How to test your RAM in Windows?

RAM manages all the active tasks on your computer. Your system needs more RAM; if you see "low memory" error messages or your RAM doesn't have enough space to store data for different applications to run correctly, it slows down your system.

This article will give you a brief knowledge about:

1. What is RAM?
2. How much RAM do you have?
3. How to test your RAM usage?
4. How to check if RAM is working?

RAM – A Brief Intro

RAM or Random Access Memory is like fast storage your system uses to hold the data it requires for a short time. This short-term memory storage is used for storing whatever application is actively running on your system, such as Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, Microsoft Excel, etc.

RAM wipes out when you shut down your system and is very different from hard disk or solid-state drives. This is because a hard disk or SSD stores data permanently, and only you have the right to delete them.

Let's say Windows hard drive is the cabinet where all your files are stored, and RAM is like your workstation, where you keep those files on which you're currently working. So the more RAM your system has, the more programs it can keep open at a time without getting stuck.

Find out how much RAM you have

Checking RAM on Windows 11 is simple. Here's how you can check how much RAM you have:

• On the Windows Search box in the bottom-left corner, typeAbout your PCand clickOpen.

• TheAboutwindow will appear, and in theDevice Specificationssection, you can seeInstalled RAMto know the RAM capacity of your system.

How to Test Your RAM Usage via Windows Task Manager

• PressCtrl+ Shift + Escto launch Task Manager, and then click 'More Details'at the bottom.

• Select thePerformancetab and click on内存in the left panel.

• The Memory window will display current RAM usage, RAM speed, and other memory hardware specifications.

How to test your RAM for errors?

If your Windows 11 system is feeling sluggish – plagued by app crashing, system freezing, randomBlue Screen of Death, or error messages about low memory- there might be a problem with RAM.

To check if the problem is related to the system memory, you can use an easy-to-use, built-in diagnostic tool – Windows Memory Diagnostic. Here'show to check if RAM is workingor not.

• Click theWindows Starticon and typeWindows Memory Diagnosticon the search box.

• Click "Restart nowand check for problems"option in the diagnostic window.

• Your system will reboot in a diagnostic environment. Wait for a while till Windows checks RAM for errors.

• You can pressF1to change the test options or let it run as it is in standard settings.
• You can change the following settings:

1. Test Mix– The type of test you want to run – Basic, Standard, or Extended.
2. Cache– The type of cache setting you want for each RAM test: Default, On, or Off.
3. Pass count– Number of times you want to repeat the test.

• The Standard test will work for almost all troubleshooting scenarios, so let the test run.
• Once the test is complete, your PC will start, and the test result will appear.
• If you fail to see the result, right-click on theWindows
• ClickEvent Viewer, and navigate toWindows Logs.

• Then click on theSystemin the left-most pane.
• Search for the event named '内存Diagnostic results'in theSourcecolumn and click on themost recent result.

Do I need to upgrade my RAM?

Is your system constantly running slow, crashing, or running low on memory? Is it taking too long to open Microsoft Word or web pages? If yes, then it's time for a RAM upgrade.

Also, if the Windows Diagnostic test reports show any problem, you should upgrade your RAM immediately.

However, a RAM upgrade can result in data loss or file corruption if not carried out properly. Therefore, we recommend you keepStellar Data Recovery Standard for Windowsat hand to retrieve any lost files.

This trusted data recovery software can be used to recover lost, corrupted, formatted data from HDD, SSD, USB, and various other storage devices.

Conclusion

RAM or the short-term memory that stores data your PC is actively using. Like any other computer part, it can also break or start causing issues like blue screen of death and random system crashes. Therefore, it's important to know how much RAM you have and how to check if RAM is working or not.

FAQ

1.How do I know if I have bad RAM?

If your system is having the following issues, you need to replace your RAM immediately:

• Your PC keeps on crashing.
• Problem in accessing files and folders.
• Your PC screen freezes or slows down when you are working.
• Video cards fail to load.

2.How do I keep my RAM healthy?

RAM保持健康最好的方法是通过保持它cool. Ensure you have good air circulation going through your case so your system can cool it down after it gets hot. Or try using a RAM cooler.

3.What are the causes of RAM failure?

There could be many reasons for RAM failure: corrupt OS installation, faulty hardware components, excessive heat, viruses/malware, or bad power supply.

4.当内存失败,会发生什么?

If your RAM is not working fine, it will make your OS work slowly. Even your web browser will take more time to open and become slower.