Memory testing program for PC - 13 different RAM testing algorithms!

Memtest86

Memtest86

  -  11.65 MB  -  Freeware
  • Latest Version

    Memtest86 11.3 LATEST

  • Review by

    Michael Reynolds

  • Operating System

    Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10 / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    PassMark Software / External Link

  • Filename

    memtest86-usb.zip

  • MD5 Checksum

    4c5b90ec84d4351749cdbaa7717184ed

Memtest86 is a free utility application that allows PC users any model of x86 CPU to run comprehensive tests regarding the stability of your RAM memory.

This includes a wide array of tests that will determine if your RAM is causing or will potentially be future cause for system instabilities, crashes, corrupted data, and a wide array of unexplained behavior.

System RAM memory is integral for the proper functioning of your OS and handling of your data, and confirming that it is at fault (or ruling it out) can save you many worries and help you with troubleshooting errors on your PC.

Itis built from the ground up to run independently of your OS. To run it, you need to copy it to a self-booting USB stick, and then restart your PC and boot this mini-app from your USB.

To make this process easier, It comes with a built-in image USB tool. In addition to USB sticks, Memtest86 (which can handle older BIOS and not modern UEFI BIOS) can also be booted from CD/DVD or even floppy discs.

Features and Highlights
  • Self-booting from USB flash stick
  • A comprehensive suite of 13 RAM testing algorithms, all targeted to check your RAM for potential faults.
  • Modern graphics interface, suitable for both novices and professionals.
  • Support for all current RAM versions - DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4.
  • Ability to recognize XMP profiles.
  • Support for ECC RAM, error-correcting code RAM.
  • Full support for UEFI, the latest visual UI BIOS.
  • Since version 5, It has become a native x64 app.
  • Memtest86 is a Microsoft registered app that can handle SecureBoot feature of modern BIOS
  • Expanding support for foreign languages.
  • Support for a wide array of enthusiast networking features, including Network Boot (PXE), full test automation, exporting of test results to file, and more.
Differences between BIOS and UEFI versions

It is very important to note that PC users who have older motherboards with BIOS need to download a free version of the program. Users with newer motherboards that feature the UEFI interface need to download newer and feature full the app.

The tool is safe & secure, tested to be virus-free. All of its files are in their original form. This benchmark tool is great and very useful.
 
Differences between FREE and PREMIUM versions

Have no fear, because the free version of Mem test 86 packs in incredible functionality that can help both novices and seasoned veterans of the PC repair in testing RAM memory.

Premium version of Memtest 86 expands on the already great functionality of the base free version and adds several advanced features that are focused on more premium types of RAM memory (ECC RAM), networking features, automation, and data collection.

How to Use
  • Insert a USB drive and launch the image creation tool
  • Create a bootable USB drive with MemTest86
  • Reboot your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings
  • Set USB as the first boot device and save changes
  • Boot from the USB drive to launch MemTest86
  • Let the memory test run automatically or configure options
  • Review the results and look for memory errors
  • Power off the PC and remove the USB drive
  • Replace faulty RAM if errors are detected
System Requirements

A Windows PC with UEFI firmware (not legacy BIOS)

USB flash drive (minimum 512MB)

Internet connection for downloading the image

64-bit CPU (MemTest86 supports x86 and x64 CPUs)

Keyboard access to BIOS/UEFI settings

PROS
  • Reliable memory error detection
  • UEFI boot support for modern systems
  • Easy USB bootable setup
  • Free version available
  • Detailed error reporting
CONS
  • No in-OS testing (requires reboot)
  • Complex for novice users
  • USB creation may confuse some
  • No automatic RAM fix
  • Takes time to run full tests


Why is this app published on FileHorse? (More info)
  • Memtest86 11.3 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Memtest86 11.3 Screenshot 1
  • Memtest86 11.3 Screenshot 2
  • Memtest86 11.3 Screenshot 3
  • Memtest86 11.3 Screenshot 4
  • Memtest86 11.3 Screenshot 5

What's new in this version:

Fixes/Enhancements:
- Added address decode support for AMD Rembrandt/Zen 3+ (Family 19, Model 40-4F) chipsets
- Fixed module/chip decoding for SODIMM/CSODIMM modules on Intel Arrow Lake chipsets
- Fixed DDR5 SODIMMs incorrectly identified as UDIMMs in DIMM results screen
- Fixed module decoding for 2-slot Intel Arrow Lake boards
- Fixed bug in obtaining SMBIOS memory info for 2-slot Intel Arrow Lake boards
- Improved execution time of cache/memory benchmark tests by adjusting number of iterations based on capacity
- Improved execution time of rdtsc clock speed measurement
- Reduced significant delays prior to starting memory tests due to initializing and reading of memory controller registers
- Fixed incorrect measurement of cache/memory speeds for ARM64 chipsets
- Applied workaround for enabling performance timers (CNTP_CTL_EL0) when running in a lower exception level for ARM64 chipsets
- Removed validity checks causing failure to obtain DDR4 DIMM temperature data
- Fixed bug in enabling ECC injection for Intel Arrow Lake/Lunar Lake chipsets
- Fixed incorrect memory clock speed reported for Intel Ivy Bridge chipsets
- Updated JEDEC manufacturer ID codes based on JEP106BL (Feb 2025)