How To Check PC Specs in Windows 11 (Know Your PC)

Knowing your PC’s specifications is essential—whether you’re troubleshooting issues, upgrading hardware, installing new software, or just curious about your system’s capabilities. With Windows 11 introducing a refreshed interface and slightly restructured menus, many users may not immediately know where to look for critical system information. Your computer’s specs include the processor (CPU), installed memory (RAM), storage space, graphics card (GPU), system type (32-bit or 64-bit), and more.

Being informed about your PC’s hardware and software configuration can help you make better decisions when purchasing new applications or games and even when seeking technical support. Windows 11 offers various built-in methods to view detailed system specifications without needing to download third-party software. From the simple Settings menu to more advanced tools like PowerShell and DirectX Diagnostic Tool, there are multiple ways to explore your computer’s details.

In this guide, we will walk you through all the major ways to check PC specs in Windows 11 step-by-step—so you can truly know your PC.

Use the Settings App (Easiest Method)

Windows 11 makes it easy to access basic system specs through the Settings app:

1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Open Settings (you can also press Windows + I).
3. In the sidebar, select System.
4. Scroll down and click on About.

Here you will see:

• Device name
• Processor (CPU)
• Installed RAM
• Device ID
• Product ID
• System type (e.g., 64-bit OS)
• Windows specifications (edition, version, install date, build number)

This method provides a quick summary of your core PC specifications and is perfect for casual users.

System Information (Advanced Overview)

For more comprehensive technical data, use the built-in System Information tool:

1. Press Windows + S and type System Information, then hit Enter.
2. Once opened, you’ll see a window with detailed info.

Key categories include:

• System Summary: BIOS version, baseboard manufacturer, boot mode, etc.
• Hardware Resources: IRQs, memory addresses, and DMA channels.
• Components: Storage, display, input devices, and network.
• Software Environment: Drivers, environment variables, running tasks.

You can also export this data for technical documentation or troubleshooting.

Task Manager (Real-Time Specs)

For real-time information about performance and hardware usage:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Performance tab.

Each component—CPU, Memory, Disk, Wi-Fi, GPU—gets its own section. You’ll see:

• Clock speed
• Utilization %
• Number of cores and threads
• RAM usage and form factor
• GPU memory
• Drive read/write speeds

This is ideal for monitoring your PC while running software or games.

DirectX Diagnostic Tool (Check GPU, Audio, Display)

This is particularly useful for gamers or those troubleshooting display/sound issues.

1. Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
2. Wait a few seconds for the tool to collect data.
3. Navigate through tabs: System, Display, Sound, and Input.

Highlights:

• GPU model and driver
• Display resolution and refresh rate
• Sound driver and hardware
• DirectX version installed

You can also click “Save All Information” to generate a text file for reference or support purposes.

Command Prompt or PowerShell (For Tech-Savvy Users)

You can quickly access system specs via terminal commands:

In Command Prompt:

1. Open CMD as administrator.
2. Type: systeminfo
3. Press Enter.

This shows:

• OS version
• Boot time
• BIOS version
• Total physical memory
• Hotfixes

In PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell as administrator.
2. Run: Get-ComputerInfo

This returns a long, detailed output of virtually every component, including virtualization support, UEFI status, and more.

Check Storage Details (Drives and Partitions)

To view drive types, capacities, and partition layout:

Settings Route:

1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Click Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes.

Here you will see:

• All connected drives (HDDs, SSDs, external)
• Total and used space
• Volume labels and format type (NTFS, exFAT, etc.)

Via Disk Management:

1. Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.
2. This utility shows partition size, health, and format.

Useful if you’re preparing to install a dual-boot OS or migrate to a new SSD.

Check Graphics Card (GPU) Details

In addition to dxdiag, you can use Device Manager or Settings.

Device Manager:

1. Press Windows + X, then choose Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.

You will see:

• GPU model(s)—for systems with integrated + dedicated GPUs.
• Driver info and update options.

Settings Route:

1. Go to Settings > System > Display.
2. Scroll to Advanced display settings.
3. Click on Display adapter properties.

Here you will find the VRAM amount, chip type, and driver info.

Third-Party Tools (Bonus)

While Windows has robust built-in tools, some users prefer third-party apps:

CPU-Z: Displays CPU name, core voltage, clock speed, cache levels.

GPU-Z: Specialized GPU monitoring—great for overclockers.

Speccy by CCleaner: Clean UI showing CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, GPU, and temperature.

HWMonitor: Real-time hardware monitoring (voltages, fan speeds, temps).

These tools are helpful for enthusiasts or diagnostics, but are optional for most users.

Wrapping It Up

Checking your PC specs in Windows 11 doesn’t require a tech background—Microsoft offers multiple built-in methods catering to different user levels. Whether you’re a casual user who wants to verify RAM and CPU specs before installing a new game, or a power user planning a hardware upgrade, you have all the tools you need. The Settings app and System Information are user-friendly, while PowerShell and the DirectX Diagnostic Tool provide deeper technical insight. And for those who need more precision or real-time monitoring, third-party tools can help fill any gaps.

Understanding your system helps ensure compatibility, improve performance, and make better decisions. It also empowers you to troubleshoot more effectively or communicate clearly with support professionals. Now that you’ve explored all the ways to view your Windows 11 specs, you truly know your PC—inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)