How to Check Video Memory (VRAM) in Windows 11? [Easy Steps]

VRAM, or Video Random Access Memory, is a special type of memory used by your graphics processing unit (GPU). It stores textures, images, and graphical data so that your GPU can quickly access and render them.

There are typically two types of VRAM you might see in Windows:

Dedicated Video Memory refers to the actual VRAM physically present on your graphics card. This is the most important number for gaming and graphics performance.

Shared System Memory is a portion of your system RAM that can be used as additional graphics memory if needed. This is common in systems with integrated graphics.

In this guide, I will guide you step by step to know your VRAM if you are using Windows 11.

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How to Check Video Memory (VRAM) in Windows 11?

To check Video Memory (VRAM) in Windows 11, open Settings, go to System, then Display, click Advanced display, and select Display adapter properties. Under the Adapter tab, you will find Dedicated Video Memory, which shows your VRAM.

Let’s learn in detail!

Step 1: Open the Settings App

The first step is to open the Settings application in Windows 11. This is the central place where you can access all system configurations, including display and graphics settings.

To do this, press the Windows key + I on your keyboard. This shortcut instantly opens the Settings window. Alternatively, you can click on the Start menu and select Settings manually.

Once the Settings window appears, you will see different categories like System, Bluetooth and devices, Network, and more. Since VRAM is related to display and graphics, you need to work within the System section.

Step 2: Navigate to Display Settings

Inside the Settings app, click on System if it is not already selected. Then look for the Display option and click on it.

The Display section shows all the settings related to your monitor, including brightness, resolution, scaling, and multiple display configurations. Scroll down slightly until you find an option labeled Advanced display.

This section is important because it provides more technical details about your display hardware, including refresh rate, resolution, and connected display devices.

Step 3: Open Advanced Display Settings

Click on Advanced display to continue. This will open a new screen that shows detailed information about your current display.

Here, you will see information such as:

Display resolution
Refresh rate
Bit depth
Color format

If you have multiple monitors connected, you may see a dropdown menu that lets you select which display you want to inspect. Make sure you select the correct one if you are using more than one screen.

At this point, you are very close to finding your VRAM details.

Step 4: Access Display Adapter Properties

Scroll down within the Advanced display section until you find the option labeled Display adapter properties for Display 1 or a similar name, depending on your setup.

Clicking this option will open a small window called Display Adapter Properties. This window contains detailed hardware-level information about your graphics adapter.

This is where Windows stores information about your GPU, including VRAM.

Step 5: Check Dedicated Video Memory (VRAM)

In the Display Adapter Properties window, look under the Adapter tab. You will see several values listed here.

One of the most important entries is Dedicated Video Memory. This number represents the actual VRAM available on your graphics card.

For example, you might see:

Dedicated Video Memory: 4096 MB
This means your system has 4 GB of VRAM.

You may also see:

Shared System Memory
Total Available Graphics Memory

While these are useful, the Dedicated Video Memory is the key figure you should focus on when evaluating your system’s graphics performance.

Step 6: Understand the Results

Once you find your VRAM value, it is important to understand what it means for your usage.

If your system has 2 GB VRAM, then it is suitable for basic tasks and light gaming. If it has 4 GB VRAM, it can handle moderate gaming and creative work, and if it has 6 GB or more VRAM, it is ideal for modern gaming and high-resolution editing

If you are using an integrated GPU, the dedicated VRAM might appear low, such as 128 MB or 512 MB. In such cases, the system uses shared memory from RAM to compensate.

Check Video Memory (VRAM) Using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

Another easy way to check VRAM is by using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, commonly known as dxdiag.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type dxdiag and press Enter. Once the tool opens, switch to the Display tab.

Here, you will find the Display Memory (VRAM) value along with other GPU details like driver version and manufacturer.

This method is especially useful if you want a quick overview without navigating through multiple settings menus.

Using Task Manager

You can also check VRAM through Task Manager, which provides real-time performance data.

Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. Then go to the Performance tab and click on GPU.

In this section, you will see information about:

GPU usage
Dedicated GPU memory
Shared GPU memory

This method is helpful if you want to monitor VRAM usage while running applications or games.

FAQs

What is VRAM and why is it important?

VRAM is a type of memory used by your graphics card to store images, textures, and graphical data. It is important because it directly affects how well your system can handle graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing.

How much VRAM do I need?

The amount of VRAM you need depends on your usage. For basic tasks, 2 GB is enough. For gaming and editing, 4 GB to 8 GB is recommended. High-end users may require even more.

Can I increase VRAM in Windows 11?

You cannot physically increase VRAM unless you upgrade your graphics card. However, systems with integrated graphics may allow you to adjust shared memory through BIOS settings.

Why does my system show low VRAM?

If your system uses integrated graphics, it may show low dedicated VRAM because it relies on shared system memory instead of having its own dedicated memory.

Is shared memory the same as VRAM?

No, shared memory is borrowed from your system RAM, while VRAM is dedicated memory on your graphics card. Dedicated VRAM is faster and more efficient.

Does VRAM affect gaming performance?

Yes, VRAM plays a major role in gaming performance. Insufficient VRAM can lead to lag, texture issues, and lower frame rates.