RAM is your PC's short-term memory, so it's incredibly important. If your laptop supports RAM upgrades, swapping out the existing sticks for something faster can be a straightforward way to see some serious performance improvements. In some cases, you can even expand your laptop's memory capacity, too.
Here's how to upgrade the memory in your laptop.
Can you upgrade?
Before you can upgrade your laptop's memory, you need to know if it's even possible. Not all notebook computers allow RAM upgrades; an increasing number of laptops have soldered RAM, while others can have a sealed chassis. Some of the best laptops prevent RAM upgrades. If you've got a recent MacBook or another compact laptop, for example, you're probably out of luck.
Check the underside of your laptop. If it has a compartment that lets you access the memory, you should be able to upgrade the memory without much difficulty. Similarly, if you can see the screws, it is likely the computer can be opened. If you're unsure, check your laptop manufacturer's website or your manual for more help.
Buy the right RAM
To upgrade your laptop's RAM, you need to install the right kind of RAM. That can get complicated, as laptop RAM is physically different to desktop PC RAM. Even seasoned upgraders have accidentally or inadvertently bought the wrong type of RAM at least once.
You don't want to get this wrong, so check our guide on how to buy RAM, which will walk you through how to choose the best RAM for your laptop.
Back up your data
Before you upgrade your RAM, if you are at all concerned about the process, back up any important data on your laptop.
Although it's extremely unlikely that you'll damage the laptop, it simply isn't worth the risk. If there is crucial data on stored on your computer's SSD or HDD, make sure you have it backed up. While the storage itself probably won't be damaged, or the data lost, getting the RAM upgrade wrong can prevent the computer booting correctly. This can have some knock-on effects, so it is worth taking this simple precaution.
How to upgrade your laptop's RAM
Before you start, ensure you're using a clear work area. Remove any jewelry from your hands, discard any wool-based or man-made fibres, and opt for rubber soled shoes. Static is a real risk to your computer once it is opened, so these precautions must be taken. Spending a few dollars on an anti-static wrist band is wise for this sort of procedure, but quick jobs like upgrading or replacing RAM typically don't require a band.
You should also have an appropriate screwdriver to remove the screws, and some sort of small, narrow plastic device to prize the laptop's casing open. A guitar plectrum (pick) is useful for this, but a plastic knife will also do the job. A metal device will damage both the case and potentially the laptop's internals, and might even result in electric shock, so definitely do not poke anything conductive into your laptop.
Step 1: Begin by turning off your laptop, ensuring you follow any instructions in the manual for a specific shutdown type for hardware changes.
Then, ensure it is unplugged from any power source, and if you have a removable battery, detach this.
Next, turn your laptop over onto a clean surface. You might prefer to rest the upturned computer on a towel or foam sheet to avoid scratches on the lid. Unscrew the RAM compartment or the underside of the case.
Once the screws are removed, to remove the case, slide the plectrum between the upper and lower halves of the laptop's chassis, wiggling gently to unclip the various catches. The underside of the laptop's case should then come away.
Step 2: If you're looking at a small compartment for RAM, you should be able to see one or two slots.
Otherwise, if you've removed the laptop's underside and are looking at the motherboard, identify the RAM. Usually this is obvious, although occasionally it is hidden by antistatic sheets (which can be temporarily removed if necessary).
Whichever scenario you're faced with, the RAM is secured in place by a pair of clips, one at each end of the module. The RAM slot is spring-loaded, so when the clips are opened, the RAM module will pop up.
If there is a RAM module you plan to replace, unclip the retention clips and when it springs up, pull it free from the slot.
Step 3: To install a RAM module, take a stick of memory, then line it up with the slot, ensuring the notch matches. Push it in, then press down so the retention clips snao into place to lock the stick down.
Repeat this step for each stick in turn.
Step 4: Replace the memory access panel and turn your laptop back over again.
Step 5: Turn your laptop back on. If it boots successfully, you've upgraded your laptop's memory! Check all the new RAM is recognized properly by navigate to Settings > System > About.
If the laptop doesn't start, try taking the new RAM out and installing it again to make sure you've done it correctly.
While your laptop is open, it's a good time to check the computer is working efficiently. To help with this, take a few minutes to clean your laptop fan.
Although the process differs slightly, it's just as easy to install RAM in your PC.
