Can RAM Cause a Blue Screen of Death Error in Windows?

The Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) on Windows is a critical error that forces your computer to restart. In many cases, this leads to a restart loop unless the problem is solved.

The error can be caused by a range of hardware and operating system issues, but a common cause is your computer’s RAM.

How to identify RAM as the cause of BSoD

RAM or memory is an important component of computer systems. It allows the processor to access and manipulate data quickly, without storing the information permanently. Without it, a Windows PC simply won’t work.

In most cases, you can easily identify RAM as the cause of a blue screen because it will be mentioned somewhere in the error message.

The most common message is Stop Code: Memory Management, although you should also look out for other memory or RAM phrasing.

How can RAM cause BSoD errors?

RAM can cause a blue screen error for several different reasons. Here are the most common:

• Faulty RAM – When RAM is faulty due to age, manufacturing error, not being seated correctly, or incompatibilities, it may express itself as BSoD memory management error.
• Overheating – When RAM modules are not cooled properly by your computer’s fans or other cooling systems, they can overheat and cause crashes.
• Overclocking – Pushing your physical memory beyond capacity by overclocking can quickly lead to a BSoD.
• Software Conflicts – Badly coded software can lead to memory leaks and access problems for other programs.
• Malware – Some malware can take control of the memory processes, steal its resources, and cause it to malfunction.

Other Memory Management BSoD causes

The Memory Management stop code does not always refer to your computer’s RAM modules directly. It can also be caused by other memory-related issues. Here are some of the most common such issues:

• Virtual Memory – Windows often uses your hard drive to aid RAM for certain tasks, so if the hard drive is damaged, it can express itself as a memory management error. This can also occur if the virtual memory settings are incorrectly configured.
• Graphics Cards – GPUs contain their own memory chip, which can also become faulty and cause a BSoD.
• Driver Errors – Hardware issues are not always physical problems with the components. Drivers are the software that allows your system to communicate with the hardware. This can cause problems if the driver is outdated, corrupted, or missing.
• Corrupt System Files – Windows has endless system files that make the operating system work properly. If some of these are damaged, they can interfere with how memory is used and accessed.

How do I fix BSoD caused by RAM?

Here’s how you can troubleshoot RAM-related BSoD errors and fix the blue screen.

1. Check the System Information

Signs that there is a problem with RAM can be found by checking your system information.

1. First, type system information into the Windows Search bar and open the program.
2. Scroll down and compare Total Physical Memory to Available Physical Memory. If half or less is available, it might suggest one of the sticks or its slot is faulty.

2. Check Task Manager

The Task Manager shows which programs and processes are using the most RAM, while the performance tab gives more insight into how it is being allocated.

3. Run the Memory Diagnostic tool

The tool detects and isolates problems with RAM, such as incorrect values or defects in the memory modules.

1. Press the Windows key + R and type mdsched.exe.
2. Your system will reboot and run the tool, before recommending further troubleshooting or replacing faulty RAM modules.

4. Update the drivers (RAM & GPU)

Check and update the RAM and graphics card drivers. You can do this from the device manager or via the manufacturer’s website or utility.

5. Stop overclocking

If you have overlocked your RAM or GPU, delete the profiles or revert back to normal and check if the BSoD is fixed.

6. Reset the Virtual Memory settings

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box and type sysdm.cpl to open System Properties.
2. Click Advanced and then under Performance, click Settings.
3. Click the Advanced tab, then under Virtual memory click Change.
4. Make sure System managed size is checked.

7. Scan For Malware

If you suspect malware or viruses are causing RAM problems, perform a system-wide scan using Windows Defender and a reputable third-party antivirus program.

8. Use a dedicated repair tool

Fortect provides a quick way to solve many Windows problems, including BSoD caused by RAM. It can fix this when the issue is related to a broken registry and other system files.

The tool also gives you a summary of hardware, so you can check available memory, overheating, and more.

1. Download and Install Fortect on your PC.
2. Start a Scan to find corrupt system files and other Windows problems.
3. Click Start Repair to repair the operating system, and it will pull clean copies from its database and install them automatically.

It is also a good idea to use Fortect following other fixes to make sure your system is running at optimal performance.

Conclusion

RAM is one of many causes of the Blue Screen of Death on Windows. If the physical memory module is damaged, you may need to replace it.

However, virtual memory, corrupt system files, and other problems in the operating system can lead to RAM errors too.

When this is the case, changing some settings and repairing Windows can fix the BSoD.