# How to Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

- Topic: tech
- Source: [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2247700/what-happens-when-run-windows-memory-diagnostic-tool/)
- Published: 2026-09-05
- Original: https://www.engadget.com/2247700/what-happens-when-run-windows-memory-diagnostic-tool/
- Language: en
- Image: https://www.engadget.com/img/gallery/what-happens-when-you-run-the-windows-memory-diagnostic-tool/l-intro-1788192399.jpg

## At a glance

- Run the diagnostic by searching for ‘Windows Memory Diagnostic’ in the Start menu or using Windows + R and typing mdsched.exe.
- Choose ‘Restart now and check for problems’ to boot into the tool, then use F1 to pick Basic, Standard or Extended test mixes.
- Set the number of passes up to fifteen for a more thorough scan before the computer reboots into Windows.
- After the test, locate the results in Event Viewer under the MemoryDiagnostics‑Results source and review the description for errors.

## Sources

- [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2247700/what-happens-when-run-windows-memory-diagnostic-tool/)

## The story

If your PC is plagued by crashes, BSODs or sluggish performance, Windows’ built‑in Memory Diagnostic can help you pinpoint faulty RAM. The utility runs outside the normal Windows environment, so you should save all work before starting the test. Open the Start menu, type ‘Windows Memory Diagnostic’ and click the first result, or press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe and hit enter. A dialog offers two options; choose ‘Restart now and check for problems’ to let the computer reboot into the diagnostic mode. During the test you can press F1 to select between Basic, Standard or Extended test mixes, and set how many passes to run, up to fifteen. When the test finishes the system restarts and the results are logged in Windows Event Viewer under the MemoryDiagnostics‑Results source. Filter the System log for that source, then review the description to see whether any errors were found or if the memory is clean. If problems are detected, try testing each RAM stick separately or disabling XMP/EXPO profiles in the BIOS to isolate the faulty module.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.engadget.com/2247700/what-happens-when-run-windows-memory-diagnostic-tool/)