How to Get More Storage on My PC

In this article, you’ll easily understand how to get more storage on my PC via detailed guide of increasing RAM and how to upgrade hard disk without data loss.

Lucas

By Lucas / Updated on January 20, 2025

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Can I get more storage for my computer?

When we talk about computer storage, it usually means RAM. Of course you can buy more storage for your computer. But, many users have hesitated before upgrading their RAM or SSD for gaming or programming, despite that both can enhance the efficacy of their devices. A significant number of them have conducted searches in those technical communities in pursuit of a clear explanation. This article will provide an easy-understanding analysis of SSD and RAM, and subsequently provide a practical recommendation based on your primary needs.

RAM & SSD – What are the differences between RAM and SSD?

Basic of RAM—What is RAM on Windows PC?

Random-access memory (RAM) is sometimes known as main memory. It is an internal memory that communicates directly with the CPU. It allows you to read and write at any time (except for refreshing) at a high pace. It is typically employed as a temporary data storage medium for the operating system or other running applications. When RAM is operational, information can be written or read from any given address at any time.

RAM

1. Random access
It refers to the time necessary to read or write data in memory, which has nothing to do with the location of the information or where it is recorded. When RAM is in regular operation, data can be read and written virtually simultaneously. RAM has several advantages, including ease of reading and writing, flexibility of use, and suitability for situations where data is constantly altered quickly.

2. Access Speed
A high-quality RAM is now nearly the fastest for writing and reading on all access devices. Yes, it is faster than SSD, but the access latency is minimal when compared to other mechanical storage solutions.

3. Data Volatility
Computers and digital systems use RAM to store programs, data, and intermediate results temporarily. When the power is switched off, RAM cannot keep data, therefore you must save it to a long-term storage device, such as a hard drive. After turning on the power, the data information can be viewed at any time from any location unit, however the internal information disappears when the power is turned off.

Basic of hard disk (SSD) -- What is hard disk on Windows PC?

An SSD is a device that employs flash memory to store data permanently as secondary storage in a computer's hierarchical structure. Solid-state drives' interface requirements, definitions, functions, and usage techniques are nearly identical to those of traditional hard drives; however, SSDs have a faster reading and writing speed, are lighter in weight, consume less energy, and are smaller in size than mechanical hard drives.

1. Quick reading and writing speed
Because SSDs use flash memory as a storage medium, their reading speed is faster than that of mechanical hard disks, and this speed is reflected not only in continuous reading and writing, but also in fast random reading and writing, which is the irresistible spot that causes users to vacillate when selecting an appropriate part to improve the performance of their PC.

2. Drop resistance
SSD is made of flash memory particles, which are storage medium similar to a U disk; thus, there is no mechanical portion within the SSD solid-state drive, so routine operation is unaffected even when it is moved at high speeds or tilted. Furthermore, it can reduce the likelihood of data loss in the event of crashes and shocks.

3. Lightweight
SSDs are 20-30 grams lighter than traditional 1.8-inch hard drives.

Get more RAM or upgrade to a larger SSD?

RAM and SSD are two distinct components that are incomparable. People are perplexed because both can fulfill their requirements. The choice between RAM and SSD is determined not only by your needs, but also by the device itself. Now, open your computer's information and review the following lines.

How to get more storage on PC

For 64-bit system users

If your system is 64-bit, then you will have more available choices.

• 1. Installed RAM: 8GB

If you are utilizing a mechanical hard disk (HDD), and the memory is greater than or equal to 8GB, then you’d better select to upgrade to SSD. By the way, if your 64-bits system memory has low frequency and small RAM, for instance, a 4GB DDR3 RAM, then we suggest that you upgrade to 8GB DDR4 RAM.

• 2. Installed RAM: 16GB

If you wish to increase RAM to 16GB, then you’ll have to check more things. Check your motherboard's manual or specifications online to confirm it supports 16GB of RAM. Determine your current RAM type (e.g., DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5). The new RAM must match your motherboard’s supported type.

Check the speed of your existing RAM (e.g., 2400MHz, 3200MHz). Adding RAM with the same speed ensures compatibility and optimal performance.

If your motherboard has two slots and supports dual-channel, you can install two 8GB sticks to reach 16GB. Install RAM in pairs (e.g., two 8GB sticks) to enable dual-channel mode, which significantly improves performance compared to single-channel mode. (If your motherboard has only two slots and both are occupied, you may need to replace the existing RAM with larger-capacity modules.) If it has four slots, you could use four 4GB sticks, but two sticks are generally better for dual-channel performance.

Note: If your system is a 32-bit operating system, the installed RAM is 4GB, then the only thing you can do is to add RAM that cannot be larger than 4GB.

To add more storage to PC, make sure you understand all the information about your Windows, as mentioned above, you can change your RAM from a small one to a larger one if your PC satisfies the considerations we mentioned above. Some laptops may need to be dispatched your computer to check if there are extra memory slots.

Step 1. Buy a suitable RAM for your computer, if your PC only has one slot, you need to substitute the small RAM with a large RAM, if you can install more RAM, you should purchase a new RAM which is the same as the old one.

Step 2. Press “Windows"+ "R” at the same time, input “cmd” and press” Enter”.

Step 3. Type command "wmic ” then hit “Enter”.

Step 4. Input "memorychip” and press "Enter”.

In the window, you can see the information of memory, such as speed, capacity, interface, etc.

Check RAM

After you turn off your computer, unplug any cables or other attachments. This includes the power cable, any USB attachments, Ethernet cables, and so on. Make sure you ground yourself. This will prevent you from accidentally harming your computer's internal components with static electricity.

Step 1. Open your computer case. This will allow you to visually inspect your RAM slots and currently installed modules, which can make choosing your new RAM easier.

Step 2. Remove the existing RAM cards if necessary. If you're removing the old modules to make room for bigger ones or taking them out to upgrade to a faster speed, you can quickly remove them by releasing the latches on each side of the RAM, or by gently tugging on the RAM if there are no latches. Once the latches are released, you can pull the RAM straight out.

Step 3. Remove the new RAM cards from their protective bag. Make sure that you only touch the RAM cards along the side edges so that you don't get oil, dirt, or skin particles on the contacts or circuitry.

Step 4. Line up the notch on the new card with the break in the RAM slot. RAM can only be inserted in one direction, so make sure that the slot and module line up

Step 5. Push the RAM card firmly into the slot. Apply even pressure to the card, but do not force it in. In most cases, there will be latches on either side that will snap into place when the RAM card is correctly installed.

Now, you can plug back in any cables, USB items, and peripherals you had plugged in before. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM in the System Properties window; you should see your RAM listed next to the "Physical Memory" heading.

How to upgrade SSD on Windows PC

If you decide to upgrade SSD, you must first consider how to transfer the data to your SSD safely. As a result, a professional and convenient third-party software, AOMEI Partition Assistant, is the best personal disk manager available. You can transfer your data from one MBR/GPT disk to another without danger of loss or corruption. If necessary, you can also opt to copy only certain parts of the data. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily complete the process, whether you are a computer newbie or a tech whiz.

Please insert your new SSD into your PC, after your machine detects your SSD, run AOMEI Partition Assistant.

Step 1. In the top menu, select the “Clone Disk” feature under the "Clone".

clone-disk

Step 2. Choose the Windows system drive as the source disk and click "Next".

select-source-disk

Step 3. Select the SSD drive as the destination disk, and then click "Next".

select-destination-disk

Step 4. Then, you can check the source and destination disk in the next window or change to "Sector to Sector clone", and click the "Confirm" button to continue if there is no problem.

confirm

Here, you can also click the "Settings" button to adjust the partition size on the destination disk or tick "4k alignment" to improve the reading and writing speed of the SSD.

edit-disk

Tip: If you regret the partition size you set in this part, you can use the “Allocate Free Space”, or the “Resize/Move Partition" function to adjust again.

Step 5. Click “Finish” and then click “Apply” to execute the pending operation.

apply

You can try to boot your PC to check if the SSD is workable.

Conclusion

How to get more storage on my PC? Now, you know all the details. RAM and SSD are both storage parts on PC but they have different usage. Make sure you check the information on your RAM before you buy new. To upgrade hard disk, we suggest you use AOMEI Partition Assistant to easily and safely upgrade disk via disk cloning utility. You don't need to reinstall the system or costmising your settings.

Lucas
Lucas · Staff Editor
I prefer peaceful and quiet life during vacation,but sometimes I watch football match if my favorite club performs brilliantly in that season. And I love reading, painting and calligraphy, thus I send my friends festival handwriting cards every year.