How to Run Windows Memory Diagnostic to Fix Random Crashes and Blue Screens on Your Business PC

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Run Windows Memory Diagnostic to Fix Random Crashes and Blue Screens on Your Business PC. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Random system crashes, unexpected restarts, and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors can bring your business operations to a standstill. One of the most common causes of these issues is faulty or failing Random Access Memory (RAM). Rather than guessing, you can use the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to test your computer's memory and identify hardware faults before they cause further disruption.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Save all open work and close every application.
2. Open the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
3. Select Restart now and check for problems.
4. Allow your computer to restart and run the memory test.
5. Review the results after Windows restarts.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Save your work and close applications

The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool requires a full system restart to run. Any unsaved documents or open programs will be closed when the computer reboots.

Step 2: Open Windows Memory Diagnostic

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type mdsched.exe and press Enter.
3. If prompted by User Account Control, select Yes.

Step 3: Choose when to run the test

A dialog box will appear with two options:

• Restart now and check for problems (recommended) — Use this option to run the test immediately.
• Check for problems the next time I start my computer — Use this if you need to finish a task first.

Select Restart now and check for problems. Your computer will restart automatically.

Step 4: Run the memory test

Once the computer restarts, the Windows Memory Diagnostic screen will appear. The test will begin automatically and may take several minutes to complete. Do not turn off your computer during this process.

Step 5: Review the results

After the test finishes, your computer will restart again and boot back into Windows. To view the results:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Event Viewer.
2. In the left pane, expand Windows Logs and click System.
3. Click Filter Current Log in the right-hand Actions pane.
4. In the Event sources dropdown, select MemoryDiagnostics-Results and click OK.
5. Look for an event from MemoryDiagnostics-Results. The description will state whether any memory errors were detected.

Troubleshooting

If memory errors are detected

If the tool reports hardware problems, your RAM modules may be faulty. Try the following:

• Reseat the RAM modules by removing and reinserting them firmly into their slots.
• If you recently installed new memory, remove it and test with the original modules.
• Test each RAM stick individually by removing all but one and running the diagnostic again.

If errors persist, the affected RAM module will likely need to be replaced. For business hardware, contact your IT provider or hardware vendor for warranty support.

If no memory errors are found

If the diagnostic completes without errors, your RAM is likely functioning correctly. The crashes may be caused by:

• Outdated or corrupted device drivers
• Windows update issues
• Insufficient disk space or system performance problems
• Software conflicts

For further guidance, see our articles on Troubleshooting Windows 11 Update Issues and Optimising Windows 11 Performance.

If you continue to experience random crashes or Blue Screen errors after running the diagnostic, Open a Ticket with 220 Internet Services support for further assistance.

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