To run a memory test on Windows 10, press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, press Enter, and choose Restart now and check for problems. Windows restarts, runs Windows Memory Diagnostic for several minutes, and then shows the result after you sign in. If any errors appear, one of your RAM sticks is likely faulty.
Save your work first. The test runs before Windows starts, so you can’t use the PC while it runs.
Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. The same tool works on Windows 11.
Quick Answer
Run mdsched.exe, select Restart now and check for problems, wait for the test to finish, and read the result after Windows restarts.
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Press Windows + R, type
mdsched.exe, and press Enter. You can also search for Windows Memory Diagnostic in Start. - Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
- Wait while the blue test screen runs. The standard test takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how much RAM you have.
- After Windows restarts and you sign in, a notification shows the result.
Run a More Thorough Test
- While the test screen is running, press F1.
- Use the arrow keys to choose Extended under Test Mix.
- Press F10 to start. The extended test can take an hour or more.
Find the Results Later
- Right-click Start and select Event Viewer.
- Go to Windows Logs > System.
- Select Find in the right pane, type MemoryDiagnostics-Results, and press Enter.
- Read the General tab. “No errors” means the memory passed.
What the Results Mean
| Result | What to do |
|---|---|
| No errors detected | RAM is probably fine. Look for other causes, such as drivers or storage. |
| Hardware problems were detected | Test one RAM stick at a time to find the bad one, then replace it. |
| Test didn’t finish or PC froze | That also points to a memory or stability problem. Reseat the RAM and try again. |
When to Run a Memory Test
- Blue screens with errors such as MEMORY_MANAGEMENT. See how to fix a Windows 10 blue screen.
- Random freezes, restarts, or corrupted files.
- After installing new RAM.
Troubleshooting
- No result notification: Check Event Viewer as shown above.
- The test passes but problems continue: Windows Memory Diagnostic can miss intermittent faults. Try the extended test, or test sticks one at a time. Our guide to running diagnostics on Windows 10 covers other hardware checks.
- The PC won’t start after new RAM: Reseat the modules and make sure they match your motherboard’s supported type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows Memory Diagnostic accurate?
It catches most failing RAM. For stubborn problems, a longer third-party bootable memory tester can run more passes.
Does the test delete any files?
No. It only reads and writes test patterns to memory.
Summary
- Run
mdsched.exeand restart. - Press F1 for the extended test if needed.
- Read the result after sign-in or in Event Viewer.
- Replace RAM that shows errors.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.