You can run the “Memory diagnostic tool” on Windows 11 to check for possible errors with Random Access Memory (RAM) on your computer. If your system experiences a random Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), freezes, or reboots frequently, you should run a memory diagnostic tool to identify the problem. Memory issues not only make your computer unstable but also could cause data corruption and other errors. This article explores how to use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check possible memory problems on Windows 11.
The Memory Diagnostic Tools runs a comprehensive test and displays the test results so you can take immediate action.
Quick Links
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
If you are struggling to resolve memory problems on your computer, run the memory diagnostic tool by following the steps below. The tool helps you test the RAM (Random Access Memory) and troubleshoot all memory problems.
- Press Windows key + R, type mdsched.exe, and click ok to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool
- Also, you can press the Windows key + S, type Memory Diagnostics, and select it from the search results.
- Now you have to choose between two options: ‘Restart now and check the problems’ or ‘Check for problems the next time I restart my computer.
- If you select the first option, your PC restarts immediately and starts testing memory errors. (Make sure to save all your work)
- Or you can select Check for problems the next time I start my computer, to run the Memory diagnostic tool next time you reboot your PC.
When you restart Windows, the Memory Diagnostics Tool automatically starts running tests on your PC’s memory. Be patient, as it might take some time to finish running the diagnostic tests.
The system will also display the progress bar and the status notification during the process.
Advanced options for running the Memory Diagnostics Tool:
By default, the tool will run a test called the Standard test, which might take around 10 minutes to complete. Here, you can press the “F1” key to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic page to change the scan options.
- Basic mode runs the MATS+, INVC, and SCHCKR (cache enabled) tests.
- Extended mode, which includes every test available using basic mode, plus MATS+ (cache disabled), Stride38, WSCHCKR, WStride-6, CHCKR4, WCHCKR3, ERAND, Stride6 (cache disabled), and CHCKR8.
You can adjust the following settings:
- Test mix. Choose what type of test you want to run: Basic, Standard, or Extended. The choices are described in the tool.
- Cache. Choose the cache setting you want for each test: Default, On, or Off.
- Pass count. Type the number of times you want to repeat the test.
Now, after making changes for advance options, press F10 To Apply changes and start the Test.
It might take several minutes for the tool to finish checking your computer’s memory.
Once the process is finished, your computer will reboot and return to the Windows desktop. Now, when you log on, it will show you the memory diagnostic results.
However, sometimes, you may not see the result automatically. In that case, you have to find it manually. The result can be found in the Windows Event Viewer.
Check memory diagnostic results
To Check Windows Memory Diagnostic Test Results
- Press Windows key + R, type ‘eventvwr.msc’ into the run dialog box and press Enter
- Also, you can right-click the start button and select ‘Event Viewer’ to open the Windows Event Viewer Screen.
Locate and expand ‘Windows Logs’, then select System. You will see all system logs listed in the middle of the Window. The list may be huge. It is very difficult to find the result from it. So, you have to filter the results so that you can find it very easily. Click ‘Find’ on the right pane.
On the box that pops up, type ‘MemoryDiagnostic’, then click ‘Find Next’. The test results will open at the bottom of that same Window.
Double-click the event log entry to see the details of whether there are any errors detected.
Under the General tab, you’ll 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 problems.”
Here No errors detected means your RAM is likely fine. If it results in Hardware problems detected, then one or more RAM modules may be faulty.
- You may need to run Extended test mode (from the tool’s options before it runs) for deeper analysis.
- If errors persist, test RAM sticks individually using third-party tools like MemTest86.
FAQs – Windows Memory Diagnostic
1. Where can I find Windows Memory Diagnostic results?
You can view them in Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System, then search for MemoryDiagnostics-Results.
2. Does Windows Memory Diagnostic fix RAM errors?
No — it only detects issues. If problems are found, you may need to replace faulty RAM.
3. How long does the memory test take?
Usually 5–15 minutes, but the Extended test can take over an hour.
4. Can I use my PC while Windows Memory Diagnostic is running?
No — it runs before Windows starts and your PC will be unavailable during the test.
5. Is Windows Memory Diagnostic enough to check RAM health?
It’s a good first step, but for deeper testing, use tools like MemTest86.
