If you’re a gamer, video editor, or just someone curious about your PC’s performance, knowing how much memory your graphics card (GPU) has is essential. The graphics card memory, also known as VRAM (Video Random Access Memory), plays a key role in rendering images, running games, and handling heavy graphics tasks.
But here’s the good news: checking your GPU memory in Windows 11 is super easy! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through all the safe and simple methods to check your graphics card memory—without the need for third-party apps.
Why Is Graphics Card Memory Important?
Before diving into the steps, let’s answer the “why.” Why should you care about GPU memory?
- Gaming Performance: Games with high-quality textures demand more VRAM.
- Video Editing: Editing 4K footage requires a powerful GPU with plenty of memory.
- Graphic Design & 3D Work: VRAM allows smoother rendering and faster previews.
- System Stability: Low VRAM can lead to crashes, stuttering, or reduced performance.
Think of VRAM like the fuel tank of your graphics card—the bigger it is, the more smoothly it can run demanding tasks.
Types of Graphics Cards in Windows 11
Windows 11 PCs usually come with either:
- Integrated Graphics (iGPU): Built into the CPU, uses shared system memory (e.g., Intel UHD, AMD Vega).
- Dedicated Graphics (dGPU): Separate hardware with its own VRAM (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon).
Knowing which one you have is the first step before checking memory.
Method 1: Check Graphics Card Memory from Display Settings
This is the easiest way, and you don’t need any technical knowledge.
Step 1: Open Display Settings
- Right-click anywhere on the desktop.
- Select Display settings.
Step 2: Go to Advanced Display Settings
- Scroll down and click Advanced display.
Step 3: Open Display Adapter Properties
- Click Display adapter properties for Display 1.
Step 4: View GPU Information
A new window opens showing details like:
- Dedicated Video Memory (VRAM)
- Shared System Memory
- Total Available Graphics Memory
This tells you exactly how much VRAM your GPU has.
Method 2: Check Graphics Card Memory via Task Manager
Task Manager gives you real-time GPU details.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Step 2: Switch to Performance Tab
- Click the Performance tab.
- On the left panel, choose GPU 0 (or GPU 1 if you have two).
Step 3: Check GPU Memory
Here you’ll see:
- Dedicated GPU Memory
- Shared GPU Memory
- Total Memory Available
Method 3: Check GPU Memory Using DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag)
DxDiag is a built-in Windows tool for checking graphics details.
Step 1: Open Run Dialog
- Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Switch to Display Tab
- Click on the Display tab.
Step 3: View Display Memory
- Under Display Memory (VRAM), you’ll see the memory available for your GPU.
Method 4: Check GPU Memory with System Information
Another built-in option is System Information.
Step 1: Open System Information
- Press Win + S, type System Information, and open it.
Step 2: Expand Components
- Go to Components > Display.
Step 3: Find GPU Memory
Here you’ll see details about:
- Adapter RAM
- Driver version
- GPU manufacturer
Method 5: Check GPU Memory Using Settings App
Windows 11’s Settings app also shows VRAM.
Step 1: Open Settings
- Press Win + I.
Step 2: Navigate to Display
- Go to System > Display > Advanced display.
Step 3: View GPU Properties
- Select Display adapter properties.
- Check Dedicated Video Memory.
Method 6: Use Device Manager to Check GPU Information
Device Manager doesn’t show memory directly but confirms which GPU you have.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
- Press Win + X, select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand Display Adapters
- You’ll see your GPU(s) listed.
Step 3: Cross-Check with Manufacturer Website
- Search the GPU model online to find VRAM details.
Method 7: Use PowerShell to Check GPU Memory
Tech-savvy users may prefer PowerShell.
Step 1: Open PowerShell
- Press Win + S, type PowerShell, and run as administrator.
Step 2: Enter Command
Type:
Get-WmiObject win32_videocontroller | Format-List Name,AdapterRAM
Step 3: View Results
It will show the GPU name and VRAM (in bytes). Convert it into GB for clarity.
Method 8: Check GPU Memory via Third-Party Tools (Optional)
If you want detailed insights:
- GPU-Z (lightweight tool for GPU monitoring).
- MSI Afterburner (popular among gamers).
- Speccy (system information tool).
These apps provide advanced details like clock speeds, VRAM usage, and temperature.
How Much VRAM Do You Need?
The “right” amount depends on usage:
- 2GB – 4GB VRAM: Basic tasks, HD video, casual gaming.
- 6GB – 8GB VRAM: Modern AAA games at 1080p, video editing.
- 10GB – 12GB VRAM: 1440p gaming, 3D design, heavy editing.
- 16GB+ VRAM: 4K gaming, AI workloads, professional rendering.
Common Issues When Checking GPU Memory
- Seeing 0MB VRAM: Usually a driver issue—update GPU drivers.
- Wrong GPU detected: Can happen with dual GPUs; check which one is active.
- Integrated GPU showing instead of dedicated: Force apps to use the dedicated GPU via Graphics Settings.
How to Increase Graphics Card Memory in Windows 11
While you can’t physically add VRAM to a GPU, you can optimize it:
- Update Graphics Drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
- Adjust Graphics Settings in games/apps to use less memory.
- Allocate More Shared Memory (via BIOS settings for integrated GPUs).
- Upgrade to a Dedicated GPU for better performance.
Protecting Your GPU Performance
- Keep drivers updated through NVIDIA/AMD software or Windows Update.
- Monitor GPU temps to avoid overheating.
- Close unnecessary apps that consume GPU memory in the background.
Final Thoughts
Checking your graphics card memory in Windows 11 is easier than you think. Whether you use Display Settings, Task Manager, DxDiag, or advanced tools like PowerShell, you’ll always find the details you need.
Knowing your VRAM helps you make smarter choices when gaming, editing, or upgrading your PC. And remember—if your GPU isn’t powerful enough for your needs, sometimes the best solution is upgrading to a dedicated graphics card.
FAQs
1. Can I check VRAM without third-party apps?
Yes, Windows 11 has built-in tools like Display Settings, Task Manager, and DxDiag.
2. Does integrated graphics have VRAM?
Not exactly—it shares memory with your system RAM instead of having its own.
3. How do I check if my laptop has a dedicated GPU?
Open Device Manager > Display Adapters. If you see Intel + NVIDIA/AMD, you have both integrated and dedicated GPUs.
4. Can I increase VRAM in Windows 11?
You can’t add VRAM physically, but you can allocate more shared memory through BIOS for integrated GPUs.
5. Why does Windows show less VRAM than my GPU’s actual spec?
Some memory may be reserved for system processes, so the displayed VRAM might be slightly lower.