If your system is configured to create full or automatic memory dumps instead of small memory dumps, Windows writes the data to a single, larger file: C:\Windows\MEMORY.DMP
The folder must exist with proper permissions (SYSTEM must have write access). Also, the pagefile must be on the same drive if you are writing a kernel/full dump – otherwise the dump will fail.
Yes, if you enable “Small memory dump” along with kernel or full dump, Windows will generate both MEMORY.DMP and a timestamped minidump in the Minidump folder. minidump files location exclusive
The default path works for most users. However, there are many scenarios where an advanced user or IT administrator needs to change the minidump location. Perhaps the main drive is full, or you need the files to be saved to a persistent network location for analysis on a non-persistent virtual desktop (such as a VDI environment).
Sometimes the to a crash isn’t obvious – especially if the crash happened in a service, a system process, or a container. Use these methods to pinpoint the exact folder. If your system is configured to create full
: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting\LocalDumps and set the DumpFolder value. Quick Access Checklist Collecting User-Mode Dumps - Win32 apps - Microsoft Learn
However, for , Windows Error Reporting (WER) provides another layer of configuration. To collect minidumps when a specific application crashes, you would navigate to: The default path works for most users
In rare cases, if the Windows directory is on a different drive, substitute C: with the appropriate drive letter (e.g., D:\Windows\Minidump ). 3. How to Access the Minidump Folder (Permission Issues)