How much does Random Access Memory (RAM) does your computer have? Not to be confused with disk space, RAM is responsible for storing and reading data on the fly. Each time your computer is turned off, data stored in RAM is automatically deleted. Unfortunately, insufficient RAM may result in several symptoms, some of which include the following.

#1) Random Freezing

Low RAM can may cause your computer to freeze at random times. When programs and apps consume all or most of your computer’s RAM, it will cause performance issues, including the potential for random freezes.

#2) Random Rebooting

In addition to random freezing, low RAM may cause your computer to reboot at random times. You might be typing a document, only for your computer to shut itself off without warning. Your computer may run faster upon rebooting, but low RAM will continue to cause performance issues like random rebooting if left unchecked.

#3) High Memory Usage

Of course, you can often tell whether or not your computer has a sufficient amount of RAM by checking memory usage in the Task Manager. Assuming you have Windows, you should be able to launch the Task Manager to see what percentage of your computer’s RAM is currently in use. Just hold Ctrl + Alt + Del to open the Task Manager and view your computer’s RAM usage. If it’s above 60%, you may need to upgrade your computer with more RAM.

#4) Lag When Typing

If you experience lag when typing, it could be a sign that your computer needs more RAM. Normally, your computer should respond almost immediately when you press a key. If there’s a delay of a second or longer, it could be a sign of low RAM. Lag such as this can occur when a computer doesn’t have enough RAM.

#5) Programs and Apps Not Responding

Nonresponsive programs and apps may indicate insufficient RAM. Even if you’ve already opened a program or app, it may stop responding if your computer has low RAM. The program or app may still be open — and you might even be able to click buttons or links in it — but it won’t respond to your commands. Instead, you’ll be forced to close and restart it.

#6) Blue Screen of Death

Low RAM can result in the dreaded blue screen of death. As the name suggests, this phenomenon involves Windows displaying a blue screen, which is typically filled with code in white text. Several things can trigger the blue screen of death, one of which is low RAM.