Guide to Installing Laptop Memory Illustrated How-to

Step-by-step instructions for installing laptop memory.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: 10-15 Minutes
Tools: Small Philips Screwdriver

Installing a laptop memory upgrade the easy way.

We’ve developed this guide to show you specifically how to install laptop memory the right way using simple illustrations. Our step-by-step instructions will detail how any of you can physically perform a memory upgrade within 15 minutes using a simple screwdriver.

Where To Begin?

Installing laptop memory is going to be easier than you can imagine. As a first step of course you will need to know a few things about your particular laptop.

You will need to know what specific memory your laptop uses, how much your laptop currently has installed, and the maximum amount your laptop supports among other things.

Don’t worry, this is easy as pie!

If you don’t know how much you system currently has, Windows users simply go into the control panel and access the System Properties. You will find your memory size under the general tab within.

Other options include checking the documentation that came with your laptop, or if necessary you could even call the manufacturer. Another way is to look at the memory report on screen as you first turn on your computer. As you see there are many ways.

Once you know how much your laptop has, we personally recommend Crucial’s (www.crucial.com) Memory Advisor tool for it walks you step-by-step through selecting the correct laptop memory upgrade for your specific computer.

The Memory Advisor tool is awesome for it shows how many slots you have, maximum amount that your laptop accepts, and even memory speed among other things. We highly recommend it when installing laptop memory for it is a valuable yet easy to use tool. By the way, Crucial makes great memory too.


On with the installation!

Once you’ve purchased the correct memory, have a small Phillips screwdriver ready, and a laptop in hand of course, you are ready to rock & roll. Let’s begin!


Installing Laptop Memory - Illustrated guide

Step 1:

Turn off the computer, remove all power cords, and finally take out the battery. Batteries are typically removed using a small mechanical switch. Push the switch in the proper direction and simply pull the battery out.

Step 2:

Locate the small panel on the bottom of the laptop concealing the memory modules. Most manufacturers make it easy to find the memory module locations. Often you will see a tiny “M” or other illustration next to the panel. If necessary you can always reference the manual.

Note: Keep in mind when installing laptop memory that some laptops have memory modules in other locations like under the keyboard for example. Unfortunately we aren’t covering this type of installation in this guide because it is slightly more complex and specific to each laptop. However, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like some free advice.

Step 3:

Remove the small screws holding the panel in place and then put panel and screws aside in a safe place so you don’t lose them.

Step 4:

When installing laptop memory you may need to take out an existing module to make room.

To remove existing modules find the small clamps on each side of the module and gently move them both outwards from the memory module slightly until the module pops up at about a 40-degree angle.

If you are unsure at this point simply take a breath and briefly study things until the picture comes together. The clamp mechanism is actually rather simple.

Once the memory module is at the 40-degree angle you simply pull it out at the same angle gently.

Step 5:

To install simply align the notch of the memory module with the memory slot and gently push the module into the slot at a 40-degree angle, and once you can see that the pins are in the slot gently rotate the module down flat until the clamps lock it in place. That’s it, easy right?

Step 6:

Replace the memory panel securing it with the screws, pop the laptop battery back in place, and finally plug in the laptop.

Great job you’re almost done.

Final Step :

Now that you are done physically installing laptop memory you will only need to verify that you computer did in fact properly detect it.

While it depends on the laptop, many will give you a brief message similar to “Your system memory size has changed” once you turn it on. Sometimes you may need to press an F1 or other key to continue when prompted but that’s usually about all there is to installing laptop memory.

You are done performing a laptop memory upgrade. Easier than you thought, right?

Congratulations!