can find this information easily through the Windows Settings menu.

1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or click Start then Settings.

2. In the System menu, click on the Display tile on the right side of your screen.

3. Scroll down to the Related settings section and click on Advanced display.

4. Under the Display information section, click on Display adapter properties for Display 1.

5. A new window will pop up. Look at the Adapter Information tab. You will see your Dedicated Video Memory listed here.

Note: You will see your graphics card brand, such as Nvidia or AMD, listed under Adapter Type. If you see another name, you are likely using integrated graphics.

Using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool is a reliable way to see your graphics card memory. Press Windows key + R, type dxdiag, and hit Enter. Click the Display tab. You will see Display Memory (VRAM) listed. This is the most accurate way to see what Windows detects for your GPU.

Understanding Dedicated vs. Shared Memory

In the Display adapter properties window, you see two types of memory. Dedicated Video Memory is the physical RAM soldered onto your graphics card. Shared System Memory is the amount of your computer’s main RAM that the graphics card can borrow if it runs out of dedicated space. Integrated graphics (iGPU) often show very low dedicated memory because they rely almost entirely on shared system memory.

Checking VRAM with Task Manager

You can also check your GPU performance in real-time. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click the Performance tab on the left. Select GPU from the list. You will see Dedicated GPU memory and Shared GPU memory usage graphs here. This is helpful to see if your games are actually filling up your VRAM while you play.

Can you increase VRAM?

If you have a dedicated graphics card, you cannot increase the physical VRAM. If you use integrated graphics, you might be able to allocate more system RAM to the GPU through your computer’s BIOS settings. Look for menus labeled Advanced Features, Advanced Chipset Features, or Graphics Settings. Note: This step requires Admin Privileges and should be done with caution.

Summary

• VRAM is dedicated memory for your graphics card.
• Checking VRAM helps you diagnose slow performance in games or video editing.
• You can view your VRAM through Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
• The dxdiag tool and Task Manager are excellent ways to verify your graphics memory.
• If your VRAM is too low, you may need to upgrade your graphics hardware.