Whether you are installing new software, upgrading hardware or simply curious about what your machine can do, knowing your PC specifications is important. On Windows 11, checking your system specs is straightforward and can help you make more informed decisions about performance, compatibility and upgrades.
This guide will walk you through the easiest ways to check your PC’s specifications in Windows 11 using built-in tools and settings. You will learn how to find details about your processor, memory, storage, graphics and more.
Why You Might Need to Check Your PC Specs
Understanding your PC’s specifications can help with a range of tasks. Before installing certain applications or games, you may need to confirm that your system meets the minimum requirements. If your computer is running slowly, knowing how much RAM or what type of processor you have can help diagnose performance issues. Checking your specs is also essential when planning hardware upgrades or speaking with technical support.
Using System Settings to View Basic Specs
The easiest way to see your core system specifications is through the Settings menu. To do this, click the Start button and open Settings. From the left-hand menu, select System then scroll down and click on About.
On the About page, you will see information about your device including the device name, processor, installed RAM, system type and Windows version. This is a great starting point for a general overview of your system.
Using System Information for More Detail
If you need a more comprehensive breakdown of your hardware, you can use the System Information tool. Press the Windows key and S together and type System Information into the search bar then select the top result.
This utility provides a detailed summary of your PC including BIOS version, motherboard model, total physical memory, boot mode and network adapter information. You can expand sections in the left-hand pane such as Components and Display to explore even more hardware-specific data.
Using Task Manager to Check Performance Specs
Task Manager not only shows you current system activity but also gives insight into your installed hardware.
Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager. Click on the Performance tab to view live usage statistics. You will also find information such as your CPU model and speed, RAM usage, disk type and GPU details. This view is especially helpful when trying to understand what might be slowing your system down.
Using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
To check details about your graphics and sound hardware, use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Open the Run box by pressing the Windows key and R together, type dxdiag and press Enter.
The main window will show your processor, memory and DirectX version. Clicking on the Display tab provides information about your graphics card and video driver. You can also use the Save All Information button to export the data to a text file if needed.
Checking Storage Devices and Space
To view your storage specs and available space, open Settings then go to System and select Storage. This section shows how much space is used and what types of files are taking up room.
For more technical details about your drives, open Device Manager, expand Disk drives and right-click on your installed drive. Selecting Properties gives you further insight into the model and driver information.
Using Command Prompt or PowerShell
Advanced users may prefer using Command Prompt or PowerShell to get specific specs quickly. For example, open PowerShell and type Get-ComputerInfo. This returns a long list of system data including OS version, BIOS, processor and memory details.
You can also use Get-PhysicalMemory to get precise information about your installed RAM including speed and capacity per module.
Final Thoughts
Checking your PC specs on Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look. Whether you use the Settings app for a quick overview or delve into System Information for a detailed report, these tools can help you better understand your system’s capabilities. By keeping track of your hardware and performance, you can ensure your PC is ready for whatever task you have in mind whether it is work, gaming or creative projects.