Test your RAM with the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic — via Microsoft Q&A

Tricklow riskNeeds adminWindows 11Windows 10

Random crashes or blue screens can be caused by faulty memory. Windows includes a RAM tester that runs before Windows starts. Launch it with mdsched.exe and let the PC restart into the test.

Takes effect right away

How to do it

  1. Save your work, press Win + R, type mdsched.exe and choose Restart now and check for problems.
  2. The test runs automatically, then the PC restarts into Windows. Look for the result notification after you sign in.
Microsoft's documentation for the MEMORY_MANAGEMENT (0x1A) blue screen suggests running this tool to check for problems with physical memory.

Sources

Source reviewed
2026-11-02
Link checked
2026-11-02
Tested hands-on
Not by Oddbyte.Me

Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every Windows build, so keep the undo handy.

memoryram testmdschedblue screencrash

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