A short memory test is often completed by the BIOS during the POST, but that test is not at all thorough. A complete memory test by an excellent program like MemTest86 is necessary to truly determine if your computer’s RAM is working properly. If you test your memory with only one memory testing program, make MemTest86 that program without a doubt!
More on MemTest86
Works with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Linux, and any other PC operating system, including Intel x86-based Macs. MemTest86 performs multiple tests to locate the most obscure memory problems. Several advanced options are available but aren’t necessary for a standard memory test. MemTest86 is continually updated to support newer memory and computer types. Test set will automatically repeat as often as you want to provide confirmation that the memory passed or failed the tests. MemTest86 can test memory without any operating system installed since it’s a standalone diagnostics tool. Supports up to 64 GB of RAM. MemTest86 works with all memory types and supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Bootable image available for USB drives (flash drive, etc.)
How to Use MemTest86
The first thing you need to do is visit the MemTest86 website to download the program.
Running Memory Tests
We recommend replacing the RAM if MemTest86 finds any errors. Even if you aren’t seeing issues with your computer right now, you likely will in the future. Windows should give you an option to extract the program files from the archive, but if not, or you’d rather use a dedicated tool, there are several free zip/unzip programs you can download and install to do the job. Once it starts, check the USB drive you want to use in Step 1, make sure the memtest86-usb.img file is entered in Step 3, and then choose Write. If booting from a USB drive is new to you, or if Windows starts normally instead of MemTest86, see How to Boot From a USB Device for help.
Thoughts on MemTest86
MemTest86 is absolutely the best of the free memory testing programs. We’ve used several expensive memory test tools and none compare to MemTest86. If you’re seeing random lock-ups, strange errors, issues during a Windows installation, or you suspect a hardware problem, then we highly recommend you test your memory with MemTest86.
