The professional choice. It’s more complex but provides a deep dive into exactly what the CPU was doing at the moment of failure.

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.

Key values:

If the folder is empty or doesn't exist, one of these "exclusive" scenarios is likely the cause: Memory dump file options - Windows Server - Microsoft Learn

But there is a persistent myth and confusion surrounding these files: Where are they actually stored? Many online guides point to a generic folder, but the reality is more nuanced. If you have ever searched for a minidump file only to find an empty folder or no files at all, you need the details on how Windows manages, hides, and moves these critical debugging assets.

The standard location for small memory dump files is a specific folder inside the Windows directory.

Minidump files are typically smaller than full memory dumps, making them easier to store and transmit. This compactness is achieved by omitting non-essential data, such as memory regions not directly related to the crash.

Knowing the to each crash type ensures you’re looking in the right place – and not wasting time scanning random directories.

Ensure is set to Small memory dump (256 KB) .

The primary location for Windows minidump files is the folder. These files, which end with the .dmp extension, are generated by the system when a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or critical crash occurs to help diagnose the cause. Common File Locations