How to Use Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to Test RAM

If your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC is crashing with Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, freezing randomly, or rebooting during heavy tasks like gaming or video editing, a common cause is faulty RAM (memory). However, Windows includes a built-in tool called Windows Memory Diagnostic that lets you test your RAM for errors without installing any third‑party software. It performs a series of memory tests when the system restarts and shows you whether it found any problems.

In this Article, we’ll cover:

• What the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool is
• When you should use it
• How to run the memory test in Windows 11/10
• How to use the advanced test options (Basic, Standard, Extended)
• How to view the test results in Event Viewer
• What to do if memory errors are detected

The Memory Diagnostic Tools run a comprehensive test and display the test results so you can take immediate action.

What Is Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool?

Windows Memory Diagnostic is a built‑in utility that checks your computer’s RAM (Random Access Memory) for hardware problems. It runs outside of Windows after a restart, so it can test your memory more thoroughly without interference from apps and drivers.

When you run it, the tool:

• Restarts your computer
• Performs a series of memory tests (from basic to advanced patterns)
• Shows a progress screen while tests run
• Logs the results in Windows so you can review them later

If Windows detects possible memory issues, it may also prompt you to run this tool automatically. For more technical details, you can also check Microsoft’s official documentation on using Windows memory diagnostics

When Should You Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool?

You should consider running a memory test if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Frequent Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors with random stop codes
• System freezes or hangs, especially under load (games, video editing, virtual machines)
• Random reboots or shutdowns without clear software cause
• Apps are crashing for no reason or showing strange errors
• Files are getting corrupted, or programs are behaving unpredictably
• You recently installed new RAM or upgraded your memory

All these can be signs of faulty or unstable RAM. A memory test is one of the first hardware diagnostics you should run.

Note: The tool only checks RAM hardware. It doesn’t fix software issues, drivers, or disk problems. For system file issues, use SFC/DISM; for disk problems, use CHKDSK.

How to Run Windows Memory Diagnostic in Windows 11/10

There are two easy ways to start the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.

Method 1: Using the Run dialog

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
2. Type: mdsched.exe and click OK.
3. The Windows Memory Diagnostic window will appear.

Method 2: Using Start menu search

1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Type memory into the search box.
3. Click Windows Memory Diagnostic from the search results.

You will now see a window with two options:

• Restart now and check for problems (recommended)
• Check for problems the next time I start my computer

If you choose Restart now and check for problems, make sure you save all your work and close running applications before continuing.

If you choose Check for problems the next time I start my computer, the test will run automatically the next time you restart Windows.

After you choose one of these options, your computer will reboot, and the memory test will start.

What Happens During the Memory Test?

When your PC restarts, the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool will automatically start testing your RAM before Windows loads.

On the blue test screen, you’ll see:

• The progress of the test in percentage
• The number of passes completed
• Whether any status or errors have been detected so far

By default, the tool runs in Standard mode. This includes:

• All tests from Basic mode
• Plus extra patterns like LRAND, Stride6 (cache enabled), CHCKR3, WMATS+, and WINVC

The Standard test is usually enough for most users. But if you want a deeper test, you can change options.

Change Test Options (Basic, Standard, Extended)

While the memory test screen is running, you can press F1 on your keyboard to open advanced options.

You will see three main settings:

1. Test mix

Choose the type of tests to run:

• Basic – Quick tests; checks common memory operations. Good for a fast initial scan.
• Standard (default) – Runs Basic tests plus additional patterns for more thorough coverage. Recommended for most users.
• Extended – Runs all available tests, including more intensive patterns and extra passes. This can take much longer, but is best when you strongly suspect RAM issues.

2. Cache

Controls how the CPU cache is used during testing:

• Default – Uses the default cache settings. Fine for most situations.
• On – Forces caching on.
• Off – Bypasses CPU cache to test RAM more directly. This can be useful for detecting some issues but may make the test slower.

3. Pass count

Set how many times you want the entire set of tests to run.

• Default is usually 2 passes.
• For deeper testing, you can increase this to 3–4 passes or more, but it will take longer.

After adjusting the options:

1. Press F10 to apply your changes and start the test with the new settings.
2. The test will continue running using the mode, cache setting, and pass count you selected.

Tip: For a quick check, leave it on Standard. If you’re chasing a stubborn or rare BSOD, consider using Extended mode overnight.

How Long Does the Windows Memory Diagnostic Take?

The time required depends on:

• Amount of installed RAM (more memory = longer test)
• Test mix (Basic < Standard < Extended)
• Number of passes you selected
• The speed of your CPU and memory

On most modern systems:

• A Standard test might take 10–30 minutes.
• An Extended test with several passes can take 1 hour or more.

During the test, it’s normal for your PC to restart once the tests are complete. Do not turn off the computer while the test is running.

How to View Windows Memory Diagnostic Results

When the test finishes, your PC restarts and loads Windows. In many cases, you’ll see a brief notification in the bottom‑right corner saying whether memory errors were detected or not.

Sometimes this notification flashes by too quickly or doesn’t appear at all. In that case, you can check the Windows Memory Diagnostic Results manually using Event Viewer.

Check memory test results in Event Viewer

1. Press Windows + R, type: eventvwr.msc and press Enter to open Event Viewer.
2. In the left pane, expand Windows Logs and click System.
3. In the right pane, click Find….
4. Type: MemoryDiagnostics-Results and click Find Next. Then close the Find window.
5. In the middle pane, you should now see an event with Source: MemoryDiagnostics-Results.
6. Double‑click that event to open it and read the details.

You will typically see a message like:

“The Windows Memory Diagnostic tested the computer’s memory and detected no errors.”

or

“The Windows Memory Diagnostic tested the computer’s memory and detected hardware errors.”

This tells you whether your RAM passed or failed the test.

If you want to perform an even more advanced and longer memory test from a bootable USB drive, many power users also use tools like MemTest86 for deeper RAM diagnostics.

What to Do If No Errors Are Found

If the result says no errors were detected, then your RAM is probably not the cause of your current problem.

In that case, you should look at other possible causes, such as:

• Corrupted system files – Run SFC and DISM
• Disk errors or failing drive – Run CHKDSK and check SMART/health
• Overheating – Check CPU and GPU temperatures
• Driver or software conflicts – Use Safe Mode or a Clean Boot to troubleshoot
• Overclocking instability – Reset RAM and CPU to default speeds in BIOS/UEFI

What to Do If Memory Errors Are Found

If the Windows Memory Diagnostic reports one or more errors, there is a strong chance that:

• One of your RAM modules is faulty, or
• The memory is not properly seated, or
• There’s a compatibility issue or unstable overclock.

Here are the next steps:

1. Run an Extended test
   • Restart the tool and choose Extended mode with more passes to confirm the result.
2. Reseat the RAM modules
   • Shut down your PC.
   • Unplug the power cable (and battery if it’s a laptop with removable battery).
   • Open the case carefully.
   • Remove the RAM sticks and reinsert them firmly into their slots.
   • Power on the PC and run the memory test again.
3. Test one module at a time
   • If you have multiple RAM sticks, test each one individually:
     • Remove all but one module.
     • Run the memory test.
     • Swap modules and test again.
   • This helps you identify which specific stick is faulty.
4. Check BIOS/UEFI settings
   • Reset RAM settings to Auto or Default.
   • Disable any custom overclock or XMP profile temporarily.
   • Run the test again.
5. Replace the faulty RAM
   • If the same module repeatedly shows errors even at default settings, it likely needs to be replaced.
   • Use compatible RAM from a trusted brand.

Sometimes the tool can indicate which address or module had issues, but often you’ll still need to test sticks individually to be sure.

Important: Don’t ignore memory errors. Faulty RAM can cause data corruption, crashes, and long‑term instability.

If you’re still a bit confused about what RAM actually is and how it differs from storage, this guide explains it in simple terms: Difference between RAM and ROM.

FAQ: Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool