I found a hidden way to limit RAM on Windows 11, and the results were way more surprising than I expected

Windows 11, while engineered to optimize the use of installed memory, offers users the flexibility to limit RAM usage. This capability is particularly useful for software testing, troubleshooting, or simulating environments with lower memory. However, it’s important to note that there is no straightforward option to simply set the operating system to “only use 4GB of RAM.” Instead, users must navigate through the legacy System Configuration tool, known as msconfig, which is primarily designed for testing and debugging purposes.

⚠️Important: This setting limits the amount of memory available to the entire operating system. It is not intended for regular use, as it can lead to significant performance degradation and may cause applications to run sluggishly or become unresponsive.

How to limit the system RAM on Windows 11

To restrict the memory available to Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for System Configuration (or msconfig) and select the top result to launch the application.
3. Navigate to the Boot tab.
4. Select the current Windows installation, if applicable.
5. Click on the Advanced options button.

6. Check the Maximum memory option.
7. Specify the amount of memory you want Windows 11 to utilize (in megabytes).

• Quick tip: Since the value must be entered in megabytes, use 4096 (4GB), 8192 (8GB), 16384 (16GB), or 32768 (32GB).

8. Click the OK button.
9. Click the Apply button.
10. Click the OK button again.
11. Restart your computer.

Upon completing these steps, Windows 11 will adhere to the specified memory limit, disregarding any additional installed RAM until the restriction is lifted. During testing, it was observed that Task Manager reported 3GB when the limit was set to 4GB. This discrepancy arises because part of the physical address space is reserved for other components. For precise testing with 4GB available, consider reserving an extra 1GB, such as setting it to 5120 (5GB), to reflect 4GB in Task Manager.

How to restore full RAM access on Windows 11

To revert to full memory access on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for System Configuration (or msconfig) and select the top result to open the app.
3. Go to the Boot tab.
4. Select the current Windows installation, if applicable.
5. Click on the Advanced options button.

6. Uncheck the Maximum memory option.

7. Click the OK button.
8. Click the Apply button.
9. Click the OK button once more.
10. Restart your computer.

After completing these steps, Windows will once again recognize and utilize all available RAM.

Why would you limit RAM?

This feature is primarily designed for testing rather than for daily operations. Common scenarios include assessing application performance under constrained memory conditions, troubleshooting software issues related to memory, simulating older hardware environments, and facilitating software development. For instance, recent tests explored the performance of Windows 11 with 8GB of RAM in 2026.

If your aim is to reduce overall memory consumption or free up RAM, it is advisable to disable unnecessary startup applications, close background processes, or consider upgrading your system rather than limiting the operating system’s memory allocation.

Why can’t you set the maximum memory?

On certain modern systems, especially those utilizing UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled, the “Maximum memory” setting may not be accessible or may be disregarded. In such cases, temporarily disabling Secure Boot could be necessary to apply the memory limit.

⚠️Warning: Disabling Secure Boot diminishes your computer’s defense against boot-level malware and may hinder some security features. Only disable Secure Boot temporarily for testing purposes, and ensure to re-enable it afterward.

Disable Secure Boot

To disable Secure Boot, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to System.
3. Access the Recovery page.
4. Click the Restart now button under the “Advanced startup” section.

5. Click the Restart now button again.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Choose Advanced options.
8. Select the “UEFI Firmware settings” option.

9. Click the Restart button.
10. Access the advanced settings page for your motherboard.
11. Select the “Secure Boot” option and choose “Disabled.”

After completing these steps, restart your device and then configure the “Maximum memory” setting in System Configuration (msconfig).

Enable Secure Boot

Before proceeding, ensure to restore the memory settings from the System Configuration, and then to enable Secure Boot, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to System.
3. Go to the Recovery page.
4. Click the Restart now button under the “Advanced startup” section.

5. Click the Restart now button again.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Choose Advanced options.
8. Select the “UEFI Firmware settings” option.

9. Click the Restart button.
10. Access the advanced settings page for your motherboard.
11. Select the “Secure Boot” option and choose “Enabled.”

Once these steps are completed, Secure Boot will be re-enabled on your computer.

FAQs for limiting RAM usage on Windows 11

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the process of limiting memory usage in Windows 11.

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