Random Access Memory, commonly known as RAM, plays a crucial role in the performance and stability of your computer. Over time, RAM can develop issues that might lead to system crashes, slow response times, or unexpected errors. To ensure your computer is running smoothly, it’s important to periodically test your RAM. Fortunately, Windows provides a built-in tool called Windows Diagnostic that can help you with this task. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of testing your computer’s RAM using Windows Diagnostic.
Step 1: Opening Windows Diagnostic Tool
Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the start menu.
Type “Windows Diagnostic” in the search bar and select “Windows Memory Diagnostic” from the search results.
Alternatively, you can press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box, type “mdsched.exe” and hit Enter.
Step 2: Choosing the Test Option
Once the Windows Diagnostic tool opens, you’ll be presented with two options: “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)” or “Check for problems the next time I start my computer.”
Select the option that suits your preference. If you have unsaved work, it’s recommended to choose the second option to perform the test during your next system restart.
Step 3: Running the Memory Test
If you selected the first option, your computer will restart immediately and the memory test will start.
During the test, your screen will display a “Windows Memory Diagnostic” window with a progress bar indicating the test’s completion percentage.
The test will run automatically in the background, examining each segment of your computer’s RAM for any issues.
This process may take a while, so it’s important to be patient and let the test run its course.
Step 4: Reviewing the Test Results
Once the memory test completes, your computer will automatically restart, and Windows will load as usual.
If any errors were detected during the test, Windows will display a notification on your screen.
You can view more detailed information about the errors by opening the Event Viewer (Windows + R -> type “eventvwr.msc” -> hit Enter) and navigating to “Windows Logs” -> “System,” then look for “MemoryDiagnostics-Results” events.
Step 5: Addressing Memory Issues
If errors were found during the memory test, it indicates that your computer’s RAM might be faulty or malfunctioning.
To address these issues, you can try reseating your RAM modules, ensuring they are properly installed and making sure they are compatible with your motherboard. If the errors persist, it may be necessary to replace the defective RAM module(s) with new ones.
By following these steps, you can easily test your computer’s RAM using the built-in Windows Diagnostic tool. Regularly checking the health of your RAM will help you identify and address potential issues, ensuring a smoother and more reliable computing experience.