The Random Access Memory (RAM) is the primary memory component of any computer system and is responsible for temporarily storing information that is needed for various tasks. When the computer is running, the RAM allows applications to be read from the hard drive and then stored in the RAM so that the computer can access and process them more quickly than if they were located on the hard drive. If a computer’s RAM is failing or has become corrupted, it can cause a variety of symptoms including slow performance, blue screen errors, freezing and crashing. As such, it is important to regularly check your RAM to ensure it is functioning properly.
In this article, we will discuss how to test RAM on a Windows computer and the various methods available.
Using Windows Diagnostics Tool (WINRS)
The first and most straightforward way to test RAM is to use the Windows Diagnostic Tool (WINRS). WINRS is an inbuilt utility in the Windows Operating System that can diagnose hardware faults, including RAM issues. To run WINRS, go to the Start Menu and type ‘WINRS’ into the search box. Then press Enter.
Once in WINRS, you will be presented with a list of options. Select the ‘Test Memory’ option and then press Enter. This will start the memory test and should take around 10 minutes to complete. Depending on the results of the test, WINRS may then offer you the option of replacing the failing RAM module(s) or restoring the system back to a previous state.
Using the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Another way to test RAM on a Windows computer is to use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. To access this tool, open the Start menu and type “mdsched” into the search box. This should bring up a link to the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. Once you have opened the program, you will be able to select either a standard or extended testing mode. The standard test will check the RAM for any major problems, while the extended test will look for more minor issues.
Using Third-Party Software
There are also a number of third-party software programs available for testing RAM on Windows computers. These programs are designed to be more thorough than the Windows utility tools and can provide detailed information about the health of your RAM. Some of the most popular RAM testing software programs include Memtest86+, Seatools, and Prime95. Before running any of these programs, make sure to read the instructions that come with the software carefully to ensure you run it correctly.
Testing the RAM manually
Finally, you can also test RAM manually by searching for errors in the system log. To do this, open the Start menu and type “System log” into the search box. When the results appear, click on the System log and find the section that states “Hardware Errors”. If any errors appear in this section, then it is likely that there is a problem with the RAM.
Conclusion
Testing RAM on a Windows computer is an important task to ensure the health of your computer. There are several ways to test RAM, including using Windows diagnostic tools, third-party software, and manually checking the system log. Each method has its own advantages and should be used as necessary to maintain the optimum performance of your computer.