How to Check Windows Memory Diagnostic Results [Complete Guide]
Running the memory test is only half the job. You also need to know how to check its results to understand whether your RAM is working correctly or whether Windows has detected a hardware issue.
The tricky part is that Windows doesn’t always display a detailed report after completing the test. Sometimes, you might see a brief notification after signing in, but it can disappear before you have a chance to read it.
Don’t worry! Windows saves the diagnostic information in Event Viewer, where you can access it whenever you want.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to check Windows Memory Diagnostic results in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What Do the Windows Memory Diagnostic Results Mean?
Finding the report is important, but understanding its meaning is even more important.
Windows Memory Diagnostic can produce different messages depending on the outcome of the test.
No memory errors detected
If the report says Windows tested your computer’s memory and detected no errors, the test didn’t identify a RAM problem.
This is generally a good sign. However, it doesn’t guarantee that your RAM is completely free from intermittent problems. If your computer continues crashing, investigate other possible causes.
Hardware problems were detected
If Windows reports that hardware errors were detected, one or more memory components may be experiencing problems.
Faulty RAM can cause unexpected restarts, application crashes, corrupted files, and blue screen errors.
Consider running another diagnostic using the Extended test mode. If errors continue, you may need to test individual RAM modules or contact a computer technician.
No diagnostic results found
If Event Viewer doesn’t display a matching entry, don’t automatically assume your RAM is working correctly.
The test might not have completed successfully, or Windows might not have recorded the result.
Verify that your computer completed the diagnostic process and returned to the desktop. Then search the System log again.
How to Check Windows Memory Diagnostic Results [Complete Guide]
To check Windows Memory Diagnostic results, open Event Viewer by searching for it in the Windows Start menu. Expand Windows Logs, select System, and click Find in the Actions panel. Enter MemoryDiagnostics-Results and select Find Next. Open the matching event and check the General tab to see whether Windows detected memory errors.
You can use the same method on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Let’s walk through the complete process, including alternative methods for beginners.
1: Make Sure Windows Memory Diagnostic Has Completed
Before checking the results, make sure the memory test has actually finished.
Windows Memory Diagnostic runs outside the normal Windows desktop environment. When you start the test, your computer restarts and displays a blue diagnostic screen. The utility automatically checks your installed RAM for potential errors.
If you haven’t run the test yet, press Windows + R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box.
Type mdsched.exe in the available text field and press Enter. The Windows Memory Diagnostic window will appear.
You’ll see two options. Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended) if you want to run the test immediately. Alternatively, select Check for problems the next time I start my computer if you want to schedule it for later.
Once the computer restarts, Windows will begin checking your memory. Allow the diagnostic process to finish without interrupting it.
After completing the test, your computer will restart automatically and return to the Windows desktop.
Important: Save your open documents and close running applications before starting the diagnostic because your computer needs to restart.
2: Open Event Viewer on Your Windows Computer
Now that the memory test has finished, it’s time to locate the report.
Windows stores diagnostic information in Event Viewer, a system utility that keeps records of different activities, warnings, errors, and hardware-related events.
To open it, click the Start button on your taskbar.
Type Event Viewer in the search box. Windows will display Event Viewer in the search results.
Click Open to launch the application.
Alternatively, you can use a keyboard shortcut. Press Windows + R, type eventvwr.msc, and press Enter.
The Event Viewer window will open. Don’t worry if the interface looks complicated at first. You don’t need to understand every option here. We’ll only use a specific section to find your memory test report.
3: Navigate to Windows Logs
After opening Event Viewer, look at the navigation panel on the left side of your screen.
You’ll find several categories containing different Windows activity records.
Locate Windows Logs and click the small arrow beside it to expand the category.
You should now see several options, including Application, Security, Setup, System, and Forwarded Events.
Select System from this list.
Windows will display a collection of system-related events in the middle section of Event Viewer.
These records include information about Windows startup, shutdown, drivers, hardware, and other background activities.
Since the memory diagnostic report is stored in the System log, this is exactly where we need to look.
4: Search for MemoryDiagnostics-Results
The System section can contain thousands of records, so manually searching through every entry isn’t practical.
Fortunately, Event Viewer includes a search feature that makes finding the diagnostic report much easier.
Keep the System category selected.
Now, look at the Actions panel on the right side of the Event Viewer window.
Click Find to open the search dialog box.
A small window will appear with a text field. Enter the following name exactly:
MemoryDiagnostics-Results
Click the Find Next button.
Event Viewer will search through the System logs and locate the matching memory diagnostic event.
Once the search is complete, you should see a highlighted entry in the middle panel.
Close the Find dialog box by clicking Cancel. Don’t worry, closing this small window won’t remove your search results.
5: Open and Read the Memory Diagnostic Report
Now comes the most important part.
After locating the MemoryDiagnostics-Results entry, double-click it to open its properties.
A new Event Properties window will appear.
Make sure you’re viewing the General tab. This section contains the actual message generated by Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Read the message carefully.
If Windows reports that it tested your computer’s memory and detected no errors, the diagnostic test did not find a RAM problem.
However, if the message indicates that hardware errors were detected, you should investigate your installed memory modules.
Also, check the event’s date and time. This is particularly important if you’ve performed multiple memory tests because you want to read the report from your latest diagnostic session.
Filter Memory Diagnostic Results Directly
If you regularly use Event Viewer, searching manually every time can become frustrating.
There’s another way to make things easier. You can filter the System log so that it displays only the events associated with Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Open Event Viewer and navigate to Windows Logs > System.
Look at the Actions panel on the right and select Filter Current Log.
A new window will appear with several filtering options.
Locate the Event sources section. Open its drop-down menu and find MemoryDiagnostics-Results.
Select the corresponding checkbox and click OK.
Event Viewer will now display matching memory diagnostic records instead of showing every system event.
Click the latest matching entry and read its General tab to understand the test outcome.
This method is particularly helpful when you frequently run memory tests and want to compare previous results.
Check Windows Memory Diagnostic Results Using PowerShell
Don’t want to navigate through Event Viewer? You can also retrieve the latest memory diagnostic report using Windows PowerShell.
This method is useful for advanced users and anyone who prefers working with commands.
First, click Start and search for PowerShell.
Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
If Windows displays a User Account Control prompt, select Yes.
Now, copy and paste the following command:
Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{
LogName = ‘System’
ProviderName = ‘Microsoft-Windows-MemoryDiagnostics-Results’
} -MaxEvents 1 | Format-List TimeCreated, Id, Message
Press Enter to execute the command.
PowerShell will retrieve the latest matching diagnostic event and display its timestamp, event ID, and message.
Check the Message section to understand whether Windows detected memory errors.
If PowerShell reports that no matching events were found, Windows may not have a recorded result for the requested diagnostic test. In that situation, verify that the test completed and check Event Viewer again.
What to Do If Windows Memory Diagnostic Finds Errors?
If the diagnostic report confirms memory errors, don’t ignore the warning.
Start by running the memory test again using the Extended test mode.
Restart your computer and open Windows Memory Diagnostic by entering mdsched.exe in the Run dialog box.
When the diagnostic screen appears, press F1 to open the test options.
Change the Test Mix to Extended and press F10 to apply the settings.
Allow the test to complete. This mode performs additional memory checks and can take considerably longer than the Standard test.
If Windows continues detecting errors, consider checking whether your RAM modules are properly installed.
Desktop users with hardware experience can shut down the computer, disconnect its power supply, and inspect the RAM modules. Laptop memory access may require removing the back cover, and some models have soldered RAM that cannot be replaced separately.
If you’re unfamiliar with computer hardware, it’s better to contact a qualified technician.
You may need to replace a faulty memory module if the errors persist.
FAQs
1. Where are Windows Memory Diagnostic results saved?
Windows generally records the diagnostic results in Event Viewer under Windows Logs > System. Search for MemoryDiagnostics-Results to locate the report.
2. How do I know if my RAM passed the Windows Memory Diagnostic test?
Open the latest diagnostic event and check its General tab. If the message says Windows detected no memory errors, the test passed without finding a problem.
3. Does Windows Memory Diagnostic automatically save results?
Yes. Windows records completed diagnostic results in its event logs. You can access these records through Event Viewer even if you missed the notification after restarting your computer.
4. Can I check Windows Memory Diagnostic results without Event Viewer?
Yes. You can use Windows PowerShell with the Get-WinEvent command to retrieve the latest memory diagnostic report from the System log.
5. What should I do if Windows Memory Diagnostic detects hardware problems?
Run another test using Extended mode. If Windows continues reporting errors, inspect the RAM modules or contact a computer technician to identify and replace the faulty hardware.
6. Does Windows Memory Diagnostic work on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes. Both operating systems include Windows Memory Diagnostic, and you can use the same Event Viewer method to check its results.