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Practical guide · Windows

Check RAM usage in Windows

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and select Performance → Memory in Task Manager to see RAM usage. Check while using your normal applications; one snapshot alone does not establish a need for more RAM.

Use the toolView the steps
Illustrative photograph of a SO-DIMM RAM module beside a laptop's memory sockets
AI-generated topic image. Not a model-specific repair manual.

Step by step

  1. Open your usual applications

    Use the computer as usual with the applications and tabs you need. Investigate the situation in which you notice delays.

  2. Open Memory in Task Manager

    Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then choose Performance → Memory. If the view is limited, select More details first.

  3. Note used and available RAM

    Read In use and Available at the same moment; their sum is a practical approximation of usable RAM. Use the same unit in the calculator and leave out hardware-reserved memory.

  4. Find the applications using memory

    Check the Memory column under Processes, and close only familiar applications you do not need after saving your work. Then check the same task again.

Calculate memory usage

Your RAM usage right now

Use Task Manager → Performance → Memory.

The usable amount shown by your system.

Read the usage at the same time.

Use GB for both values. A dot or comma is accepted as a decimal separator.

Calculated on your device. Your values are not sent to Kestro.

Your result

Your usage and free RAM appear here after you calculate.

A snapshot of usage. This does not measure RAM speed or determine whether an upgrade is needed.

Formula: RAM in use ÷ total usable RAM × 100

What does it mean?

Look for a recurring need

If memory repeatedly comes under pressure while the applications you need are running, investigate RAM. Also check CPU and disk activity so you do not overlook another bottleneck.

Check the model before buying

RAM may be soldered, replaceable or a mixture. The exact model, memory type, sockets and manufacturer's capacity limit determine your options.

The calculator uses the figures you enter; it measures neither physical RAM speed nor memory errors. A high usage percentage alone is not a diagnosis.

Your next step

Sources and documentation

Sources

  1. 01
    Tips to improve PC performance in Windows

    Microsoft Support · Read

  2. 02
    DDR4 and DDR5: compatibility

    Kingston · Read

  3. 03
    ThinkPad T480: PSREF

    Lenovo · Read