How to upgrade RAM on a laptop

Is your laptop slow to respond? If so, you may think it’s time to buy a new one. But don’t worry! There’s a better, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly way to get the performance you need from you laptop — a memory (RAM) upgrade.

Adding RAM can make your laptop faster, increase your system responsiveness, and improve multitasking. Installation is fast and easy, and the benefits can be instant.

Looking to install memory in a desktop instead of a laptop? Use our quick guide to desktop memory installation.

Adding or upgrading RAM in a laptop doesn't require any specialist computer skills, just a screwdriver and 10 easy steps

First, you need to determine how much memory you’d like to add to your computer. This will depend on what you want to use the laptop for. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend:

• Casual user (web browsing, apps/games and videos): at least 8GB
• Intermediate user (web browsing, apps and videos, plus more gaming and/or productivity apps, such as MS Office): at least 16GB
• Professional user/gamer/graphic designer: At least 32GB

Another instant way to improve laptop performance is to upgrade your hard disk drive (HDD) to a solid state drive (SSD) – installing an SSD in a laptop could be another quick win.

Laptops are designed with specific RAM requirements – how many modules, the configuration of modules, memory technology, and storage size are all specific to each laptop.

In less than 60 seconds, the Crucial System Selector or System Scanner allow you to use a database of more than 100,000 systems to find compatible upgrades, guaranteed.

Static electricity can damage the components in any home computer system.

To protect your system’s components from static damage during the installation process, touch any of the unpainted metal surfaces on your computer’s frame or wear an ESD wrist strap before touching or handling internal components. Either method will safely discharge static electricity that’s naturally present in your body.

To protect your memory module, avoid touching the gold pins or components (chips). It’s best to always hold the module by the top or side edges

Clear off a large installation space, and make sure you’re working in a static-safe environment by removing any plastic bags or papers from the area.

Then collect:

• Your laptop computer
• Compatible Crucial laptop memory
• Screwdriver
• Owner’s manual

Because your files, documents, and data are saved on your storage drive, they will remain unaffected when you install new RAM.

Unplug your laptop's power cable and remove the battery. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Press the power button for 5 seconds. This discharges any residual electricity still in the system. If your battery is not removable, there’s no need to hold the power button down.

For instructions about opening your specific system, consult its owner’s manual.

You should also take pictures with your phone to see where cables or screws are attached to make it easier to put them back together.

Now is the time to ground yourself to avoid static damage during the installation process.

Pull the side clips away from the module to release it. Then take the RAM modules out of the slots.

Holding the modules along the edges, align the notches on the module with the ridge in the slot, then apply even pressure and firmly press the module in. It usually takes about 30 pounds of pressure (about half the force needed to open up a tight jar) to fully install the module.

Close the laptop case and reinstall the battery

Boot up and enjoy running more memory-intensive apps on your more responsive laptop!