How to Check Hardware Reserved Memory on Windows

When your Windows computer seems to have less usable memory than expected, it is often because a portion of your RAM is hardware reserved. This memory is set aside by your system’s BIOS or hardware components (such as integrated graphics or device drivers) and is unavailable for general use. While Windows Task Manager can show this information, Wise Memory Optimizer offers a simpler and more visual way to check it.

What Is Hardware Reserved Memory?

Hardware reserved memory refers to the part of physical RAM allocated for essential system-level tasks. Common reasons for reserved memory include:

• Integrated graphics cards using shared memory

• BIOS or UEFI firmware settings allocating system memory

• Hardware features like memory-mapped I/O (Input/Output)

Method 1. View Hardware Reserved in Task Manager

Task Manager displays an approximate figure for the Hardware Reserved RAM if you navigate through its sidebars.

Step 1. Open Task Manager

Right-click on your Taskbar, and click Task Manager from the drop-up menu.

Step 2. Select Performance

On the main interface of Task manager, switch to the Performance tab from the left-side navigation bar. Then, find Hardware reserved section on the right pane and check its figure.

Method 2. Check Hardware Reserved via Wise Memory Optimizer

Wise Memory Optimizer shows more precise Hardware Reserved Memory in a more direct and straightforward method.

Step 2. Open Advanced

The main dashboard automatically analyzes and displays a overview of your system’s memory usage in a circular chart.

Click on Advanced at the right-bottom corner to open more information. Check your current Hardware Reserved Memory from the right-side pane that opens.

Step 3. Optimize Memory Usage (optional)

While Wise Memory Optimizer does not directly modify hardware-reserved allocations (as those are handled by the BIOS or hardware), you can still click the Optimize button to reclaim idle memory, improving system performance without affecting system stability.

Conclusion

For most users, using Wise Memory Optimizer is an easy and reliable way to check how much exactly your Windows system uses its Hardware Reserved Memory comparing with the Windows Task Manager method.