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Windows includes a built‑in tool that checks your system memory outside the normal operating environment, so the test runs without other programs occupying RAM. Before you start, save any open files: the utility will restart your PC to perform the scan.
Open the memory diagnostic
You can launch the utility from the Start Menu by typing Windows Memory Diagnostic and selecting the top result. If you prefer a keyboard shortcut, press Windows + R, enter mdsched.exe and press Enter.
How Windows Memory Diagnostic works
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A dialog appears with two choices. To begin immediately, choose Restart now and check for problems (recommended). The machine will reboot and load the diagnostic outside the regular Windows session.
Adjust test settings
The tool starts the scan automatically and shows basic progress indicators such as the current pass and overall completion percentage. Press F1 during the test to open configuration options.
From the settings screen you can pick between the Basic, Standard and Extended test mixes. Extended runs the most comprehensive set of checks but takes significantly longer. You may also increase the number of test passes—up to 15 repeats—for a more exhaustive scan.
Finding the results
When the diagnostic finishes, the computer will restart back into Windows. The tool notes that results “will be displayed again after you log on,” but those messages do not always appear automatically.
If you don’t see the outcome, open Event Viewer from the Start Menu and look for the memory diagnostic entry to review the report.
