Unlock Your Surface Pro 4’s Full Potential: Essential Tips on How to Increase RAM

The Surface Pro 4 is a powerful and versatile device, but like any computer, it can struggle when faced with demanding tasks and heavy multitasking. One of the most common bottlenecks is limited RAM. If you find your Surface Pro 4 lagging, freezing, or crashing, increasing its RAM might be the solution you need. This guide will walk you through the options available to you and how to increase RAM on your Surface Pro 4.

Understanding RAM and Its Importance

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the temporary storage space your computer uses to run programs and store data while you’re actively using them. The more RAM you have, the more programs you can run simultaneously without performance degradation.
Here’s why increasing RAM can be beneficial for your Surface Pro 4:

• Improved Multitasking: Run multiple applications, such as web browsers, productivity software, and creative tools, without experiencing lag or slowdowns.
• Faster App Loading: Launch applications quicker, reducing frustrating wait times.
• Enhanced Responsiveness: Experience smoother scrolling, faster file loading, and overall better responsiveness in your day-to-day tasks.
• Increased Stability: Reduce the likelihood of crashes and freezes, ensuring a more stable and reliable user experience.

The Limitations of Surface Pro 4 RAM

Unfortunately, the Surface Pro 4 has a soldered-in RAM module, meaning it’s not user-upgradeable. This means you can’t physically add more RAM sticks to your device. However, there are still ways to effectively increase your available RAM and improve performance.

Option 1: Virtual Memory (Pagefile)

One way to increase your effective RAM is by using virtual memory. This is a feature where your computer uses a portion of your hard drive as temporary storage for data that doesn’t fit in physical RAM.
Here’s how to adjust virtual memory on your Surface Pro 4:
1. Open System Properties: Right-click on “This PC” and select “Properties.”
2. Navigate to Advanced System Settings: In the left sidebar, click on “Advanced system settings.”
3. Access Performance Settings: In the “System Properties” window, click on the “Advanced” tab, and then click on “Settings” under “Performance.”
4. Adjust Virtual Memory: In the “Performance Options” window, select the “Advanced” tab. Under “Virtual memory,” click on “Change.”
5. Customize Settings: Choose “Custom size” and set the “Initial size” and “Maximum size” for your pagefile. For optimal performance, you can set the “Initial size” to 1.5 times your physical RAM, and the “Maximum size” to 2.5 times your physical RAM. Click “Set” and then “OK” to apply the changes.

Option 2: Optimize Your System

While you can’t physically add more RAM, optimizing your system can free up resources and make your existing RAM work more efficiently. Here are some tips:

• Close Unused Programs: Quit applications you’re not actively using to free up RAM for the programs you need.
• Disable Startup Programs: Many programs automatically start when you boot up your computer, consuming valuable RAM. Disable unnecessary startup programs through the Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
• Clean Up Disk Space: A cluttered hard drive can slow down your system. Use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary data.
• Defragment Your Hard Drive: Defragmenting your hard drive can improve performance by organizing data on your hard drive more efficiently.
• Run a Disk Check: Use the “Check Disk” tool (chkdsk) to scan your hard drive for errors and repair them.
• Update Your Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause performance issues. Ensure you have the latest drivers for all your hardware components.
• Run a System Scan: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to remove any malware or viruses that might be consuming system resources.

Option 3: Consider a Cloud-Based Solution

If your Surface Pro 4’s performance struggles persist, consider using cloud-based services for some of your tasks. Cloud storage and computing solutions can offload processing power and data storage from your device, freeing up resources and improving performance.

• Cloud Storage: Store files in cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to reduce the strain on your Surface Pro 4’s hard drive.
• Cloud Computing: Use cloud computing platforms like Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services, or Microsoft Azure for resource-intensive tasks, such as data analysis or video editing.

Option 4: Upgrade Your Surface Pro 4

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider upgrading to a newer Surface Pro model. Newer models often come with more RAM and faster processors, providing a significant performance boost.

Final Thoughts: Unlocking the Potential of Your Surface Pro 4

Even though the Surface Pro 4’s RAM is not upgradeable, you can still improve its performance through various methods. By optimizing your system, leveraging virtual memory, and exploring cloud-based solutions, you can give your Surface Pro 4 a much-needed boost in performance. Remember, even small adjustments can have a noticeable impact on your user experience.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I add more RAM to my Surface Pro 4?
A: No, the Surface Pro 4 has soldered-in RAM, which means it’s not user-upgradeable.
Q: How much RAM does my Surface Pro 4 have?
A: You can check your RAM by going to “System Information” in the Control Panel.
Q: Will increasing virtual memory significantly improve performance?
A: While increasing virtual memory can provide a temporary boost, it’s not a long-term solution. It’s best to consider other optimization methods for a more sustainable improvement.
Q: What are some other ways to improve my Surface Pro 4’s performance?
A: Other ways to improve performance include disabling unnecessary startup programs, updating drivers, and using a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster storage.
Q: Is it worth upgrading to a newer Surface Pro model?
A: Upgrading to a newer model can offer significant performance improvements, but it comes with a cost. Consider your budget and needs before making a decision.