Computers rely on Random Access Memory, or RAM, to store and perform all their active tasks and operations. In other words, if you use more applications on your computer, more RAM will be used to keep each application and process running. You will need to add more RAM to your computer if you need to open and work on more applications. Unlike desktop computers, which have ample RAM slots, usually four or more, laptops have a limited number of RAM slots, usually two or less. Therefore, the amount of RAM modules that can be added to a laptop is limited. It is critical to determine whether more RAM slots are available on your computer if you are running low on RAM and wish to upgrade its memory capacity. In this article, we demonstrate how to check whether your computer has empty or used RAM slots. Also see: Check RAM details in Windows 10/11.
How to Check Empty and Used RAM Slots on your Computer
Check RAM slots using Task Manager
One of the most convenient ways to check how many RAM slots are available on your computer is through the Task Manager. Follow the steps below to check: Here you will find the number of slots used against the number of slots on your motherboard. In the image below, you can see that 2 have been used, whilst 2 are still available.Slots used in Task Manager
Check RAM slots using Command Prompt
You can also determine the number of free RAM slots available on your computer using the Command Line Interface (CLI). However, there is no direct way to determine how many are used and free. Therefore, we need to run two separate cmdlets: one to find the number of slots, and the other to determine the number of slots used. Subtract the two and you shall have a number of available slots. Perform the following steps to determine the availability of RAM slots on your computer: Now that you have the number of slots on the motherboard, as well as the number of slots in use, you now know how many slots are available to which you can add more memory modules.
Check RAM slots using Windows PowerShell
Similar to Command Prompt, the same can be determined with PowerShell. This method also uses 2 separate cmdlets to determine the number of slots and the number of slots being used. Here is how to do so: Now all you need to do is subtract the number of slots used by the number of slots on your motherboard, and you shall have the number of free slots available.
Check computer RAM slots online
Another way to know the number of slots on a motherboard is through the vendor’s website, as they usually upload the complete technical specifications worksheet. You can look up your baseboard’s/motherboard’s model number and find the total number of RAM slots. You can use this guide to find your motherboard’s specifications in Windows.
Check RAM slots using CPU-Z
Download CPU-Z CPU-Z is a third-party freeware that you can use to check every hardware detail of your computer. It can also be used to find the number of slots available on your computer. Here is how to use CPU-Z to do so:
Physically Check Motherboard
Ultimately, you always have the option to physically check your baseboard for the slots you use to find the available RAM slots. This is a conventional method, but if you prefer old-school methods, this is the way to go.
Closing Words
If you want to find out more details on your computer’s hardware, here are some native ways to do it, which means not having to install any tools or software. But if you really feel like getting to know your PC, here are 10 tools you could use which are free and safe to use. Also see:
How to Find Computer Hardware Specs: CPU, GPU, RAM, Motherboard, Hard DriveHow To Check RAM Details In Windows 10/11How to Fix Available Usable Memory Less Than Total Installed RAM6 Ways To Find Graphics Card (GPU) Information In Windows 11/10How To Check Health Of Hard Drive On Windows 11/10
