WINDOWS & SOFTWARE

How to Check Your PC Specs in Windows 11

Windows 11 System About screen showing CPU, RAM, graphics card, storage, device information, and Windows version on a desktop PC

Windows 11 spreads PC hardware information across several built-in tools. The fastest way to find the right specification is to use the tool designed for that job instead of searching through every menu.

This guide separates each tool into its own section so you can identify your CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, BIOS, Windows version, DirectX information, and driver details without mixing the steps together.

CPU & GPU RAM & STORAGE MOTHERBOARD & BIOS WINDOWS 11
Windows 11 System About screen showing CPU, RAM, graphics card, storage, device information, and Windows version on a desktop PC
START HERE

Which Windows Tool Should You Use?

Find the specification you need here, then use the matching step-by-step section below. Each tool is kept separate so the instructions do not overlap.

TOOL USE IT FOR WHAT IT SHOWS BEST WHEN
Settings > About Basic system information CPU, installed RAM, graphics card, storage, system type, Windows edition, version, OS build Best first stop for a quick hardware summary
Task Manager Core hardware + live usage CPU, RAM, GPU, disks, network, utilization Best for gaming hardware and current system load
System Information Motherboard, BIOS, platform BaseBoard, BIOS, system model, memory, Secure Boot, components Best for deeper platform information
DxDiag Graphics + DirectX GPU, display memory, graphics driver, DirectX version, feature levels Best for graphics and game-compatibility details
Device Manager Individual devices + drivers Device names, device status, driver provider/date/version Best for checking a specific device or driver
Storage settings Capacity + free space Used space, free space, storage categories, cleanup options Best for checking whether you have enough drive space

You usually need only one or two tools. Settings handles the basics, Task Manager covers the main performance hardware, and the remaining utilities fill in the platform, driver, DirectX, and storage details.

TOOL 1 · SETTINGS

Check Basic PC Specs in Settings

Use Settings > System > About when you need the fastest overview of your processor, installed RAM, graphics card, storage, system type, Windows edition, version, and OS build.

01

Open Windows Settings

Press Windows + I, or open Settings from the Start menu.

02

Select System

Choose System from the left navigation. This opens the main device and Windows settings area.

03

Open About

Scroll to the bottom of the System page and select About.

04

Read Device Specifications

Use Device specifications to confirm the processor, installed RAM, and system type.

05

Read Windows Specifications

Use Windows specifications to confirm the Windows edition, version, and OS build.

Windows 11 Settings About page showing Device specifications and Windows specifications

View your processor, RAM, graphics card, storage, and Windows version in one place.

TOOL 2 · TASK MANAGER

Check CPU, RAM, GPU, and Storage in Task Manager

Task Manager is the most useful built-in tool when you want to identify the main performance hardware and see what the PC is doing while a workload is running.

01

Open Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly.

02

Open the Performance Page

Select Performance from the left navigation. Expand the window if the navigation labels are collapsed.

03

Check the CPU

Select CPU to view the processor model, speed, core count, logical processors, virtualization status, and cache information.

04

Check Memory and Storage

Select Memory for installed RAM, current usage, reported speed, and slots used. Select Disk to identify the drive and view live disk activity.

05

Check the GPU

Select GPU to identify the graphics adapter and view utilization, dedicated GPU memory, shared GPU memory, and engine activity.

Windows 11 Task Manager Performance page showing CPU, Memory, Disk, and GPU hardware information

Check CPU, memory, GPU, network activity, and live system performance.

TOOL 3 · SYSTEM INFORMATION

Check Your Motherboard and BIOS with System Information

System Information is the better Windows tool for motherboard, BIOS, system-model, Secure Boot, and broader platform details.

01

Open the Run Dialog

Press Windows + R to open Run.

02

Launch System Information

Type msinfo32 and press Enter. You can also search for System Information from the Start menu.

03

Use System Summary

System Summary shows the processor, installed memory, BIOS version and date, system manufacturer, system model, and other platform information.

04

Find BaseBoard Information

Look for BaseBoard Manufacturer, BaseBoard Product, and BaseBoard Version. Some systems may leave these fields blank or use generic names.

05

Check Additional Components

Use the Components tree when you need a broader inventory of storage, display, network, and other hardware information.

Windows 11 System Information window showing BaseBoard motherboard and BIOS details

View detailed motherboard, BIOS, processor, memory, and system configuration information.

TOOL 4 · DXDIAG

Check GPU and DirectX Information with DxDiag

DxDiag is useful when a game or support process asks for your graphics adapter, DirectX version, display-memory information, graphics driver, or supported feature levels.

01

Open the Run Dialog

Press Windows + R to open Run.

02

Launch DxDiag

Type dxdiag and press Enter. Allow the DirectX Diagnostic Tool to finish collecting system information.

03

Check the System Tab

Use the System tab to confirm Windows information and the DirectX version reported by the operating system.

04

Open Display or Render

Use the Display or Render tabs to identify the detected graphics adapter, display-memory information, graphics driver, and supported feature levels.

05

Check Every GPU Tab

Systems with integrated and dedicated graphics can show more than one Display or Render tab, so review the adapter used for the workload you are troubleshooting.

Windows DirectX Diagnostic Tool showing GPU, display memory, driver information, and DirectX details

Check DirectX version, system details, graphics information, and installed display drivers.

TOOL 5 · DEVICE MANAGER

Check Individual Devices and Drivers in Device Manager

Device Manager is best when you need to identify one specific device, confirm that Windows recognizes it, or check the driver installed for that component.

01

Open Device Manager

Right-click Start and select Device Manager.

02

Choose a Hardware Category

Expand the category that contains the device you want to inspect, such as Display adapters, Network adapters, Disk drives, or Sound, video and game controllers.

03

Open Device Properties

Double-click the device or right-click it and select Properties.

04

Check Device Status

Use the General tab to confirm whether Windows reports that the device is working correctly.

05

Check the Driver

Open the Driver tab to view the driver provider, driver date, driver version, and available driver-management options.

Windows 11 Device Manager showing a hardware device Properties window and Driver tab

Identify individual hardware devices, check device status, and view installed driver details.

TOOL 6 · STORAGE

Check Storage Capacity and Free Space in Windows 11

Use Storage settings when you need to know how much drive space is used, how much remains available, and what categories are consuming that space.

01

Open Windows Settings

Press Windows + I, or open Settings from the Start menu.

02

Open System

Select System from the left navigation.

03

Open Storage

Select Storage to view the system drive and Windows storage-management options.

04

Check Used and Available Space

Review the capacity information to see how much storage is used and how much free space remains.

05

Review Storage Categories

Open categories such as Installed apps, Temporary files, or Other when you need to understand what is consuming space. Use Task Manager or System Information when you need the exact drive model.

Windows 11 Storage settings showing used space, free space, and storage categories

View drive capacity, available space, and what is using storage in Windows 11.

BEYOND THE BUILT-IN TOOLS

What Windows Still Cannot Tell You

Some important hardware details require a component label, build sheet, manufacturer documentation, or a dedicated hardware utility.

Windows usually cannot tell you the exact power-supply model and wattage, CPU cooler model, case model, fan models, cable configuration, or every memory timing. Some vendor-specific GPU power limits, SSD controller details, and motherboard revisions can also require manufacturer documentation.

If Windows reports a generic name or leaves a field blank, use the component label, original invoice or build sheet, motherboard documentation, or a reputable hardware-identification utility rather than guessing.

This becomes especially important before an upgrade. A component can be electrically compatible on paper and still be a poor fit because of case clearance, power connectors, PSU capacity, cooling, or motherboard layout.

INTERPRETING YOUR RESULTS

Which Specs Matter Most for Gaming?

After you identify the hardware, the workload determines which specifications matter most.

GPU and VRAM: the main hardware target for resolution, graphics settings, ray tracing, and rendering load. CPU: increasingly important as frame-rate targets rise or a game becomes CPU-heavy. RAM: determines active workload and multitasking headroom. Storage: determines capacity and influences how quickly data can be accessed.

The strongest system is not simply the one with the most expensive individual components. A high-end gaming PC is worth it when the CPU, GPU, memory, storage, cooling, power delivery, and display target are balanced around the same goal.

GPU & VRAM

The main hardware target for resolution, graphics settings, ray tracing, rendering load, and high-resolution texture memory.

CPU

Especially important for high-refresh gaming, simulation, game logic, background work, and CPU-limited frame rates.

RAM & STORAGE

RAM capacity affects active workload headroom, while storage capacity and drive behavior determine space and data access.

SAVE THE RESULT

Record These Specs Before Troubleshooting or Upgrading

Exact model names make support, compatibility checks, and upgrade planning much easier.

Avoid broad labels such as “Ryzen 7” or “GeForce RTX.” Record the exact model, generation, memory capacity, and platform information.

If the problem is performance-related, keep the hardware list separate from the symptoms. Then compare the specs with the resolution, settings, temperatures, utilization, and frame behavior where the issue occurs.

Exact CPU model

Exact GPU model and dedicated VRAM capacity

Installed RAM capacity and reported speed

Motherboard model and BIOS version

Storage drive model, capacity, and available space

Windows edition, version, and OS build

Current graphics-driver version

Monitor resolution and refresh rate used for gaming

A component name alone does not prove that component is the performance limit. Diagnose the workload before deciding what to replace.

USE THE INFORMATION

Turn the Spec List Into a Better Decision

Identifying the hardware is only useful if it leads to a better troubleshooting or upgrade decision.

If the PC is slow or unstable, diagnose the symptom first. Compare the exact hardware with the workload, temperatures, utilization, and behavior before assuming a part needs to be replaced. Valhalla support can use the hardware list as a much cleaner starting point.

If you are planning an upgrade, check the entire platform. GPU dimensions, power connectors, PSU capacity, motherboard support, BIOS compatibility, memory configuration, M.2 availability, and case clearance can all matter.

If several major components need to change, compare that cost with a complete system. Valhalla’s built-to-order PC guide explains how a full build can be planned around the target resolution, refresh rate, workload, and feature requirements.

NEXT STEPS

Not Happy With Your Current Build?

Knowing your specs makes it easier to decide whether your current PC needs an upgrade, a platform change, or a completely new system.

If your current PC is not delivering the performance or experience you want, you do not have to guess at the next step. Reach out to Valhalla and we can help you evaluate the system you already have, identify where the limitations are, and determine whether an upgrade makes sense.

If you are ready for a new system, explore our built-to-order PCs and configure a build around the performance you actually want. 
Tell us your target resolution, refresh rate, games, workloads, storage needs, and preferred features, and we can match the CPU, GPU, memory, cooling, power delivery, and platform around those requirements.

A new system also gives you the opportunity to plan the entire platform around the same goal from the beginning. That means choosing the processor, graphics card, memory, storage, cooling, power supply, and motherboard together instead of upgrading around limitations left by the previous build.

PC SPECS FAQ

Common Questions About PC Specs in Windows 11

Quick answers for CPU, GPU, VRAM, RAM, motherboard, storage, driver, and Windows 11 hardware questions.

Open Settings > System > About for the quickest view of your processor, installed RAM, system type, Windows edition, version, and OS build. Use the other tools in this guide only when you need more specific hardware information.

On a newly configured system, identifying the hardware is one part of the broader first-boot setup process, alongside Windows updates, drivers, networking, and display configuration.

Open Task Manager > Performance > CPU for the processor model, cores, logical processors, speed, and cache information. Settings > System > About also shows the processor model when that is all you need.

The CPU model still needs operating context because CPU cooling and sustained performance matter when temperature becomes a limiting factor.

Run msinfo32 and use System Summary. Look for BaseBoard Manufacturer, BaseBoard Product, BaseBoard Version, BIOS Version/Date, and system-model information. Some systems may not expose every BaseBoard field cleanly.

The board becomes easier to evaluate once you understand what a motherboard chipset does for PCIe, M.2, USB, SATA, and platform connectivity.

Usually not. Windows does not normally expose the exact PSU model, wattage, cable set, or efficiency rating. Check the PSU label, original invoice or build sheet, or the system manufacturer’s documentation instead.

Those details matter because power-supply quality affects stability, protection, connector support, transient behavior, efficiency, and upgrade headroom.

Compare the game’s requirements with your exact CPU, GPU, dedicated VRAM, RAM, available storage, Windows version, and DirectX support. Recommended requirements are usually a more useful starting point than minimum requirements, but resolution, settings, and frame-rate target still matter.

Hardware matching becomes clearer when choosing the right CPU and GPU combination starts with the real resolution, games, and performance target.

Open Task Manager > Performance > GPU to identify the graphics adapter and view dedicated GPU memory. DxDiag can also identify the GPU and report display-memory information.

Once you know the dedicated memory capacity, how much VRAM you need for gaming depends on resolution, textures, ray tracing, game design, and other workload factors.

Open Task Manager > Performance > Memory to view installed capacity, current usage, reported speed, and slots used.

Capacity and speed answer different questions. How much RAM you need for gaming depends on the game, background applications, streaming, and productivity workload.

Open Settings > System > Storage for used and available capacity. For the exact drive model, use Task Manager > Performance > Disk or System Information > Components > Storage > Disks.

If capacity is the limitation, adding more storage to a gaming PC requires checking available M.2 or SATA connections, physical clearance, lane behavior, and Windows drive setup.

Open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, open the GPU’s Properties window, and select the Driver tab. DxDiag also reports graphics-driver information on the Display or Render tab.

Before a major driver or system-level change, Windows 11 System Restore can provide a rollback point for certain driver, Windows, software, and configuration changes.

No. The built-in Windows tools are enough to identify most major hardware, Windows information, drivers, and storage capacity. Third-party utilities become useful for deeper sensor data, detailed memory timings, fan speeds, power telemetry, or vendor-specific information Windows does not expose.

For normal ownership beyond hardware identification, Valhalla’s PC setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting library separates those tasks into the specific workflows where they belong.

KNOW YOUR SPECS. PLAN THE NEXT MOVE.

Turn Your Current Specs Into a Better Upgrade or Build Plan.

Send us your current hardware—or tell us the games, resolution, refresh rate, workload, and performance target. Valhalla can match the platform to the result you actually want.

Current hardware considered before recommendations

CPU and GPU matched to the real workload

Configured, validated, and backed by lifetime support

Your current specs are a useful starting point.

Build Your Custom PC Browse All Systems

If the existing PC only needs a targeted upgrade, the hardware list helps make that clear. If the platform no longer fits the goal, a new system can be planned around the full performance target.