Video Ram (VRAM) stores image data for smooth computer graphics. It’s especially important in apps that display multi-faceted image textures or 3D structures. Side effects of low VRAM include a poor gaming or animation experience.
Luckily, there are methods you can use to increase your VRAM. Read on to learn your options for a PC using integrated graphics with shared RAM.
Points to Consider Before Increasing VRAM
- It’s better to purchase a dedicated GPU to increase the power of your computer for long-term stability.
- The methods advised in this article will not work if your computer can’t handle the software or game you’re playing.
- Lowering your computer’s graphics settings is a workaround option.
How to Increase VRAM in Windows 11
In Windows 11, you can increase your VRAM by entering BIOS or by making a tweak via the Registry Editor. Although many manufacturers will let you fine-tune your VRAM settings, the option is not available on all motherboards.
Follow these steps to increase the VRAM using the BIOS menu:
- Restart your PC, then to enter the BIOS, repeatedly press the “F2,” or “F5,” or “F8,” or “Del” key. Otherwise, discover how to enter BIOS for your particular motherboard by conducting a manufacturer search.
- When you see the BIOS options, find the second menu beneath “Video Settings,” “Graphics Settings,” or “Intergrated Graphcis Configuration.” It’s usually found under below “Advanced” menu.
- Now you can adjust the “DVMT Pre-Allocated VRAM” or “UMA Frame Buffer Size” to a size suitable for your system.
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- Once you’re done, save the modifications, then reboot your computer.
- When you reboot your PC, you’ll see the updated VRAM amount.
These are the steps to make the change via the Registry Editor:
- Type “Run” in the Start menu to launch the “Run” app.
- Then to access the “Registry Editor,” type “
regedit.”
- Go to the following path: “
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Intel.”
- Right-click on the “Intel” folder in the left panel. Hover your pointer on “New,” then choose “Key.”
- Call the new key “GMM,” then select it.
- Right-click inside the right panel, then choose “New” and click on “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
- Name the new value “DedicatedSegmentSize.” Ensure the initial letter of every word is capitalized and without spaces.
- Double-click on “DedicatedSegmentSize,” then set the “Base” to “Decimal” and add value from 0 to 512. The value entered will be the total VRAM shown inside the “Adapter Properties” menu.
- Save the updates and reboot your PC to confirm the modifications have taken effect.
How to Increase VRAM in Windows 10
In Windows 10, you can increase your VRAM through your BIOS or using the “Registry Editor.” Follow these steps to improve your VRAM vis BIOS:
- Reboot your PC, then to access the BIOS options by pressing the “F2,” or “F5,” or “F8,” or “Del” key repeatedly. Or find out how to enter BIOS for your specific motherboard by locating the manufacturer via an internet search.
- When you see the BIOS options, find the second menu beneath “Video Settings,” “Graphics Settings,” or “Intergrated Graphcis Configuration.” It’s usually found under below “Advanced” menu.
- Now you can adjust the “DVMT Pre-Allocated VRAM” or “UMA Frame Buffer Size” to a size suitable for your system.
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GIGABYTE - Once you’re done, save the modifications, then reboot your computer.
- After restarting your PC, you’ll see that your VRAM amount has increased.
Alternatively, follow these steps to increase the VRAM in the Registry Editor:
- Enter “Run” in the Start menu to launch the “Run” app.
- Type “
regedit” to access the “Registry Editor.”
- Navigate to the following path: “
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Intel“.
- In the left panel, right-click on the “Intel” folder. Then hoover your pointer on “New,” and select “Key.”
- Name the new key “GMM,” then click on it.
- Right-click inside the right panel, then click “New” and select “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
- Call the new value “DedicatedSegmentSize.” Ensure the initial letter of every word is capitalized and without spaces.
- Double-click on “DedicatedSegmentSize,” set the “Base” to “Decimal,” and add a value from 0 to 512. The value entered should be the total of VRAM shown inside the “Adapter Properties” menu.
- Finally, save the increase and reboot your PC to confirm the adjustments have taken effect.
How to Increase VRAM with an NVIDIA Graphics Card
The most stable way to increase your PC’s RAM is by upgrading the graphics card. A sound graphics card like NVIDIA is recommended for some serious power and a heightened gaming experience. A dedicated GPU will offer you more VRAM and computing power overall.
There isn’t a perfect amount of VRAM suitable for everyone. But here are some guidelines for how much VRAM you should look for in a graphics card:
1-2GB of VRAM
These cards are typically at the more affordable end of the scale. They’ll provide better performance than an integrated graphics configuration but can’t handle many of the above-average settings of modern games. Consider purchasing a card with this amount of VRAM for playing older games that an integrated graphics setup can’t accommodate. This amount isn’t recommended for 3D or video editing tasks.
3-6GB of VRAM
This size is considered mid-range. It’s suitable for average gaming or somewhat intensive video editing. It won’t be sufficient for excessive texture packs, but you can play modern games at 1080p with few issues.
8GB of VRAM and Above
This much RAM is for hardcore gamers. The size is perfect for modern games at 4K resolution.
How to Increase VRAM in BIOS
The option to tweak your VRAM settings is not available for all motherboards. Follow these steps to increase the VRAM using the BIOS menu:
- Reboot your PC then as it’s restarting, continuously press one of the following keys to access the BIOS: “F2,” “F5,” “F8,” or “Del.” Otherwise, find out how to access the BIOS for your specific motherboard through an internet search.
- Once the BIOS screen is displayed, go to the second menu beneath “Video Settings,” “Graphics Settings,” or “Intergrated Graphcis Configuration.” It’s usually found under below “Advanced” menu.
- Now you can adjust the “DVMT Pre-Allocated VRAM” or “UMA Frame Buffer Size” to a size suitable for your system.
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GIGABYTE - After that, save the update, then reboot your PC.
- The new VRAM amount will be available when your PC comes back up.
How to Increase VRAM Using CMD
Follow the steps below to increase the VRAM in the Registry Editor via CMD:
- Launch “Start.”
- Enter a search for CMD.
- Right-click on the result and choose “Run as administrator.”
- Then to access the “Registry Editor,” and type “
regedit.”
- Go to the following path: “
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Intel“
- In the left panel, right-click on the “Intel” folder. Hover your pointer on “New,” then select “Key.”
- Call the new key “GMM,” then select it.
- Right-click inside the right panel, then select “New” and click on “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
- Name the new value: “DedicatedSegmentSize.” Make sure the initial letter of every word is capitalized and without spaces.
- Double-click on “DedicatedSegmentSize,” then set the “Base” to “Decimal” and add a value from 0 to 512. The number entered should be the total of VRAM shown inside the “Adapter Properties” menu.
- Save the update, then reboot your PC to verify the changes have taken effect.
Get More From Your Graphics Card
If your GPU memory is low or full, it impacts how fast your GPU performs and how powerful your computer is. Apart from upgrading your graphics card, you have the option to increase VRAM with a few tweaks to Windows 10 and 11. This can be done by accessing the BIOS or Registry Editor. These solutions are convenient but should be used as short-term solutions only. Upgrading to a more powerful graphics card is recommended.
What type of graphics-intensive activities or games do you enjoy? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
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