How to Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to Check RAM Health [Complete Guide for 2024]

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the computer's working memory, where almost all operations take place. Whenever you load a program or input data for a query, this information is transferred to the RAM, which reads it to execute instructions. However, if this memory fails, it can lead to application crashes, system unresponsiveness, or blue screens, among other issues.

To assess the health of your system's memory, you can utilize the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. This built-in utility is designed to assist you in resolving such issues. In this article, we will delve into this specific tool, how it works, its advantages, and how to use it. Let us guide you through the steps one by one.

Overview of the Windows Memory Diagnostic

The Windows Memory Diagnostic is a built-in tool in the Windows operating system that checks for problems and the health of your RAM. It's available in all versions of Windows after Windows 7. You can access this tool on any version of the OS to run a test.

Completely free and no registration needed, this tool is open to everyone. As long as you have some basic system knowledge and operational skills, you can use it. With this diagnostic tool, you can get results regarding memory issues. Overall, it's a great choice to opt for it to detect and solve RAM problems.

How do I use the Windows Memory Diagnostic to check my RAM?

Before using this particular tool to check your RAM, you need to take some precautions. Note that the process requires a quick restart after performing certain steps. Therefore, it's advisable to save your files (if you have any open) before starting the operation. Failing to do so could lead to problems, as lost data might not be recoverable.

Now, let us show you how to use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool for RAM analysis.

Step 1: Click the "Windows" icon to open the Control Panel.

Step 2: Find "System and Security" and click to open it.

Step 3: Search for Management Tools in the list displayed on the Devices window.

Step 4: Click on the option to "Diagnose your computer's memory problems."

Step 5: A small window will appear with the option to Restart now and check for problems.

"Restart immediately and check for the issue."

Step 6: Tap this to restart your device.

Upon doing so, your machine will restart and enter the Windows Memory Diagnostic environment. The tool will run several tests, including an LRAND and CHCKR3, among others, to analyze your device's RAM.

There are other ways to access this tool as well, which require some knowledge about the technical specifications of your system. You can quickly launch this tool and run tests using different keys. Let's also show you how to access this tool using these methods.

• Using Run Keys
• Using CMD Keys

Using runtime keys

Step 1: Press the Windows key and R key simultaneously

Step 2: It opens a dialog box

Step 3: Search for “mdsched,” and then click “OK.”

Step 4. Wait for the brief window that says "Restart now to fix the problem."

Restart immediately and check for the issue.

Step 5: Click on this option to run the test.

Using CMD Keyboard Shortcuts

Step 1: Press the Windows key and R key simultaneously

Step 2: Type "cmd" in the search box and then click "OK."

Step 3: Type mdsched in the opened black window.

Step 4: Click the "Enter" button on your keyboard.

Step 5: It will begin the Windows Memory Diagnostic test, which should complete in a few minutes.

How do I find the results of the Windows Memory Diagnostic?

Regardless of which method you use to run this test, the process for checking its results is the same. There's no difference, depending on how you ran this test. Thus, you can opt for any of the above methods to run this tool and wait for your device to reboot in a few minutes once it's done.

After logging into the device, you should next check the results from the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Head to the Windows search bar

Step 2: Type eventvwr.exe in the search bar

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Step 3: Click on the first option displayed on the screen.

Step 4: This will open a window with several options in the left-hand vertical pane.

Step 5: Click to expand the “Windows Logs” folder

Step 6: Right-click on the "System" option from the drop-down menu.

Step 7: Now, click on the “Find” option that is provided there.

Click on “Find”

Step 8: Type MemoryDiagnostics-Results, and then click Find Next.

Step 9: Double-click on the file with this name to view the results in a message box.

Bottom line

This article discusses in detail how to use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool and how to view its results. You can use any of the above methods to run this test and analyze your device's memory.

But proceed with caution, and type the key exactly as indicated, because an incorrect key will run a different test that you may not want.