> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigate-and-respond-to-cases/response-actions/collect-a-memory-image.md).

# Collect a memory image

Collect an endpoint memory image for forensic analysis.

{% hint style="info" %}

### Notice

This functionality has the following license requirements:

* Forensics add-on license.
  {% endhint %}

Certain forensic artifacts exist only in the computer’s memory, such as volatile data created by running processes. The **Memory Collection** option enables Cortex XDR to capture the memory of a Windows endpoint. After the memory image has been captured from the Cortex XDR endpoint, the image is available to download. Use the image to perform a full analysis using industry-standard tools.

How to collect a memory image

1. From the **Action Center** select New Action → **Memory Collection**.
2. Select the target Windows endpoint from which you want to collect the memory image (only one endpoint at a time). Click **Next**.
3. Review the summary and initiate the action.

   A summary of the memory collection action is displayed. If you need to change your settings, click **Back**. If all the details are correct, click **Done**. The **Memory Collection** action is added to the **Action Center**.
4. Review the collection results.

   In the **Action Center**, you can monitor the action progress in real-time and view the status for the target endpoint. For a detailed view of the results, right-click the action and select **Additional data**. Cortex XDR displays the action, timestamp, and real-time status of the action on the target endpoint.
5. Download the file of the image.

   In the **Detailed Results - Memory Collection** screen, right-click the action and select **Download files**.

   The file is downloaded to the local computer.


---

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