Windows · Troubleshooting
Test your RAM for hardware errors
Runs the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, which restarts your PC and tests physical RAM for errors that can cause crashes, blue screens, or general instability.
How to open Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Search for 'Windows Memory Diagnostic' in the Start menu
- Choose 'Restart now and check for problems'
- Wait for the PC to restart and run the test automatically
- Check the notification or Event Viewer after Windows restarts for results
What you should know
- Schedule a memory test to run on the next restart
- Choose between Standard and Extended test modes
- Automatically restarts and returns to Windows after testing completes
- View test results in Windows after the diagnostic finishes
Running the diagnostic requires an immediate or scheduled restart, and the PC is unusable for normal tasks for several minutes while the test runs.
Why it matters
Faulty RAM is a common but often overlooked cause of seemingly random crashes, blue screens, and data corruption, and unlike software issues, memory errors can be difficult to diagnose through normal troubleshooting alone. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool provides a straightforward, built-in way to rule hardware memory problems in or out without needing third-party software, which is especially useful before deciding whether to replace RAM modules. Running this test after experiencing unexplained system instability is often one of the more effective early diagnostic steps.
Best practices
- Run this test if you're experiencing frequent, unexplained crashes or blue screens
- Use Extended test mode for a more thorough check if the Standard test doesn't reveal an issue but problems persist
- Save any open work before running the test, since it requires an immediate restart
- Consider testing each RAM module individually in a system with multiple sticks if errors are found
Common problems and fixes
- Test reports errors found
- Try reseating RAM modules first, then test each module individually to identify which one is faulty and needs replacement.
- Results aren't shown after restart
- Check the Windows Event Viewer under Windows Logs → System for the memory diagnostic results if they didn't appear automatically.
- Test takes a very long time
- Extended test mode is thorough but can take significantly longer than Standard mode; let it complete or switch modes for a quicker check.
Tips and tricks
- Run the test overnight if using Extended mode on a system with a large amount of RAM
- Check Event Viewer afterward if you missed the on-screen results notification
Frequently asked questions
Will this test damage my RAM?
No, it's a safe, non-destructive read/write test designed specifically to check RAM integrity.
How long does the test take?
Standard mode usually takes several minutes, while Extended mode can take considerably longer depending on installed RAM capacity.
What should I do if errors are found?
Reseat the RAM modules and retest; persistent errors typically indicate a module that needs to be replaced.
Related settings
- Task Manager Performance MonitoringOpens Task Manager, which shows real-time resource usage across CPU, memory, disk, GPU, and network, lets you end unresponsive processes, and manage which apps launch automatically at startup.
- Event ViewerOpens Event Viewer, an advanced diagnostic tool that logs detailed records of system events, application errors, security events, and warnings, useful for pinpointing the exact cause of crashes or failures.
- System RestartSystem Restart allows you to safely reboot your PC, clearing temporary files and refreshing all running processes. This can resolve many common issues such as slow performance, unresponsive applications, and minor software glitches.
More Troubleshooting guides for Windows
- Windows ResetWindows Reset allows you to reinstall the operating system while choosing whether to keep your personal files or remove everything. This option is useful when your PC is experiencing serious performance issues, system corruption, or persistent software problems.
- Network ResetNetwork Reset restores all networking components to their factory default settings. This includes removing all saved WiFi networks, resetting TCP/IP stack, and clearing DNS cache. Use this as a troubleshooting step when other network fixes have not resolved your issue.
- RecoveryRecovery brings together the tools for fixing a Windows PC that won't start correctly or is having serious problems, including Advanced startup (for Safe Mode, Startup Repair, and command-line recovery tools), System Restore, and Fix problems using Windows Update. It's a broader troubleshooting toolkit than Reset This PC alone, covering scenarios where a full reset is more than you need.
- TroubleshootTroubleshoot gathers Windows' built-in automated diagnostic tools in one place, covering internet connections, audio playback and recording, printers, Bluetooth, Windows Update, and more. Each troubleshooter runs a scripted sequence of checks against the specific feature it targets and applies a fix automatically wherever it safely can, instead of requiring you to already know the underlying cause.
- Get Help AppOpens the Get Help app, Microsoft's built-in support tool that provides guided troubleshooting for common Windows problems and can connect you to a live support agent when self-service steps don't resolve an issue.
- Feedback HubOpens the Feedback Hub app, which lets you report bugs, log performance problems with diagnostic traces, and upvote or suggest new features that Microsoft's Windows engineering teams review.