How can I reduce or remove reserved RAM on Windows 11? My system is using 8 GB out of 16 GB total RAM, leaving only 7.95 GB available. I have an AMD Ryzen 5 2600X processor with a 64-bit operating system. What are the effective methods to decrease RAM reservation and improve available memory on my Windows 11 system?
Seeing 8 GB of your 16 GB RAM marked as hardware reserved memory in Windows 11 is frustrating, especially on a Ryzen 5 2600X setup where you expect full access to that memory. This often stems from BIOS settings reserving space unnecessarily, faulty RAM contacts, or outdated limits in msconfig—common culprits that can leave you with just 7.95 GB usable. Start by unchecking maximum memory in msconfig and tweaking BIOS allocations; these quick fixes reclaim most of that Windows 11 RAM without hardware swaps.
Contents
- What Causes High Hardware Reserved Memory on Windows 11
- Fix 1: Disable Maximum Memory Limit in msconfig
- Fix 2: Adjust BIOS Settings for Ryzen 5 260X
- Fix 3: Reseat and Test Your RAM Modules
- Fix 4: Optimize Virtual Memory Paging
- Fix 5: Update Your BIOS Firmware
- Additional Troubleshooting Tips
- Sources
- Conclusion
What Causes High Hardware Reserved Memory on Windows 11
Ever wonder why Windows 11 shows nearly half your RAM as untouchable? On systems like your Ryzen 5 2600X—which lacks integrated graphics—hardware reserved memory shouldn’t hog 8 GB out of 16. It typically happens because the BIOS reserves chunks for potential devices (like phantom iGPU buffers), old msconfig caps linger, or RAM sticks aren’t seated right.
Poor module contacts or mismatched slots eat into available memory too. And don’t overlook virtual memory mismatches; Windows might page out more than needed. Check Task Manager’s Performance tab first: if “Hardware reserved” dominates, you’re not alone—Ryzen users report this frequently.
Fix 1: Disable Maximum Memory Limit in msconfig
This is the easiest win. Windows sometimes enforces artificial limits from past tweaks.
Hit Windows + R, type msconfig, and Enter. Switch to the Boot tab, click Advanced options, and uncheck “Maximum memory” if it’s on. Apply, reboot, and watch that reserved block shrink—often by gigabytes right away, as noted in Microsoft Q&A discussions.
Why does this work? It tells Windows to use all detected RAM instead of capping it. For your 16 GB setup, expect usable memory to jump toward the full amount post-restart.
Fix 2: Adjust BIOS Settings for Ryzen 5 260X
BIOS is ground zero for hardware reserved memory on AMD rigs. Your 2600X doesn’t need iGPU allocation, but motherboards often default to reserving it anyway.
Restart and mash Delete (or F2/F10—check your mobo manual) to enter BIOS. Load “Optimized Defaults” first. Hunt for memory sections: disable or minimize “UMA Frame Buffer,” “Integrated Graphics,” or “Above 4G Decoding” if enabled unnecessarily. In MSI boards’ MIT menu, verify XMP is on and RAM totals 16 GB correctly.
Save and exit. Users on remontka.pro fixed similar 8 GB reservations this way. Boot back to Windows 11—Task Manager should show the change.
Fix 3: Reseat and Test Your RAM Modules
Faulty contacts? That’s sneaky. Power off, unplug, open your case. Remove RAM sticks, gently rub gold contacts with a soft eraser (no liquids!), and reseat in slots recommended by your manual—usually A2/B2 for dual‑channel on Ryzen.
Test one stick at a time in the primary slot. Run mdsched.exe from Run dialog for memory diagnostics. If a module’s bad, that 8 GB reservation vanishes once isolated. ElevenForum threads highlight this for Ryzen boards.
Quick? Yes. Effective? Often reclaims everything.
Fix 4: Optimize Virtual Memory Paging
Paging file confusion can mimic reservations. Right‑click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual memory > Change.
Uncheck “Automatically manage,” select C: drive, set Custom size: Initial = your reserved amount (8192 MB), Maximum = double that. Or just let Windows handle it post‑other fixes. Reboot.
Kapilarya’s Windows 11 guide swears by this for stubborn cases, freeing up Windows 11 RAM without BIOS dives.
Fix 5: Update Your BIOS Firmware
Outdated BIOS misreads Ryzen memory. Grab the latest from your motherboard maker (ASUS/MSI/Gigabyte site), flash via USB in BIOS.
Caution: Wrong file bricks boards. But for 2600X, updates fix detection issues, slashing reservations. MyWebPC recommends this after basics.
Post‑update, rerun msconfig check.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
Still stuck? Ensure 64‑bit Windows (System Info confirms). Disable fast startup in Power Options. Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup‑Image /RestoreHealth in admin Command Prompt.
Ryzen‑specific: Enable Resizable BAR if supported. Monitor with HWInfo for leaks. If all fails, MemTest86 overnight rules out bad DIMMs.
These stack—msconfig first, BIOS second, test iteratively.
Sources
- How do i fix ram being hardware reserved — Microsoft guidance on msconfig and BIOS fixes: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3984318/how-do-i-fix-ram-being-hardware-reserved
- Hardware Reserved Memory in Windows — Detailed RAM reseating and BIOS troubleshooting steps: https://remontka.pro/hardware-reserved-memory-windows/
- Hardware Reserved Memory - What it is and how to remove it — Virtual memory and BIOS adjustment instructions: https://mywebpc.ru/windows/zarezervirovano-apparatno/
- Fix High Hardware Reserved Memory in Windows 11 — Paging file optimization for Windows 11: https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-high-hardware-reserved-memory-in-windows-11
- Hardware reserved RAM — Ryzen‑specific BIOS reset advice from community: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/hardware-reserved-ram.25106/
Conclusion
Tackling hardware reserved memory on your Windows 11 Ryzen 5 2600X boils down to msconfig tweaks, BIOS resets, and RAM checks—most users reclaim that full 16 GB (or close) without buying new gear. Start simple, verify in Task Manager after each step, and you’ll boost available Windows 11 RAM noticeably. If reservations persist, it’s likely hardware; test thoroughly before upgrades.