Random reboots and freezes, apps crashing, and even a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) could be signs of a memory issue. Before you start replacing your memory or computer, use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to figure out whether the memory really is the problem.
Content
- How the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool Works
- Setting Up the Tool
- Running Memory Tests
- Reviewing Your Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool Results
- The Next Steps After Getting Your Results
- Frequently Asked Questions
How the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool Works
Many Windows troubleshooting tools run quickly while you use your computer. However, this tool requires you to restart, then runs during the startup process. By default, it runs in Standard Mode and two test passes, then restarts and provide test results.
You can also run more advanced tests that allow you to customize the tests. Choose to run a Basic or Extended test versus the Standard. Select your cache options and how many passes (up to 15) you’d like to run. The more passes you select, the longer the test takes.
It’s a built-in tool, but if it fails to find any problems, you may want to try another built-in and third-party Windows diagnostic tool.
Setting Up the Tool
You have to schedule the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to run during your next restart. Go to the Start menu, and type memory. Select the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. If you have issues getting the tool to run, repeat this process but select Run as administrator.
Choose whether to run the tool immediately, which restarts your computer, or wait until you restart your computer. If you have any unsaved files, choose the second option. Make sure to save anything you’re working on, and close open apps before restarting. If you don’t have anything else open, choose the first option.
Running Memory Tests
When you restart, the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool starts. Do not turn off your computer during this process. The computer restarts normally after the test is completely over. Since it can take a while to run in some cases, if you have a laptop, plug it in instead of using battery power. However, if you do need to stop the scan midway, it won’t hurt your PC to do so.
By default, the tool jumps directly into Standard Mode, which is ample for most issues. The test passes only take around ten minutes.
If you’re still having trouble and suspect memory-related issues, run the tool again, but press F1 on your keyboard when your computer starts up. This takes you to the advanced options.
An Extended test takes longer and is more thorough. If you need a faster and simpler test, opt for Basic. If you’re not sure which diagnostic test to run, the following explains what each test scans for:
- Basic: runs three types of tests, including MATS+, INVC, and SCHCKR.
- Standard: runs Basic tests, along with LRAND, Stride6, CHCKR3, WMATS+, and WINVC.
- Extended: runs all Basic and Standard tests, along with MATS+ (cache disabled), Stride38, WSCHKA, WStride-6, CHCKR4, WCHCKR3, ERAND, Stride6 (cache disabled), and CHCKR8.
Extended takes much longer, due to the long list of tests to complete. However, it really is the best option to check for the most issues.
Reviewing Your Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool Results
The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool provides you with your results after the restart finishes. You’ll see the results on your desktop. If nothing appears, view the results in Event Viewer.
Open the Start menu, and type event or event viewer. Select Run as administrator under Event Viewer. Expand Windows Logs, and right-click System. Select Find.
Type or copy/paste the following into the search box: MemoryDiagnostics-Results, and click Find. The most recent result will be highlighted, with the details showing in the bottom pane of the Event Viewer window.
The above screenshot was taken from a Windows 10 PC. In Windows 11, the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool doesn’t generate an event if errors are not found. While you won’t see any results when searching, if you search for MemoryDiagnostics, you’ll see when the test was scheduled to run.
The Next Steps After Getting Your Results
If your results show that there are no errors, it’s probably not a memory issue. However, if there is an error, research the error description and details to determine whether replacing the memory will fix the issue.
Depending on the type of computer you have, you can replace the memory chips yourself, or take your computer to be repaired. You can also take this as a great opportunity to get the newest model with all the bells and whistles you’ve been eyeing, like these great laptops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I still have a memory issue if the tool doesn’t find anything?
It is possible but unlikely. Odds are, it’s another issue that just has similar symptoms. For instance, a failing hard drive could result in slow performance, freezing, and random shutdowns.
Of course, the way you use your PC could be the issue as well. For example, if you recently installed and started using graphic editing tools that require more RAM than your PC has or max out your RAM, this could lead to freezing and performance problems. Always use apps and tools with fewer memory requirements than what you have installed for best results. Also, for heavy RAM apps, close every other app you’re using to free up resources.
Why can’t I find any results?
The Memory Diagnostic Tool is inconsistent when it comes to displaying results. Occasionally, they neither show up after your PC restarts nor appear in the Event Viewer. If this happens, don’t panic. It’s just a Windows flaw that Microsoft hasn’t fixed yet, and in this case, you may want to try a secondary test using free tools, such as MemTest86 and MemTest. In fact, third-party tools can often find more complex issues that the built-in tool could miss, and they’re also useful for validating results received from the latter.
Why am I suddenly having RAM errors?
While some issues come on gradually, some RAM issues seem to come out of nowhere. One day your PC works great, and the next it’s going crazy. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as problems with a Windows update, new apps, a flaw in your hardware, and sudden excessive heat (such as using a laptop on your lap with no vent or overclocking).
Check your CPU temperature regularly to see whether overheating could be an issue. Use this guide to help cool a high CPU temperature.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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Crystal Crowder –
Staff Writer
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.
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