Memtest86 for Windows

Used Memtest86 for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffNovember 7, 2018

This freeware accurately checks the memory of x86 computers, but Memtest86's floppy-boot-disk installation lessens its mass appeal.

This utility won't install to your hard drive; it can only install on a bootable floppy disk. There is no interface, as it immediately checks your computer's memory. Memtest86 is quick and accurate. However, system administrators looking for a memory tester will probably pass on Memtest86, as many current machines don't include floppy drives.

Home users with older PCs will appreciate the simplicity of Memtest86. It can't get any easier than inserting a disk and rebooting your PC. We can easily recommend this freeware for home users who have floppy drives and a need to check their computer's memory.

What’s new in version 6.0

Version 6.0:

UEFI BIOS support, including secure boot.
DDR4 support, including XMP
Row hammer testing
64bit native code
Foreign language support, French German, Japanese, Chinese
ECC RAM support for server class CPUs
Writing of test reports to the USB drive

Memtest86 for Windows

Used Memtest86 for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: February 23, 2015

Latest update: November 7, 2018

Version: 6.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 98
Windows 2003
Windows XP
Windows ME
Windows Server
Windows Vista
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Windows 10
Windows 8
Windows 7

Additional Requirements: USB flash drive

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 301,889

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.3/5

17 User Votes

Excellent tool
caffeinegeekMay 16, 2015
Pros
Excellent utility for testing for RAM errors. The test suite is very thorough and will catch all sorts of issues that can arise when physical RAM shows anomalies.
Cons
None that I have encountered.
Summary
Don't let the low ratings fool you. Those that gave 1 star reviews are simply not technical enough to use the software correctly. Burn it to an optical disc or build a bootable USB drive to use Memtest86. As the Editor's review states, do not simply decompress and run in Windows (or OSX or *nix).
The industry standard memory test
Mukunda_YuyutsuFebruary 24, 2015
Pros
Does a deep test on your RAM sticks. Version 6.0 supports the newer memory technologies. Such as DDR4, 64bit and the UEFI graphical BIOS's found on new PCs. You can now also get a test report written out to your USB drive at the end of testing. Software is free.
Cons
This isn't software that runs in Windows like some of the old reviewers seemed to think. It boots from a USB drive (or a CD) that you need to prepare following the instructions in the download. It can also be slow to run, it can take an hour or more. I run it overnight. Support for traditional BIOS and floppy disk has been dropped in the latest release. but does anyone use a floppy disk anymore?
Summary
Free, effective RAM test for your PC.
Only works on 32 bit systems
SadsaytrJanuary 25, 2015
Pros
I was unable to use as my system as it is 64 bit. I do remember using this test on my Win XP, 32 bit and it was very very good.
Cons
Only 64 bit systems
Summary
Good for testing 32 bit systems, which now-a-days is getting to be rare.
Didnt Work
only126dbJune 19, 2014
Pros
None, its junks, broken......poop
Cons
Downloaded a .rar file, so I extracted it, which was another .rar file, so I extracted it, which was a folder with a bunch of crap which had no .exe file or anything.
Summary
Serious waste of time....I would not expect this from CNET.....Very disappointed
This is trash, don't waste your time.
rorschach72February 3, 2014
Pros
Nothing positive about this garbage.
Cons
This trash doesn't work, it will not run. It's completely useless.
Summary
This is garbage, don't bother wasting your time and effort with crap that doesn't work.
Great test for RAM
pshearer82April 29, 2010
Pros
easy to use, automatic
Cons
There are no cons for me.
Summary
This was perfect for what I needed. I had an issue and this detected the faulty stick, it was easy to use and it found the faulty stick in multiple cases. Issue resolved.
Works as advertised
cmdrpookieMarch 24, 2010
Pros
Seems to reliably detect even tricky-to-detect RAM problems that might be causing random computer flakiness.
Cons
Must be run from a CD or floppy. Not sure how to avoid this, though, since the OS can't be loaded before doing a complete RAM test. Possible to run it from a USB key maybe?
Summary
It works.
Great tool
bssheriffFebruary 13, 2010
Pros
Works as advertised. Catches errors that some other tools miss. Runs great as a boot CD. It does not take a rocket scientist to convert this download to a boot CD. Use something like CDBurnerXP to write the included .bin file to a bootable CD.
Cons
None that I can see..
Summary
Great tool. No credible technician would want to leave home without it.
Good program
tim321January 13, 2010
Pros
Started and ran real well after getting the program on the floppy.
Cons
A more obvious how-to section would help.
Summary
Get the latest release, just go to memtest.org
faheydDecember 26, 2009
Pros
Works EVERYTIME on any system I've used in 10 years.
Cons
You must be smarter then the box in front of you. Of course you can't burn a ISO on a Cd if the system you are burning on, HAS BAD MEMORY. You must burn the disc on another 'clean' system.
Summary
Always check the memtest.org site for the latest release so that your 'new' motherboard chipset is properly supported.

Developer’s Description

By PassMark Software

Check the memory modules in your PC are error free.