Ever wondered what’s under the hood of your computer? Whether you’re upgrading components, troubleshooting performance issues, or just curious about your PC’s power, knowing how to check PC specs on Windows 10 is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods — from quick built-in tools to detailed third-party options — to help you uncover every detail about your system. By the end, you’ll know exactly what hardware and software your Windows 10 PC is running.
Why You Should Know Your PC Specs
Before we jump into the how-to, let’s answer the big question: why should you even care about your computer’s specs?
Here are a few key reasons:
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🧠 Upgrades: Knowing your current CPU, RAM, and motherboard helps you decide what parts are compatible for upgrades.
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🎮 Gaming: Game developers list “minimum system requirements.” You can check your specs to see if your PC can handle them.
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🛠️ Troubleshooting: Understanding what hardware you have makes it easier to diagnose performance issues.
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🖥️ Compatibility: Some software (like video editors or CAD tools) requires certain specs to run efficiently.
So, if you want to keep your PC running smoothly — or make smart decisions when upgrading — understanding your specs is step one.
⚙️ Key Components to Check
When you check your PC specs in Windows 10, look for these main details:
| Component | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Speed and model of your CPU |
| Memory (RAM) | Amount of usable memory |
| Storage | Disk type (SSD or HDD) and capacity |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | Handles graphics, gaming, and visuals |
| Motherboard | Main circuit board and chipset |
| Operating System | Windows version and build number |
| BIOS/UEFI Version | Important for firmware updates |
| Network Adapter | Internet and Wi-Fi connectivity |
| System Manufacturer | Laptop or desktop brand and model |
🧰 Method 1: Check PC Specs via System Information (msinfo32)
This built-in Windows tool provides a comprehensive overview of your system.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
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Type msinfo32 and hit Enter.
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The System Information window opens.
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Review details like:
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System Model
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Processor
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Installed Physical Memory (RAM)
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BIOS Version/Date
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Windows Version
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👉 You can even export the details:
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Go to File > Export to save your PC specs as a text file.
🖥️ Method 2: Check Basic Specs Using Settings
If you just need basic details like CPU, RAM, and Windows version, the Settings app is the simplest way.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to System > About.
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Under Device specifications, you’ll see:
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Processor
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Installed RAM
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Device name
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Under Windows specifications, you’ll see:
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Edition
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Version
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OS build
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This is ideal for quick checks — especially when installing software or drivers.
💻 Method 3: Check Specs Using Command Prompt (CMD)
For advanced users, CMD gives you detailed results through simple commands.
Steps:
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Open Command Prompt (search for cmd in Start and select Run as administrator).
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Type:
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Press Enter.
You’ll get:
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OS details
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System model
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BIOS info
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Processor
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Memory
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Network configuration
You can copy and paste this data anywhere — useful for tech support or upgrade planning.
🧩 Method 4: Use DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)
If you’re checking your graphics and sound hardware, this tool is perfect.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
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Wait for the tool to load.
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You’ll see tabs like:
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System: OS, CPU, memory, DirectX version
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Display: GPU model, VRAM, driver info
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Sound: Audio devices
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Input: Keyboards, mice, and peripherals
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👉 Click Save All Information to export your PC details.
⚡ Method 5: Check System Specs Using PowerShell
PowerShell can fetch specific details in a cleaner format.
Commands to Try:
| Command | What It Shows |
|---|---|
Get-ComputerInfo | Complete system info |
Get-WmiObject Win32_Processor | CPU details |
Get-WmiObject Win32_PhysicalMemory | RAM details |
Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem | OS info |
This method is great for IT pros or advanced users who want precise, scriptable results.
🪟 Method 6: Check Hardware Specs Using Task Manager
Task Manager isn’t just for killing apps — it also shows live hardware data.
Steps:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Click the Performance tab.
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You’ll see sections for:
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CPU: Core count, utilization, speed
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Memory: RAM usage
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Disk: Type and speed
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GPU: Usage and driver version
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You can monitor real-time performance and identify bottlenecks easily.
📁 Method 7: View PC Specs Through File Explorer
Steps:
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Open File Explorer.
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Right-click This PC > Properties.
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You’ll see:
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Processor
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RAM
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Windows Edition
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This quick view is handy when sharing system info for support or resale.
🔍 Method 8: Use Third-Party Software (CPU-Z, Speccy, etc.)
If you want more in-depth and visual analysis, third-party tools are your best bet.
Popular Choices:
| Tool | Key Features |
|---|---|
| CPU-Z | Detailed CPU, memory, and motherboard data |
| Speccy | Clean interface with all hardware info |
| HWiNFO | In-depth diagnostics for every component |
| GPU-Z | Graphics card details and real-time monitoring |
✅ These tools often include temperature, voltage, and performance sensors, which Windows doesn’t show natively.
🎮 How to Check GPU and Display Info
For gaming or video editing, your GPU (Graphics Card) is crucial.
Steps:
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Right-click on the desktop and choose Display settings.
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Scroll down and click Advanced display settings.
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Click Display adapter properties to see:
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GPU model
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Dedicated video memory
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Driver version
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Or use Device Manager:
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Press Windows + X → choose Device Manager → expand Display adapters.
🧠 How to Check RAM and Storage Details
Check RAM:
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Open Task Manager → Performance → Memory.
You’ll see:-
Installed RAM
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Speed (MHz)
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Form factor (DIMM/SODIMM)
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Check Storage:
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Open File Explorer → This PC to view drive sizes.
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For more detail:
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Press Windows + X → Disk Management.
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See partitions, drive types (SSD/HDD), and capacity.
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🧬 How to Check Motherboard and BIOS Info
Using CMD:
This shows your motherboard brand and model, useful for driver updates or upgrades.
To check BIOS version:
Or open System Information (msinfo32) — it’s listed under “BIOS Version/Date.”
🌐 How to Check Network and Device Drivers
Steps:
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Open Device Manager (Windows + X).
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Expand Network adapters or any category.
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Right-click a device → Properties → Driver tab.
This shows:
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Driver provider
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Version
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Date
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Update options
Keeping these up to date ensures your hardware runs efficiently.
🧾 Compare System Specs: How to Know If You Can Run a Game or Software
When a game lists “minimum” and “recommended” requirements, compare them with your system info.
| Requirement | Game Example | Check on PC |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 | Task Manager → Performance |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX / AMD Radeon | Device Manager / dxdiag |
| RAM | 8 GB | Settings → System → About |
| Storage | 50 GB free | File Explorer → This PC |
Tip: You can use websites like Can You Run It (systemrequirementslab.com) to automate this comparison.
⚠️ Common Issues When Checking System Info
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Command not recognized | Typo or missing permissions | Run CMD as Administrator |
| Missing details | Outdated drivers | Update drivers |
| Wrong GPU name | Integrated GPU priority | Check dxdiag or GPU-Z |
| RAM not fully usable | 32-bit Windows or hardware limit | Upgrade to 64-bit OS |
🏁 Conclusion
Checking your PC specs on Windows 10 is easy once you know where to look. From the Settings app for basic info to System Information, Task Manager, and tools like CPU-Z, you can uncover everything about your machine.
Understanding your system’s hardware helps you:
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Optimize performance
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Plan upgrades smartly
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Troubleshoot effectively
So, next time your PC slows down or you’re shopping for new components, you’ll know exactly what’s inside your computer — and what needs improving.
❓ FAQs
1. How do I quickly check my PC specs on Windows 10?
Go to Settings > System > About. You’ll see your CPU, RAM, and Windows version instantly.
2. How can I check my graphics card info?
Use dxdiag, Device Manager, or Task Manager → Performance → GPU.
3. How do I find my motherboard model?
Run the command:
4. Can I export my system info to a file?
Yes — open msinfo32, go to File > Export, and save it as a text file.
5. How can I check if my PC supports a new game?
Compare your specs with the game’s system requirements or use online tools like “Can You Run It.”
📋 Key Takeaways
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Use msinfo32 for detailed PC specs.
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Settings > About gives a quick summary.
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Task Manager and dxdiag show real-time CPU, GPU, and RAM info.
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PowerShell and CMD commands reveal advanced system details.
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Third-party tools like CPU-Z and Speccy provide deep insights and temperature monitoring.
Knowing your PC specs in Windows 10 is like knowing the DNA of your computer — it empowers you to make smarter decisions about performance, upgrades, and compatibility.
