How to Troubleshoot RAM Issues with Windows Memory Diagnostic in Windows 11

Is your computer acting slow or crashing unexpectedly? You might have a problem with your RAM. Windows comes with a built-in tool to check your memory for errors. This guide will show you how to use it.

Why check your RAM?

RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. If it has bad sectors, your system may become unstable, freeze, or show blue screen errors. Running a diagnostic test helps you find out if your hardware is failing.

What happens when you are done?

Your computer will restart and run a series of tests. Once finished, Windows will restart again and show you a report letting you know if any errors were found.

How to run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Before you begin, make sure you must be logged in as an administrator.

Note: This process requires administrator privileges. You must be logged in as an administrator to run this tool.

1. Open the Start menu or use the search bar on the Taskbar.
2. Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” and select the app from the results. You can also run the command MdSched.exe.

When the tool opens, you will see two options. Select the one that says Restart now and check for problems (recommended).

Your computer will now restart. A blue screen will appear showing the progress of the test.

If you need to change how the test runs, you can press the F1 key during the diagnostic screen. From there, you can choose between Basic, Standard, or Extended tests using the Tab key.

Once you have selected your preferred settings, press F10 to apply them. The test will begin immediately.

After the test finishes, your computer will boot back into Windows. You will see a notification on your desktop telling you if any memory errors were detected. If no errors are found, your RAM is likely working correctly.

Summary

The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool is a simple way to find hardware issues with your RAM. By running this test, you can identify faulty memory sticks that might be causing system crashes. If errors are found, you may need to replace your RAM to restore your computer’s stability.