How to Increase a Dedicated Video RAM (VRAM) in Windows?

If you have a low VRAM Graphics card, you might need to upgrade or increase it to run the task that requires more Graphics resources, such as video editing, high graphics games, and more. You can encounter graphics memory errors due to a lack of VRAM while playing different games on the computer. However, there is nothing you can do from your side to fix the lack of VRAM except to try some advanced settings or upgrade the Graphics card.

How to Increase a Dedicated Video RAM (VRAM) on Windows 10?
How to Increase a Dedicated Video RAM (VRAM) on Windows 10?

Before increasing the VRAM in the system, it is highly recommended to understand what VRAM does and the circumstances of increasing it.

What Is Dedicated Video RAM (VRAM)?

VRAM or Video Random Access Memory is used to store data that renders in the form of pixels on display. It is a type of memory that works with the GPU processor. Integrated GPU has a very low VRAM as it shares the system Ram to give the output on display. So it is important to ensure that before increasing VRAM from the motherboard bios, how much memory will remain after increasing VRAM.

VRAM is much better than RAM as it helps run GPU-intensive tasks. However, some players take it very seriously and buy a high VRAM GPU to run the tasks that don’t require to have high VRAM. For example, if you need 2GB of VRAM to run a particular game and your Graphics card has 4GB, using a 4GB Graphics card does not feel any difference as the game will only use 2GB of your VRAM.

Moreover, insufficient RAM can lead to many errors while running GPU-intensive tasks. Therefore, it is a problem for those who can’t afford high-end GPUs for their system. Fortunately, you might be able to run the tasks that require more VRAM after increasing it by following the below methods.

How to Increase Dedicated Video RAM?

There are two methods you can follow to increase VRAM. One is to increase VRAM from the bios setting, and another method is to increase VRAM via the registry editor.

Both methods can help to run the games that require more VRAM. Still, we recommend buying a cheap GPU rather than increasing VRAM using the below methods. You can also visit this on Best Low Profile Graphics Cards to check the prices.

1. Check The Amount Of VRAM

Before increasing Video RAM, it is highly recommended to check the amount of VRAM on the system by following the below instructions:   

  1. Click Start Menu and type Settings

    Launching Settings
    Launching Settings
  2. Open the settings, and navigate to the System
  3. Now under Display, scroll down to the bottom and click Advanced Display Settings
    Opening Advanced Display Settings
    Opening Advanced Display Settings
  4. In the next Window, click on Display Adapter Properties For Display 1

    Navigating to Display Adapter Properties
    Navigating to Display Adapter Properties
  5. A short Windows will appear, where you will be able to see all information related to your Graphics Card
  6. In my case, I have a 1GB Graphics card, that’s why my Dedicated Video Memory is 1024 MB
    Checking Graphics Card Information
    Checking Graphics Card Information

2. Increase VRAM From Motherboard Bios Settings

Many computers have a Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) option in the bios settings that allows the user to increase the VRAM. DVMT feature will let you select between 128MB, 256MB, 512 MB, etc. Moreover, after increasing VRAM from the bio settings, you might notice that your physical RAM has been reduced. This happens when we increase Pre-Allocated VRAM and the amount of VRAM we increase use as dedicated VRAM.

In some bios settings, you can select the custom amount of memory you want to increase. Although we can use this option, it might cause issues if we select a high memory. Moreover, if this option is unavailable for your system, proceed to another method to fake a VRAM via the registry editor.

To increase VRAM from motherboard bios, follow the steps:

  1. Press the power button to turn on your computer
  2. Once the logo screen appears, press F2, F5, F8, or Del repeatedly to enter the bios settings. If the keys are not working, go to your motherboard manufacturer’s website or search online for your bios keys. 
  3. Once you enter the bios settings, find Graphics Settings, Video Settings or VGA Share Memory Size
  4. If you have found the option similar to those ones mentioned above, just increase the Pre-Allocated VRAM
    Note:
    You may find Pre-Allocated VRAM under the advanced settings. 

    Increasing VRAM From BIos Settings
    Increasing VRAM From BIos Settings
  5. Once done, save the bios settings and exit to restart your computer.

3. Increase VRAM Via Registry Editor

Another method to increase VRAM is using a registry editor, a database for the operating system that manages tasks such as keeping the information of installed software, driver and components in a key value. You can create an entry called DedicatedSegmentSize in the registry editor that will report how much the VRAM system contains the game.

After creating the DedicatedSegmentSize file, the game will run according to the fake VRAM. In simple words, you might be able to run the high VRAM game on a low VRAM. Below are the steps to increase fake VRAM via Registry Editor:

  1. Press Win + R at the same time to launch Run Window
  2. Type regedit in the search bar and click OK

    Opening Registry Editor
    Opening Registry Editor
  3. Now go to the following path
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Intel
  4. Right-click on the Intel folder, then choose New > Key and name it GMM

    Creating A New Key
    Creating A New Key
  5. While selecting the GMM folder, right-click the free space in the right pane
  6. Hover on New and click Dword (32-bit) Value

    Creating An Entry
    Creating An Entry
  7. Name it DedicatedSegmentSize
  8. Double-click on the DedicatedSegmentSize and select base to Decimal
  9. Now type 512 as its value data
  10. Once done, click OK and restart your computer for the changes to take effect
    Increasing VRAM
    Increasing VRAM
  11. If you were getting the error message, try launching the game that was causing the error to see if the error is fixed.
  12. If you are unhappy with this setting, go back to the registry editor and undo all the changes by deleting the GMM folder.

4. Upgrade System RAM (Integrated GPUs)

If you have an integrated GPU and you are not in a position to buy a Graphics card, we recommend upgrading RAM as dedicated VRAM share a system RAM to display the output. Therefore, if you have enough money to buy RAM, go for it, as it increases the dedicated VRAM.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.