If you’re trying to get a grip on what kind of hardware your Windows 11 PC is running, this info can come in handy. Maybe you’re troubleshooting, planning an upgrade, or just plain curious about the internals. Honestly, it’s way easier than you might think—no need to crack open your case or run fancy tools. Just local Windows tools and a couple of clicks, and you’ve got the scoop on your CPU, RAM, GPU, and more. Trust me, knowing your specs saves a lot of head-scratching down the line. Here’s how to get started.
Step by Step: How to See PC Specs on Windows 11
In this walkthrough, you’ll learn how to find out what’s inside your Windows 11 machine without having to install third-party software (unless you want extra details).It’s mostly about navigating the Settings menu and some built-in tools. Fair warning — sometimes the info isn’t extremely detailed, but it’s enough to tell if you’re running a decent CPU, enough RAM, or if you’re probably bottlenecked. And yes, it works on most setups.
First, open the Settings app
- Click on the Start menu, then find and click the Settings icon (gear shape).Or press Windows key + I as a shortcut—sometimes quicker.
- This pops up the main Settings window, which is surprisingly robust for quick checks.
Why it helps: It’s the centralized hub to start your info hunt. When your PC’s acting weird or you’re talking about upgrades, this is usually the first stop. Expect simple, enough info to start with, and it’s 100% safe.
Next, go to System
- In the sidebar, click on System. That’s where Windows stores a ton of hardware and display info.
- This section is often overlooked but contains the most relevant hardware data for most users.
It applies when you want quick, at-a-glance info like your RAM amount or system type. Usually, you’ll find what you need here, but sometimes it’s a bit vague—no worries, there are more ways.
Click on About at the bottom
- Scroll down and select About from the list. Think of it as the “big picture” section.
- Here, Windows summarizes your device’s key specs like processor, system type (x64, ARM), installed RAM, and Windows version.
This is where most folks find what they need—after all, it’s a quick snapshot. Sometimes, this info isn’t the most detailed, especially if you need GPU info or storage details, but it’s a good start, and it works for most use cases.
View comprehensive specs inside “Device specifications”
- Look under “Device specifications”—you’ll see your processor info, RAM size, device ID, and system type.
- On some machines, you may need to click “Copy” or “Refresh” to get the latest info. It can get weird if you’re running a custom build or very old hardware, but mostly, it’ll be accurate.
Here’s where you might notice that your CPU is a bit older or your RAM is on the low end. If you’re planning upgrades or troubleshooting, this peek is invaluable.
Want graphics info? Check Display settings
- Right-click the desktop and choose Display settings.
- Scroll down and click on Advanced display settings.
- Here, you’ll see your graphics card details (adapter info) under “Display information.”
Not sure why it works, but this section often reveals the GPU model — crucial for gamers or video editors. Sometimes, on integrated chips like Intel HD, it’s not totally obvious, but it’ll usually tell enough to know if your setup is built for gaming or multimedia work.
Once through all this, you’ll have a pretty decent handle on what your system is packing. And heck, that saved a bunch of time digging around.
Tips: How to See PC Specs on Windows 11
- For a more detailed report—especially if you’re into hardware nuances—try typing msinfo32 into the search bar and launching the System Information app. It’s the old-school way, but honestly, it gives you pretty granular info about your machine’s components.
- Keep your Windows fully updated. Sometimes, new tools or better info panels get added with updates. Of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary, but sometimes they actually improve it.
- Download third-party tools like CPU-Z or HWinfo for even deeper insights, especially if you’re debating upgrades or overclocking.
- Screenshot your specs for future reference or quick sharing. Just hit PrtScn or Snipping Tool, and you’re golden.
- Be familiar with these basics so you don’t have to scramble when troubleshooting or discussing upgrades. Handy to know your CPU model and RAM size off the top of your head.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my graphics card on Windows 11?
Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings. Then, click on Advanced display settings. Your GPU info will be listed under “Display information”—sometimes it’s called Adapter Type or similar.
What if I can’t find the ‘About’ section?
Make sure you’ve hit System first, then scroll down to the last item labeled About. Sometimes the menu can be a little hidden if Windows updates its interface, but it’s always there.
Can I check my specs without opening Settings?
Definitely. Hit Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. You’ll get a detailed window with a full hardware rundown. It’s old-school but super reliable.
How do I find my processor speed?
Inside the About section under Device specifications, you’ll see your processor HR info. Sometimes it’s just a model number, but if you Google it, you can verify the speed.
Is there a way to check specs remotely?
If you’re using remote desktop or something similar, you can just check your remote system the same way as locally. Alternatively, some remote management tools or enterprise solutions can give you system info without logging in directly.
Summary
- Click Settings > System > About.
- Check device specs like processor, RAM, and system type.
- For detailed graphics info, go to Display settings > Advanced display settings.
- Use System Information (msinfo32) for deep dives if needed.
Wrap-up
Figuring out what’s under your PC’s hood isn’t exactly rocket science, but it does seem like Windows makes it feel complicated sometimes. Just by poking around a few menus, you’ll get enough info to make smarter decisions about upgrades or troubleshooting. And honestly, it’s kinda satisfying to know what your machine’s really packing. Worked for most of the setups I’ve tried, so hopefully it helps you too.