Question RAM disappearing into the void

[tones31]

I have 32GB RAM. I noticed almost 50% of it unaccounted for but is being used by something... my guess was WSL but I uninstalled it all. Why can't I see where this ram is being used up? If I open a game up it basically goes to 100% usage even if the game only uses a couple gb of ram. NO idea what is happening..

https://imgur.com/KOcFP8y

https://imgur.com/ScWrTD6

https://imgur.com/uF8PfyL

 

[DavidM012]

I asked a bot:

In summary, this could be faulty RAM, but memory leaks (from drivers or software), system-level reservations, or malware are also plausible—especially if RAM usage isn't explained by Task Manager and is accompanied by high hard faults/sec

Recommended diagnostic steps:

• Run a thorough memory test (MemTest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic) to check for defective RAM modules.
• Start Windows in Safe Mode and observe memory usage—if the issue disappears, a third-party driver or software is likely the cause.learn.microsoft
• Use advanced monitoring tools (like Sysinternals RAMMap, Process Explorer) to check kernel-paged/nonpaged pool usage, and see if Windows is reporting high "standby" or "driver locked" memory invisible to standard Task Manager.reddit+1
• Scan for malware/rootkits using multiple vendors (Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, etc.).elevenforum
• Double-check for any recent driver/software installations or updates, especially graphics or chipset drivers—several reports link AMD Adrenaline software to these types of memory leaks.learn.microsoft
• Consider checking "Resource Monitor" or the "Details" tab in Task Manager (not just "Processes") to see if any hidden processes are responsible.reddit

Please list full system specs:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram: (particularly the part number)
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU: brand/model/age
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:

So what could you be looking at identifying a 3rd party driver so what peripherals might you have connected to your pc anything unconventional or niche specialist gear maybe who could know but you

starting windows in safe mode I can never remember how to do that think you press shift these days while clicking 'restart' from the start menu. Then you get to boot options -troubleshooting somewhere in that nest of menus. don't 'reset your pc' or anything nothing there to stop you pressing the wrong buttons.

Malware check not my strongest suite. last time I looked you had to criss cross and run a dozen scans with a different variety of 'freewares unless you wanna remove it' sort of scanners.

Driver updates - driver booster from steam can update some of your drivers free but some are pay for driver booster if you wanna fix it - here it is by no means clear that a driver is simply the issue.

Faulty ram: Remove one dimm (or 3 if you have 4x4 dimms) and start with only one dimm in A2 socket. Switch it and test the other (ones) individually also. run memtest or testmem5 (hi 20 is one of the stressier plugins you can load in it) - this can be tedious and not a favorite pastime either

In the end if the kit is faulty however isolating 1 dimm may not help. Since they are factory paired as kits you'd need to rma the kit to get a replacement presuming you're still within the warranty timeframe.