How to Increase VRAM in Windows 11? (5 Easy Methods)

BySean Marshall

If your Windows 11 PC is showing poor graphics performance, especially when running games, 3D software, or video editing tools, you might need more VRAM (Video RAM). VRAM is a special type of memory used by your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) to handle graphical data. Increasing VRAM can help reduce lag, stuttering, and rendering delays.

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to increase VRAM in Windows 11 and improve your system’s graphic capabilities without replacing hardware.

Why Increase VRAM on Windows 11?

There are several reasons you may want to increase VRAM on your Windows 11 system:

  • Improve game performance
  • Run video editing software smoothly
  • Load HD textures faster
  • Avoid frame drops or graphical glitches
  • Support newer DirectX features

If you’re using an integrated GPU, like Intel UHD Graphics or AMD Vega, the system uses part of your system RAM as VRAM. In that case, increasing VRAM is often a BIOS-level configuration.

How to Check Current VRAM on Windows 11

Before making any changes, check how much VRAM is currently available:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Display.
  3. Click on Advanced display settings.
  4. Select Display adapter properties.
  5. Under the Adapter tab, look for Dedicated Video Memory.

This value shows how much VRAM is assigned to your GPU.

Method 1: Increase VRAM via BIOS Settings

This method is only available for integrated GPUs. You can allocate more system memory to act as VRAM.

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. As the system boots, press the BIOS key (usually F2, Delete, or Esc depending on your motherboard).
  3. Navigate to the Advanced or Chipset Configuration tab.
  4. Look for Graphics Settings, Video Settings, or IGPU Memory.
  5. Find the option to adjust shared memory size or DVMT Pre-Allocated.
  6. Change the value to a higher number (e.g., 512MB, 1GB, or more).
  7. Save and exit the BIOS.

After rebooting, Windows 11 will allocate more RAM as VRAM.

Note: Changing VRAM from BIOS only applies to integrated GPUs. Dedicated GPUs (NVIDIA, AMD) come with fixed VRAM.

Method 2: Modify VRAM Allocation Using Registry Editor

If BIOS options are locked or unavailable, you can try a Registry tweak. This doesn’t truly change VRAM, but it can help bypass software checks that prevent some apps from running.

Warning:

Incorrect registry changes can cause system issues. Always backup your registry before making changes.

Steps to Change VRAM Value in Registry:

  1. Press Windows + R and type regedit. Press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Intel
  3. Right-click the Intel folder, select New > Key, and name it: GMM
  4. Click on the GMM folder. In the right panel:
    • Right-click and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
    • Name it: DedicatedSegmentSize
  5. Double-click the new value and select Decimal.
  6. Enter a number between 0 and 512 (representing MB). Try 512 for 512MB VRAM.
  7. Click OK and restart your system.

This registry setting works for Intel integrated graphics. It may help certain games or programs that refuse to launch due to low VRAM.

Method 3: Update GPU Drivers

Sometimes, low performance isn’t because of VRAM—it’s due to outdated drivers. Updating your graphics driver can improve VRAM management and overall GPU performance.

  1. Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters.
  3. Right-click your GPU and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

You can also visit the official websites of your GPU manufacturer:

GPU BrandDriver Update Site
Intelintel.com
AMDamd.com
NVIDIAnvidia.com

Installing the latest drivers ensures DirectX 12 and hardware acceleration features work properly.

Method 4: Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

Virtual memory is different from VRAM, but tuning it may help your system allocate resources better, especially when multitasking with GPU-intensive apps.

  1. Press Windows + S and type performance.
  2. Click Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual memory.
  4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size.
  5. Select the C: drive, choose Custom size, and set values like: Initial size: 4096 MB Maximum size: 8192 MB
  6. Click Set, then OK, and restart your PC.

This doesn’t increase VRAM, but it helps Windows manage RAM more effectively, indirectly improving graphical performance.

Method 5: Upgrade to a Dedicated Graphics Card

If you constantly experience VRAM shortages and use graphics-heavy applications, consider upgrading to a dedicated GPU.

Integrated GPU (iGPU)Dedicated GPU (dGPU)
Shares system RAMHas own VRAM (2GB–24GB)
Limited performanceHigh performance
Good for light tasksIdeal for gaming, design, 3D rendering

Popular models include:

  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660, RTX 3060
  • AMD Radeon RX 6600, RX 6700 XT

Installing a dedicated GPU gives you a significant graphics performance boost without relying on shared memory.

Additional Tips to Improve Graphics Performance

Increasing VRAM is just one part of the solution. Use these extra tips to get the best visual performance on Windows 11:

  • Close background apps that use GPU (e.g., Chrome, Teams)
  • Set graphics preference for apps via Settings > System > Display > Graphics
  • Use Game Mode to optimize performance
  • Keep Windows and drivers updated
  • Lower in-game graphics settings if VRAM is limited

Overview of Methods to Increase VRAM in Windows 11

MethodSuitable ForDifficultyImpact
BIOS SettingsIntegrated GPU usersModerateMedium
Registry EditorIntel Graphics onlyModerateLow-Medium
Driver UpdatesAll GPU usersEasyMedium
Virtual Memory TuningAll Windows usersEasyLow
Dedicated GPU UpgradeAll systemsAdvancedHigh

Final Thoughts

VRAM limitations can cause lags, blurry textures, or app crashes—especially when using graphic-intensive software. While Windows 11 doesn’t allow direct VRAM upgrades through software alone, methods like adjusting BIOS settings, editing the registry, and upgrading to a dedicated GPU can help boost performance.

Always check your system’s hardware specs, use the right settings, and make safe changes to avoid system issues. With the right adjustments, your PC can handle heavier visual workloads and give you a smoother experience.

FAQs

Can I increase VRAM on a Windows 11 laptop?

Yes, but only if your laptop uses integrated graphics. You can increase VRAM through the BIOS or by using a registry tweak. Dedicated GPUs on laptops have fixed VRAM that cannot be changed.

Is increasing VRAM from BIOS safe?

Yes, increasing VRAM from the BIOS is generally safe if done correctly. Just make sure not to allocate more memory than your system RAM can support.

How much VRAM do I need for gaming?

For casual or older games, 2GB of VRAM is enough. For modern AAA titles at 1080p, 4GB to 6GB is recommended. If you’re playing at 1440p or 4K, 8GB or more VRAM is ideal.

Can I increase VRAM without BIOS access?

If your BIOS doesn’t allow VRAM changes, you can try using the Windows Registry to simulate more VRAM. While it doesn’t truly increase VRAM, it may allow apps to launch that require higher values.

Does virtual memory affect VRAM?

No, virtual memory and VRAM are different. However, increasing virtual memory can help your system perform better under load, which may improve overall performance indirectly.

Will increasing VRAM improve FPS in games?

Increasing VRAM can improve FPS if the original VRAM amount was too low for the game. However, overall performance also depends on the GPU model, CPU, and system RAM.

Sean Marshall
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