Frequently Asked Questions for Graphics Memory on Windows 8*/8.1*
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How much graphics memory does my computer have?
Use the following steps to view the graphics memory in Windows 8*/8.1*:
- Switch to the Windows Desktop
- Right-click a blank area of the desktop and select Screen Resolution.
- Click Advanced settings.
- The total available graphics memory is listed on the Adapter tab under Adapter Information.
How is graphics memory allocated in Windows 8*/8.1*?
The Windows 8/8.1 operating system improves support for graphics, simplifying graphics, memory configuration, and management. As part of graphics memory management, the Intel® HD Graphics Driver leaves more of the graphics memory sizing to Windows 8/8.1.
What is the maximum amount of graphics memory or video memory my computer can use?
The table below shows maximum graphics limits supported by Intel® HD Graphics Drivers depending on your processor. The maximum graphics memory limit reported by Windows* can vary. The memory limit depends on factors like available system memory, BIOS, or system settings.
For more details on how Windows* handles memory management, see Microsoft documentation for graphics memory reporting through WDDM.
| Intel® Processor | Maximum Graphics Memory1 on Windows 8*/8.1* |
| Intel® Iris® Pro Graphics 580 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® Iris® Graphics 550 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® Iris® Graphics 540 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® HD Graphics 530 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® HD Graphics 520 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® HD Graphics 515 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® Iris® Pro Graphics 6200 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® Iris® Graphics 6100 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® HD Graphics 6000 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® HD Graphics 5500 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® HD Graphics 5300 | Up to 3840 MB |
| Intel® Iris® Pro Graphics 5200 | Up to 1792 MB |
| Intel® Iris® Graphics 5100 | Up to 1792 MB |
| Intel® HD Graphics 5000/4600/4400/4200 | Up to 1792 MB |
| Intel® HD Graphics 4000/2500 | Up to 1792 MB |
| Intel® HD Graphics 3000 | Up to 1792 MB |
| Intel® HD Graphics 2000 | Up to 1792 MB |
| Intel® Celeron® Processors 700/800/900/1000/B700/B800/G400/G500 Series with Intel® HD Graphics | Up to 1792 MB |
| Intel® Pentium® Processors 900/2000/B900/G600/G800/G2100 Series with Intel® HD Graphics | Up to 1792 MB |
| Intel Atom® Processor Z2760 | Up to 748.5 MB |
1The actual amount of maximum graphics memory on your computer may be less than the amount listed in the table. Amounts greatly depend on your computer configuration. You can find more information about your computer configuration from the computer manufacturer. Computer manufacturers can alter features, incorporate customizations, or make other changes that limit or reduce actual maximum graphics memory.
Can I increase graphics memory to the maximum amount supported by the chipset?
In most cases, your computer manufacturer has already configured your computer to use the maximum amount of graphics memory possible. The maximum amount supported by your computer can be less than the maximum amount supported by Intel® graphics. Check with your computer manufacturer for the actual maximum graphics memory supported. Check with manufacturers if you can increase the amount of graphics memory.
Can I add more physical memory to increase my graphics memory amount?
Increasing memory depends on hardware and software configurations set by your computer manufacturer. Check with your computer manufacturer for the actual maximum graphics memory supported before adding more physical memory.
Does upgrading to Windows 8*/8.1* increase the amount of graphics memory?
Increasing memory depends on hardware and software configurations set by your computer manufacturer. Check with your computer manufacturer for the actual maximum graphics memory supported with Windows 8/8.1.
Can I control how much graphics memory is used by a single application?
No. The amount of graphics memory in use is dynamically allocated to balance the needs of the operating system and all running applications.