How To Identify DDR RAM Type on Windows 10: A Simple Guide

Trying to figure out what kind of RAM you’ve got in your Windows 10 machine? It might seem a bit tricky, especially if you’re not comfortable opening up your PC or pulling out modules. Luckily, there’s a handy way to peek at your RAM type—DDR3, DDR4, whatever—without messing around inside your system. Using the built-in Command Prompt, you can get this info in a couple of easy steps. This is super useful if you’re thinking about upgrades or troubleshooting memory issues, and it saves you from guesswork or tearing your hair out. Just follow along and you’ll have the details in no time.

How to Check RAM DDR Type in Windows 10

Before diving in, know that you’re basically accessing system info that Windows stores in the background. The goal is to run a simple command that tells you the DDR generation, which can otherwise be a mystery when shopping for new RAM or debugging. Expect this to be quick, and if it seems to stall or give weird results, just re-run or double-check that you’re running Command Prompt as an admin. Sometimes, on certain setups, it’s a little finicky, but generally, it works pretty straightforward.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Hit the Start menu, type “cmd” into the search box.
Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. Yep, needed for some deeper info.
If Windows prompts for permissions, accept. This gives full access to system info that plain cmd doesn’t always see.

Not sure why, but on some PCs, the command might not return anything unless you run it with admin rights. Of course, Windows has to make things harder than necessary sometimes.

Type the Command to Check Memory Type

In the Command Prompt window, type wmic memorychip get memorytype and press Enter.
This command pulls a bunch of info about each RAM stick installed, including the DDR version. The number you get is a code for the type.
On one setup, it spit out “24” for DDR3, on another, it said “26” for DDR4. Why is Windows doing this? No idea, but these numbers are standard.

If you want even more details, including capacity, manufacturer, speed, you can run wmic memorychip list full. Just be warned—it outputs a lot of info, and not all of it is super easy to decode, but it’s there if you need it.

Decipher the Number and Confirm Your RAM Type

Check the number that appears—it’s a code like 24, 26, etc.
Look it up online, or at least check a trusted list. For quick reference: 24 is DDR3, 26 is DDR4, and there are others if you have a very old or very niche system.
The counts are standard, but yeah—Windows is kinda cryptic here. A quick Google search (or check on dedicated tech sites) can clear it up fast.

This little trick is surprisingly reliable—though on some rare machines, it might show wrong info or be blank. Reboot and try again if needed. Weird stuff, but this command is your friend.

Close the Command Prompt

Type exit and press Enter.
Or just close the window—either way, done.

And that’s it. Now you’ll know what kind of RAM is lurking inside your PC, which is great info for when you want to upgrade or just understand what your system is running. Hard to believe how quick it can be with just a command, right?

Tips for Checking RAM DDR Type in Windows 10

Make sure your Windows is fully updated—older versions might mess with command output or lack certain info.
Always run Command Prompt as an admin; otherwise, the data might be incomplete or just not show up.
If you want even deeper info—like speed and serial number—try Winhance or similar tools. Sometimes third-party apps make life easier.
Cross-reference the number you see with a current DDR type list—this info can go out of date as new RAM standards release.
Remember, this info doesn’t show up if your system doesn’t recognize the command or if permissions are wrong. Double-check your admin rights if stuff seems weird.

FAQs

What if the command just doesn’t work or shows nothing?

Double-check you’re running Command Prompt as administrator. Also, verify no typo—it’s wmic memorychip get memorytype. Sometimes, Windows just throws a fit, so reboot and try again.

Can I get other details about my RAM with this?

Yep. Use wmic memorychip list full to get capacity, manufacturer, speed, etc. But be prepared for info overload—and not all of it is easy to interpret.

Is this method safe?

Totally. You’re just querying system info, not changing anything. No risks in typing commands here.

Do I need internet access for this?

Nah. Once Command Prompt is open, it’s all offline. No web needed.

Can I upgrade my RAM after checking the type?

Absolutely. Knowing whether you’ve got DDR3 or DDR4 makes shopping for compatible RAM much easier, so you avoid buying the wrong stuff.

Summary of Steps

Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type wmic memorychip get memorytype and hit Enter.
Interpret the number you see — check online for what it means.
Close Command Prompt, and you’re done.

Wrap-up

Being able to check your RAM type without cracking open your PC is a small but useful bit of tech literacy. It’s kind of weird how Windows hides some info, but with this trick, you get a quick answer. Knowing your RAM type makes upgrades, replacements, or troubleshooting way smoother, saving time and hassle.

Sometimes, these small steps can make a big difference—at least in not guessing blindly when shopping for new RAM or diagnosing slowdowns. And who knows? Maybe next time, you’ll impress someone at the tech store with your own info. Fingers crossed this helps, and happy tinkering!