Windows: How to use memory diagnostics

If you suspect memory problems, Windows memory diagnostics can quickly clarify the situation and even fix many errors.

How to start Windows memory diagnostics

Windows memory diagnostics can identify problems with your computer’s memory and in some cases even solve them automatically. Since this is not possible during operation, the diagnosis requires a restart of the system. The procedure is identical under Windows 10 and Windows 11:

• Open the Windows Start menu and enter Windows Memory Diagnostics in the search. Click on the appropriate entry.

• You can also use the search icon in the taskbar or run the memory diagnostics by pressing [Win] + [R], entering the command mdsched.exe and executing it with [Enter].

• Using the option Restart now and check for problems (recommended), Windows will restart immediately and then start memory diagnostics.

• Means Check for problems the next time you start the computer, the diagnosis will not start until you reboot yourself.

• The memory diagnosis works independently and then displays any errors found in a test result. Software errors are often corrected automatically.
• Unfortunately, the memory diagnosis cannot correct serious errors, such as damage to the hardware. In this case, it is necessary to replace the damaged memory module.

• Normally, you do not have to adjust the settings of the memory diagnosis. If you want, you can press [F1] to open the options and change the test composition, the cache setting and the number of passes.