How to Increase RAM Speed on Windows 10: Boost Your PC’s Performance

Maximising Your Windows 10 PC’s Performance by Improving RAM Speed

Noticing your Windows 10 machine slowing down? It’s frustrating when even the top-spec setup feels sluggish. One cost-effective way to give it a boost without buying new hardware is by optimising your RAM. Think of it as a quick tune-up to get more out of what you’ve already got. This involves tweaking BIOS settings, enabling profiles like XMP/DOCP, and making sure your drivers are up to date. These steps are usually quite simple and can make a noticeable difference in how responsive your system feels.

Enhancing RAM Speed on Windows 10 for Better Performance

If apps are slow to load and multitasking feels clunky, improving your RAM’s performance might do the trick. Fine-tuning the settings helps your RAM run at its best speed, smoothing out system operation. It’s similar to updating your software — but for your hardware. Let’s explore how to do this without any hassle.

First Up: Check Your Current RAM Speed

It’s handy to know what your RAM is currently running at. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, then go to the Performance tab and click on Memory. You’ll see detailed info like your RAM’s current speed. This helps you understand how much performance you could potentially unlock with some adjustments. Think of it as taking a quick peek under the bonnet before hitting the road.

Next: Dive into BIOS/UEFI Settings

Ready to get stuck in? Most of your RAM tweaks happen in the BIOS. Restart your PC and, as it boots up, press the key for your motherboard (usually F2, F10, or Del) to access it. Different manufacturers have different layouts, so it might take a bit of poking around. Alternatively, you can access UEFI settings directly from Windows via:

Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now

Then choose:

Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart

Once inside BIOS or UEFI, look for memory or overclocking settings to adjust.

Activate Profiles like XMP or DOCP

Modern RAM is clever — many come with pre-configured profiles that enable it to run at higher speeds without much fuss. These are called XMP (Intel) or DOCP (AMD). Enabling one of these profiles in BIOS automatically sets your RAM to its rated speed, saving you a lot of manual fiddling. Just don’t forget to save your changes before exiting BIOS!

Here’s how:

Navigate to the Overclock or Memory menu.
Find the option labelled XMP/DOCP.
Set it to Enabled.
Press F10 to save and exit.

Don’t Forget About Driver Updates

Keeping your drivers current is essential — it’s like giving your system a dose of vitamins. Open Device Manager from the Start menu and check for updates for your memory and processor drivers. Windows Update can help too. Just go to:

Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates

Also, visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers and BIOS updates. It’s usually a straightforward process.

Tweak Virtual Memory Settings

Beyond your physical RAM, Windows relies on virtual memory to handle heavier loads. Adjusting this can improve performance during demanding tasks. Search for View advanced system settings in the Start menu. Under the Advanced tab, click on Settings in the Performance section. Then go to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual Memory. Set both the initial and maximum size to roughly 1.5 to 3 times your physical RAM. For example, with 8GB of RAM, around 12GB virtual memory is a good starting point.

System Properties > Advanced tab > Performance Settings > Advanced tab > Virtual memory > Change

After applying these tweaks, many users notice a smoother experience. Applications launch faster, and multitasking becomes more efficient — perfect for gamers or content creators aiming for high performance. It’s like giving your PC a shot of adrenaline without buying a new machine.

Tips to Maximise RAM Performance on Windows 10

To get the most out of your tweaks, keep a couple of tips in mind. Compatibility’s key — ensure your RAM is rated for the speeds you’re aiming for, or you might run into stability issues. Switching your power plan to High Performance can help too — head to:

Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional power settings > High Performance

A quick extra tip: close unnecessary background apps. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end processes that aren’t needed. This frees up resources and keeps things running smoothly.

Don’t forget basic maintenance: regularly cleaning out dust helps prevent overheating, which can throttle your RAM speed. Also, keeping Windows updated boosts overall system performance and RAM efficiency.

Common Questions About RAM Optimisation

How do I check my current RAM speed?

The easiest way is via Task Manager (Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then go to Performance > Memory). For more detailed info, tools like CPU-Z are handy too.

Why should I enable XMP?

XMP takes the guesswork out of overclocking. It automatically sets your RAM to run at its rated speed, giving your system an instant performance boost without the fuss.

Could changing RAM speed damage my PC?

If you set the speeds too high or outside manufacturer recommendations, instability can occur. Always stick to your RAM’s specs and run stability tests (like Prime95 or MemTest86) after adjustments. If in doubt, consult your hardware manuals first.

Is upgrading RAM necessary for better performance?

Not always. Much of the slowdown can be remedied with BIOS tweaks and driver updates. However, if you’re consistently maxing out your current memory, adding more sticks may be worthwhile.

Does increasing RAM speed or capacity make a bigger difference?

Speed boosting mainly involves tuning existing RAM, while adding more sticks increases capacity. The best approach depends on whether your bottleneck is in speed or capacity.

Key Steps to Boost Your RAM Performance

Check your current RAM speed to get a baseline.
Access BIOS/UEFI on startup (usually F2, F10, or Del). Alternatively, use advanced Windows options if supported.
Enable XMP or DOCP profiles for automatic optimisation.
Update drivers through Device Manager or Windows Update.
Adjust virtual memory settings to give your RAM a lift.