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How to Fix Laptop Not Booting after RAM Upgrade

Switching the RAM around slots may be the fastest solution

6 min. read

Updated onApril 12, 2024

updated onApril 12, 2024

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Key notes

You have found this guide because your laptop is not booting after a RAM upgrade. So let us show you how to fix this.

The hardware in a computer device called Random Access Memory (RAM) stores the OS, application programs, and data currently in use so that the device’s CPU may access them rapidly. This is the primary memory of a computer.

For different reasons, you may want to upgrade it. For example, some applications may require additional RAM, while sometimes, your RAM may go bad and require replacing.

Whichever is the case, there are times when, after a RAM replacement, your PC will not boot. This is worrying, and we will tell you all you need to know about this error.

Why, after installing RAM, computer will not boot?

How do I fix my laptop if it’s not booting after a RAM upgrade?

1. A power reset

2. Reseat the RAM

The angle at which you enter the new RAM is crucial information to know after the old RAM has been removed and you are prepared to insert or install the new RAM.

Some individuals tend to push RAM into position horizontally or entirely flat, which is a bad technique since the RAM won’t fit into its spot no matter how hard you push it.

Inserting it correctly involves angling it between 30 and 50 degrees. When correctly positioned, the RAM will fit in quickly and easily if tilted at a 30-degree angle while being inserted.

3. Check RAM maximum capacity

4. Change the RAM type

Many modern computers will use DDR3 or DDR4 RAMS. Mixing this up, you will have issues booting the laptop since the installed RAM does not match the motherboard.

5. Change the RAM

There is a chance that the new RAM you have mounted will be bad. This could be a result of many different factors. For example, it could be destroyed by the manufacturer or even in transit.

You may also have scratched the RAM against a hard surface during mounting.

Whatever the reason, if your RAM is spoiled or damaged, you may not be able to boot your computer after mounting it. In such situations, your best bet is to replace it.

6. Do not skip the first RAM slot

You are not obligated to fill your PC’s RAM slots entirely. For example, if your PC has 4 RAM slots, you may be able to use 4GB RAM per slot, bringing the total to 16GB.

You may only fill up two slots and have 8 GB or RAM on your computer. However, ensure you do not skip the first slot as long as you are not filling up all the spaces.

In many computers, it becomes impossible to boot once the first slot is skipped.

7. Swap the RAM slots

A solution as simple as this will often be enough. If you have more than one RAM slot, remove the RAM in one slot and put it in a different slot.

This may be a starting point because it is the most basic solution. It is not always effective, but it has been known to work.

What happens if RAM isn’t installed correctly?

As you must have noticed, there is a high chance that your PC will not boot. You may also hear a beeping sound, as this is an auto alarm for some RAM-related malfunctions.

If your RAM module isn’t placed correctly, your computer’s longevity may be impacted, and you may experience program crashes, faults, or non-starting applications.

The BIOS does not need to be updated when merely updating or adding RAM; however, you would change it if it also has some issues.

Also, note that some of the solutions in this guide will apply if your laptop is slow to boot after the RAM upgrade.

Try out these solutions if the replaced RAM on the laptop won’t allow it to boot. If you face any other complications, we want to know what they are.

Do not panic when you face issues after installing a new RAM, as most of the time, with slight changes, you should have your PC up and running.

If you have amemory management blue screen, you should follow the simple steps in our guide.

Also, let us know in the comments section which solutions you have found most helpful.

How to Fix Laptop Not Booting after RAM Upgrade#

How do I fix my laptop if it’s not booting after a RAM upgrade?#

1. A power reset#

2. Reseat the RAM#

3. Check RAM maximum capacity#

4. Change the RAM type#

5. Change the RAM#

6. Do not skip the first RAM slot#

7. Swap the RAM slots#

What happens if RAM isn’t installed correctly?#