Random access memory plays an extremely important role in a computer. And when problems arise with it, this can lead to various unpleasant situations, ranging from some errors while working with programs and ending with blue screens of death that will relentlessly haunt the user.
In today’s article, we will tell you how you can check your RAM, if the need arose. The material will be divided into two sections: system and third-party verification tools. Let’s start with the system checker, of course.
Windows tools for checking RAM
The following method of checking RAM can be successfully used by users of all Windows operating systems, from XP to the “ten”. So, such a utility as “Windows Memory Checker” comes to your rescue.
It is worth noting a rather interesting fact: this utility from time to time checks your RAM automatically, whether you like it or not. However, it is quite possible to start it on your own, if there are reasons for that. You can run this tool in different ways: find it using a search engine, or immediately launch it using the Run utility.
If you decide to find the utility through a search engine, then you need to do the following:
- press Windows + S;
- enter in the search line “Diagnostics of computer memory problems”;
- left-click on the found result.
If you decide to use the Run utility, then you need to do the following:
- press Windows + R;
- enter the value mdsched in the blank line;
- right-click on the found utility and select “Run as Administrator” from the context menu;
One way or another, a small utility window will appear in front of you to check the RAM of your computer. The window will present two options: “Reboot and check (recommended)” and “Run check the next time you turn on the computer.” It’s not hard to guess that in order to check the RAM, you will definitely have to restart your PC.
The time it takes to check RAM with this utility depends solely on your computer configuration, so you may have to wait a bit. As soon as the RAM check is completed, you will be taken to the operating system again, and a small icon with a message will appear in the notification area. Click on it to learn more about the result of the test of your memory.
Third party validators – Memtest86 +
In addition to the system utility, you can use the services of a fairly popular program called Memtest86 +. This is an extremely functional, reliable and easy-to-use program that will help you check your RAM and understand what is wrong with it. Memtest86 + can be used on any version of the Windows operating system.
It is worth noting that the process of checking RAM by this program is not performed from under the operating system, but using the loader of the program itself. You will need to go to this link and download the required version of the program from the official website. For convenience, we will use the “Auto-installer for USB Key”.
Download the archive called “memtest86 + -5.01.usb.installer.zip” to your computer and unpack it anywhere on your computer. For example, you can do this on your Desktop. After unpacking the contents of the archive, run the file “Memtest86 + USB Installer.exe”, after which a small installation window will appear in front of you. In it, you will need to select the USB flash drive connected to the system, format it by ticking the appropriate box in the window, and click on the “Create” button.
Once you have created a bootable media with Memtest86 +, you need to go to BIOS / UEFI and set the boot priority to USB. Having set the priority, connect the USB with the program to your computer and restart it. Memtest86 + will automatically launch and start checking your RAM.
The note: we recommend testing only one RAM strip at a time. It must be said that the verification process can take several hours, so you will have to be patient. It is quite simple to understand if your RAM has problems: the lines with checked memory addresses will turn red.