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Shared GPU memory is the part of your system RAM that Windows allows the graphics card to use when its own video memory (VRAM) is full. Windows sets shared GPU memory to up to half of your installed RAM, so a PC with 32 GB of RAM shows about 16 GB of shared GPU memory in Task Manager. The memory is only used when needed.
How does shared GPU memory work?
Shared GPU memory works as an overflow area. The GPU first stores textures and data in its fast dedicated VRAM. When VRAM fills up, Windows moves extra data into shared GPU memory in system RAM. Integrated graphics have no VRAM of their own, so they rely on shared memory all the time.
What is the difference between dedicated and shared GPU memory?
The difference is location and speed: dedicated GPU memory is VRAM on the graphics card, and shared GPU memory is system RAM.
| Attribute | Dedicated GPU memory (VRAM) | Shared GPU memory |
|---|---|---|
| Location | On the graphics card | System RAM |
| Type | GDDR6, GDDR6X, GDDR7 | DDR4, DDR5 |
| Bandwidth | 300–1,800 GB/s | 50–100 GB/s |
| Used by | Discrete GPUs | Integrated GPUs, and discrete GPUs when VRAM is full |
| Size | Fixed (8–32 GB) | Up to 50% of system RAM |
Is shared GPU memory bad?
No, shared GPU memory is not bad. It prevents crashes when VRAM runs out. Heavy use of shared memory on a discrete GPU does lower performance, because system RAM is many times slower than VRAM, causing stutter and low frame rates.
Does shared GPU memory take RAM away from the PC?
No. Shared GPU memory is not reserved; the number in Task Manager is a maximum. Windows uses the RAM for apps until the GPU actually needs it.
How do you check shared GPU memory?
You check shared GPU memory in Task Manager: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open Performance > GPU and read Shared GPU memory and Dedicated GPU memory under the graphs. Read how to see what graphics card you have for other methods.
Can you change shared GPU memory?
You cannot change the shared GPU memory limit set by Windows. For integrated graphics, many BIOS menus let you change the dedicated portion of RAM, called UMA Frame Buffer Size or DVMT Pre-Allocated. AMD Ryzen laptops may also offer Variable Graphics Memory in AMD Software.
How do you reduce shared GPU memory usage in games?
You reduce shared GPU memory usage in games with 3 changes:
- Lower texture quality, which uses the most VRAM.
- Lower resolution or use upscaling such as DLSS, FSR or XeSS.
- Close background apps that use the GPU.
When games regularly exceed VRAM, a card with more memory is the real fix; see the GPU buying guide.
Want to know how much dedicated memory you actually need? Read how much VRAM do I need.
FAQ
Why is my shared GPU memory half my RAM?
Windows sets the shared GPU memory limit to half of installed RAM by default.
Does more RAM increase shared GPU memory?
Yes. More system RAM raises the shared GPU memory limit.
Is shared GPU memory used by gaming?
Only when VRAM is full, or when the PC uses integrated graphics.
Related guides
- What Is a GPU? Graphics Card Basics
- Integrated vs Discrete Graphics
- CPU vs GPU
- Why Is My GPU Usage So High?
Related reading: see our guide on using an external GPU with a laptop.
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