How to View the Results of the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool The Windows Memory Diagnostic (WMD) is a built-in tool that tests your computer’s RAM (Random Access Memory) for errors. However, after the test runs and your PC restarts, the results aren’t always obvious. They are logged as an event in the Windows Event Viewer. This guide will show you exactly how to find and interpret those results. Step 1: Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic (If You Haven’t Already)
Press Windows + R , type mdsched.exe , and press Enter. Choose “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)” . Your PC will restart and begin the test (this can take 15-30 minutes). Let it complete.
Step 2: Find the Results After Reboot Once the test finishes, Windows will restart normally. By default, Windows does not automatically show you the results. You need to check the Event Viewer. Method 1: The Easiest Way (Using Event Viewer)
Press Windows + R , type eventvwr.msc , and press Enter. In the left pane, expand Windows Logs . Click on System . In the right pane, click Filter Current Log… . In the “Event sources” dropdown, scroll and select MemoryDiagnostics-Results . Click OK . You will see one or more recent events. Click on the top one. Look at the bottom pane under the General tab. You will see the result. how to view results of windows memory diagnostic
Method 2: Faster (Using the “Find” Feature)
Open Event Viewer ( eventvwr.msc ). Go to Windows Logs > System . Click Find… in the right pane (or press Ctrl + F ). Type MemoryDiagnostic and click Find Next . The relevant event will be highlighted. Click on it to see the details below.
Step 3: Understanding the Results The “General” tab will show one of four possible results: | Result | Meaning | What to Do | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | The Windows Memory Diagnostic tested the computer’s memory and found no errors | Your RAM is likely healthy. | No action needed. If you still have crashes, the issue is elsewhere (driver, hard drive, overheating). | | The Windows Memory Diagnostic tested the computer’s memory and found hardware errors | Your RAM has physical or stability problems. | Immediate action: Run a second test. If errors reappear, replace your RAM sticks. | | The Windows Memory Diagnostic was cancelled | Someone stopped the test early. | Run the test again and let it finish. | | No event found | The test didn’t run or log correctly. | Run the diagnostic manually again. | Troubleshooting: I Don’t See the Event If you’ve run the test but can’t find the event: How to View the Results of the Windows
Check the time: Look for events around the time your PC last restarted after the test. Try a different source: Instead of MemoryDiagnostics-Results , look for events with source **Application Error** or **BugCheck** around the same time. Run the test on next boot: Type mdsched.exe and choose “Check for problems the next time I start my computer.” Then restart. After the test, check the Event Viewer again.
Advanced: Run the Extended Test (For More Thorough Checking) The default test is quick but basic. For a deeper scan:
Start the Windows Memory Diagnostic. During the test (blue screen with grey text), press F1 . Use the arrow keys to change the Test Mix from “Standard” to “Extended” . Press F10 to apply. Note: Extended test can take several hours. This guide will show you exactly how to
Final Checklist
No errors: Your RAM is likely fine. Focus on other hardware or software. Errors found: