Windows 10: Too Much Hardware Reserved Memory, Have Tried Several Fixes

I am having issues with too much system reserved memory (currently 5.0gb system reserved with 3.0gb available). I am running 64x Windows on PCI Express 2.0 CFX X58 Pro. I have 2 identical 8gb sticks in. I have 2 identical 4 sticks as well (not installed). I have had all four of the ram sticks in simultaneously before and it showed 24gb, 21gb hardware reserved. So basically no matter what I try I only have access to 3.0gb. Although I would like to know why it isn't currently reading my second 8 stick, the more immediate question on my mind is how to free up all of that hardware reserved memory.

I have looked through all of these for solutions to my issues and none have worked.

I have also tried the solutions here: What Can I Do When Windows See Less Usable RAM Than Installed | PCsteps.com
Except I could not find either of the settings this suggests I would find in my BIOS. Both methods of changing the boot options in msconfig did not work. I did NOT update my BIOS yet, but I am on the second to most recent version anyway.

I also tried changing the setting in registry editor as shown in this video here: Hardware reserved memory FIX (3 ways) - YouTube
Interesting note: before changing this value my computer was showing I had 24gb installed (even though I only had 16 in), then after changing it, it showed I had 8gb installed (again, even though I have 16 in.) This is the first thing I have tried that changed anything though.

I have also tried a fresh install of Windows while trying to solve this issue.

Hopefully helpful screen shots:














:)

 

Hardware Reserved Memory issue, common fixes don't seem to have worked


Hey guys,

I have the seemingly common Hardware Reserved Memory issue, wherein I have 32GB (4x8) of RAM installed, but the system is reserving 8.1gb.




System specs:
Windows 10 Enterprise, 64 bit
Motherboard: MSI x399 Pro Carbon, CPU is Threadripper 1950x
RAM: G Skill Trident Z 32GB (4 x 8), F4-3200C16Q-32GTZR

I've tried some of the common fixes for this issue, such as forcing a pagefile dump at shutdown, making sure the maximum memory option is unchecked in the Boot tab of msconfig, and making sure the RAM is installed into the proper channels as indicated by the motherboard manual. BIOS is latest version.

I will note that I have been unable to find any settings on my mobo BIOS that is/is not allocating memory, memory remapping, allocation to my GPU, etc., nor could I find anything to that effect in the manual of the motherboard. I'm not sure how relevant this is but some online posts have shown this could be an issue. Going into Device Manager and sorting by memory resource usage does show my GPU at the top of the list:





CPU-Z shows all four slots with identical settings:





Going into BIOS shows this; all four sticks are detected, but only 3 are usable/included in the DRAM.





Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

 

What is Hardware Reserved memory and can it be changed?

Hello John,

The Hardware Reserve is a memory that is reserved for use by the BIOS and some drivers for other peripherals. To assist you with your concern, we suggest that you update your BIOS to isolate/fix the issue. We would also suggest that you
reach out to the manufacturer of your computer to get assistance on how to update your BIOS.

For further queries, feel free to post back.

Regards.

 

how to fix hardware reserved ram 1.1gb

Hi John,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

I understand that you would like to uncheck/change the hardware reserved memory size.

I would like to let you know that Hardware reserved memory is reserved for use by the BIOS and some drivers for other peripherals. I would suggest you to not make any changes to this. This will help the computer run smoothly.

If you are facing any problem with the hardware reserved memory, please post back with the issue. We’ll be glad to check and help you accordingly.

Thank you.