Windows 7 - W7 32bit ... can I use all of my 4GB RAM ?

Just upgraded to Windows 7 32bit ... it's on a Dell 9200 with 4 GB RAM

Windows 7 shows 4GB installed 3GB usable ..... is that as good as I can get ? ........... seems hell of a waste to not use 25% of available RAM ?

32bit s/w should allow addressing up to 4GB ..

Is there something I need to set ? or is that it with Windows 7

Without special hardware and software ~3.25 gigs is all you will get. If your hardware can handle it run 64 bit.

4GB of ram is max for Win 7 32 bit.

Memory Limits for Windows Releases

The 32-bit version of Windows can only use a maximum 3.25GB of RAM although in Windows 7 the system properties window will display the 4GB that is installed.

If you want the benefit of the full 4GB you would need to install the 64-bit version of Windows.

That is why I am asking ... I have 4GB ... yet Windows 7 is only using 3GB of it ?

And remember, 4GB is all that 32bit can address. And that takes into account video ram, etc. So, as others said about 3.25GB is all that you will get for the OS directly. As long as you don't run old 16 bit apps and your hardware has 64bit drivers, this is the way to go.

Go to Start and type in resmon and have look at the ram section at the top of page. I will show you exactly what
ram is doing and amounts.

We repeat: Windows 7 32-bit CANNOT use more than 3.25GB, but system properties will show that you have 4GB installed.

no u cant use it,,flop your 64 bit disk and run that,,

Good explanation here by Lordbob75 & zzz2496.

32 bit vs 64 bit Comparison - Windows 7 Forums