In Windows 10 or 11, Optimize VRAM Usage (Video RAM) could not be altered with software. VRAM is the part of the chipset of your GPU. In addition, not only is the chip a physical component, but it also has a predetermined limit of capacity set by the manufacturer. But still, you can substantially increase not your VRAM but the performance of the entire computer by increasing the video card usage speed. Here’s …
Here are a summary and a detailed explanation of the points, as well as a clear and precise answer to the most frequently asked questions.
🧠 What Is VRAM And Why Is It Important?
VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) is a kind of memory that your video card uses to store image data, textures, frame buffers, and other information. That way, it gets fast access to record a scene, for example. This is also necessary for modern …
- Higher VRAM implies better performance in handling detailed textures and the display of 3D models.
- VGR (Video Random Access Memory): The fact that the amount of VRAM is restrained results in less than 30 frames per second in some moments, picture lagging, and stuttering. These constraints, applied to gaming scenarios, are also relevant for new games. The lack of resources …
🔧 Can You Increase VRAM in Windows 10/11?
No. Through a software route, you are not able to add VRAM. The reason is that it is a hardware resource of the GPU, without the possibility to expand it through the system. Therefore, anyone claiming the opposite is either lying or deceiving.
On the other hand, a better-managed usage of VRAM can positively influence the performance of the system and, consequently, of the games.
🛠️ Proven Ways to Optimize VRAM Usage and Boost FPS
1. 🖥️ Upgrade Your Graphics Card (The Only Way to Truly Increase VRAM)
Only with a new graphics card can one really hope to change the amount of VRAM that is available with the older equipment. Suppose the particular GPU that you use now has a maximum VRAM of 2 or 4 GB. Then, it is most certainly way too old to be able to offer you access to the …
Recommended VRAM for Common Tasks:
- 1080p Gaming: 4 GB–6 GB VRAM
- 1440p Gaming/Content Creation: 8GB VRAM
- 4K Gaming: 10GB–16GB VRAM
2. 🔄 Modify Shared VRAM in BIOS Settings (For Integrated Graphics Only)
If you use integrated graphics (for example, Intel UHD, AMD Vega, etc.), your GPU shares system RAM.
How to Increase Reserved VRAM:
- Restart and get into BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing DEL or F2).
- Choose Advanced > Graphics Settings.
- Look for DVMT Pre-Allocated or the like.
- Change the value from 256MB to 512MB or 1024MB.
⚠️ Note: One thing to keep in mind is that shared VRAM runs at a much lower speed than dedicated VRAM.
3. 🎮 Scale Down In-Game Video Settings
A very useful measure to substantially decrease memory consumption of a VRAM and simultaneously uplift frame rates is to lower the visual in-game settings.
Features to Decrease or Remove:
- Texture Quality
- Shadows and Reflections
- Anti-Aliasing
- Ambient Occlusion
- Post-Processing Effects
- Resolution (e.g., from 1440p to 1080p)
4. 📥 Refresh GPU Drivers
Drivers that have not been updated may lead to VRAM wastage and hence a decrease in performance.
Tools for Updates:
- NVIDIA: GeForce Experience
- AMD: Adrenalin Software
- Intel: Driver & Support Assistant
When updating, always go for a clean install.
5. ❌ Shutdown Background Applications and Overlays
Running software that is not in use takes up space and memory on the system, and, on the contrary, the overlay of the background can also use up some of your GPU resources.
The following are what you close before you play them:
- Web browsers (especially Chrome)
- Streaming tools (OBS, Discord overlays)
- Game launchers (Steam, Epic, etc.)
- Auto-start apps (disable in Task Manager)
6. 💽 Optimize VRAM Memory (Paging File)
If your system runs out of VRAM and RAM, it starts using virtual memory.
Steps to Optimize Paging File:
- Go to: Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings
- Under Performance, click Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory
- Select Custom Size
- Initial Size = Your RAM in MB (e.g., 8192 for 8GB)
- Maximum Size = 1.5x RAM (e.g., 12288 for 8GB)
7. 📉 Lower Screen Resolution
The higher the resolution is, the more VRAM it will require to run the game.
When you change the resolution, it can:
- Withdraw VRAM usage
- Boost FPS greatly
- Diminish lag spikes during gaming when the system is GPU-limited
Start at 1920×1080. If you have to, adjust it downwards to 1280×720.
8. 🎯 Use Frame Rate Limiters
Although it is true that the uncapped frame rates make the GPU work with the highest power, it is still a bad choice since this action leads to the overheating of the GPU, and the memory also gets wasted.
Applications for FPS Limitation:
- In-game frame rate limiters
- NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings
- Third-party software: RTSS (RivaTuner Statistics Server)
9. 🌡️ Monitor and Prevent Overheating
If a GPU is overheated, it will decrease its performance by throttling itself, thus causing slow gameplay.
Monitoring gadgets:
- MSI Afterburner
- HWMonitor
- GPU-Z
Ways to Decrease Heat:
- Remove the dirt from the fans
- Put thermal paste on the GPU
- Improve the air circulation in the case
10. 💻 Upgrade RAM or CPU to Eliminate Bottlenecks
Instead of your VRAM, it is possible that your CPU or RAM is causing your PC to lag while gaming.
Ideal PC Configuration for Flawless Gaming:
- RAM: 16GB minimum for today’s gaming
- CPU: Intel i5/Ryzen 5 or higher
- SSD: Quick game launch and an obstacle-free experience
✅ Final Thoughts
Expanding VRAM is not an option on a personal computer, but it is possible to change the settings and update drivers for better performance and higher FPS. Upgrading your GPU or buying additional RAM and a better CPU are better choices for people looking for a performance boost in the long term.
Have the above skills, and you can have the power that you need.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I increase VRAM with software in Windows 10
VRAM is a hardware feature, and its capacity is fixed. No registry edit, command prompt, or third-party tool can actually increase it.
What happens when I run out of VRAM?
When the video memory of your computer is full, the system will switch to the onboard memory or to the virtual memory that is much slower, so it leads to stuttering, decreasing FPS, and longer loading times.
Is shared VRAM good for gaming?
The use of the amount of video RAM (VRAM) on a computer system that is divided between the main memory of a system and the GPU is shared VRAM. Shared VRAM is slower than dedicated VRAM and is only helpful for light or older games. It’s not good for pipelines involving workstations or games with main lodging formats of 3D.
Do registry tweaks for VRAM work?
No, the changes with those tweaks only fake the system settings display, but actually, they do not make any additional VRAM available. In such a way, those registry settings are just fake changes attempting to camouflage the existing facts from the user.
Can I get more VRAM by overclocking the GPU?
No. Although, when we talk of overclocking, it refers to increasing the clock speed of the GPU core and memory, as overclocking the CPU is a higher possibility, yet it will not increase VRAM.