learn how you can change your laptop RAM

1. See How Much RAM You're Using

Low memory is often the cause of bottlenecks on a computer, and can lead to not just slow performance but also stability problems. If you're a power user--multitasking across several intensive programs or keeping 30 or so browser tabs open at once--more memory will likely help your system run more smoothly.

You can check your laptop's memory usage in Windows Task Manager. Simply right click the taskbar and select Task Manager  (in Windows 7, hit the Windows key and type "task manager" in the search field). Then, in Task Manager's performance tab, see how much memory is being used out of the total available. You'll also see how many physical memory slots are in use and, thus, how many are available for adding more memory.

You'll get an even more detailed view by clicking on the "Open Resource Monitor" option at the bottom of the Task Manager window and navigating to the Memory tab. Note the screens will look slightly different under Windows 7 (shots below come from Windows 10).

If you're close to or over the amount of physical memory, you know you need more.

2. Find Out if  You Can Upgrade

Unfortunately many laptops have sealed bottoms or memory that's soldered onto the motherboard, both situations which prevent you from upgrade the RAM. It's also possible that the system just can't recognize more than a certain amount of memory and you could already be at the max. To find out whether you can upgrade your RAM, try Crucial's Memory Advisor tool. After entering in your brand and exact model of laptop, you should get a screen that shows the maximum amount of memory and how many slots your laptop has.

Crucial also lists memory modules you can buy for your laptop. However, you can get similar DIMMs from other brands as well. Note the speed and type of RAM you need, which is usually either DDR2, DDR3 or DDR4 with a particular speed next to it (ex: "DDR3 PC3-12800").

3. Open the Panel to Locate Your Memory Banks

With your additional memory in hand, it's time to upgrade your laptop memory, a pretty straightforward process. First, turn off your laptop and unplug the power adapter.

Then open the panel on the bottom of your laptop covering the memory banks. (Depending on your system, you might have to unscrew the whole back of the laptop to access the memory and other components.)

3. Ground Yourself to Avoid Electrostatic Discharge

Before you touch any component in your PC, though, touch any metal surface inside the computer (e.g., the back of the hard drive or a metal connector for another component). This will discharge any potentially damaging static electricity from your body.

4. Remove Memory if Necessary

If all of your memory slots are already filled, you'll need to pull out the existing DIMMs in order to replace them. To remove the memory module, push apart the clips holding it in place. The memory module should pop up at an angle. 

Then, holding the memory module by its edges--without touching the gold connectors at the bottom, lift the module out.

5. Install the New Memory Module(s)

Next, insert the new modules into your open slots at a 45-degree angle, with the gold edges facing down. Use even pressure with your fingers at the top of the modules to push them into place. When you hear a click and feel a DIMM snap into place, firmly push the module back until it is installed flat and level, with the clips holding it securely.

That's it! Power up your laptop and head back to the System Information window or Task Manager to verify your new memory has been added. Enjoy your upgraded memory!