How to Check Specs on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re running Windows 11 and wondering what’s under the hood of your PC, you’re not alone. Whether you’re checking your computer’s RAM before installing a game, confirming CPU speed for software compatibility, or troubleshooting performance issues — knowing your system specs is essential.

In this detailed, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to check specs on Windows 11, step by step. You’ll learn multiple ways — from quick Settings checks to advanced commands — so you can find your device information with ease.

Why You Should Know Your PC Specs

Think of your computer’s specs as its DNA — they define what your system can do.

Here’s why checking specs matters:

• 💻 Performance Insight: Identify if your computer can handle new games, apps, or software.

• 🛠️ Troubleshooting: Fix lag or overheating by spotting bottlenecks (like low RAM or weak CPU).

• 🔄 Upgrade Planning: Know what parts to replace or upgrade (RAM, SSD, GPU, etc.).

• 🧾 System Compatibility: Ensure your PC meets the requirements for Windows updates or new applications.

Even if you’re not tech-savvy, understanding your system specs helps you make smarter decisions about maintenance and upgrades.

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What Specs Can You Check in Windows 11?

Here’s a quick list of key specifications you can view on your Windows 11 PC:

Now, let’s explore how to find this information step-by-step.

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How to Check Specs on Windows 11 (Quick Overview)

Here’s a summary of the main methods:

Let’s go through each one in detail.

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Method 1: Check System Specs via Settings

This is the simplest and fastest way to see basic system information.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to System → About.

3. Under Device specifications, you’ll see:

   • Device name

   • Processor (CPU)

   • Installed RAM

   • System type (32-bit or 64-bit)

4. Scroll down to Windows specifications for:

   • Edition (e.g., Windows 11 Home or Pro)

   • Version

   • OS build

   • Install date

✅ Tip: Click Copy to save your system details to the clipboard — handy for sharing with tech support or friends.

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Method 2: Check PC Specs Using System Information

If you want detailed hardware and software data, System Information (MSInfo32) is your go-to.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type msinfo32 and hit Enter.

3. The System Information window appears.

You’ll see dozens of details, including:

• Processor model and speed

• BIOS version/date

• Installed memory (RAM)

• Motherboard manufacturer

• Boot mode

• GPU details

Use the left sidebar to explore specific categories like Hardware Resources, Components, and Software Environment.

🧠 Pro Tip: Click File → Export to save your specs as a text file.

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Method 3: Use Command Prompt to View Specs

Prefer command-line tools? The Command Prompt offers several ways to fetch hardware data.

Steps:

1. Press Start, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator.

2. Type this command and press Enter:

   systeminfo


3. Wait a few seconds for Windows to display your specs.

You’ll get:

• OS version

• System manufacturer

• BIOS version

• Processor type

• RAM

• Hotfixes installed

✅ Optional: Type

to save the report directly to your desktop.

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Method 4: Check Specs Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides even more detailed control for tech enthusiasts or administrators.

Steps:

1. Right-click Start → Windows PowerShell (Admin).

2. Enter this command:

   Get-ComputerInfo


3. Press Enter and review your hardware, OS version, and more.

If you want only processor and RAM data, use:

PowerShell is great for scripting or exporting multiple PC specs at once.

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Method 5: View Hardware Info via Task Manager

Want to check CPU, RAM, and GPU performance in real-time? Task Manager is perfect.

Steps:

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

2. Click the Performance tab.

3. On the left, you’ll see:

   • CPU usage and speed

   • Memory (RAM) usage and capacity

   • Disk performance

   • GPU (graphics card) info

4. Click each section to see detailed graphs and specs.

This view helps identify what component is using the most resources.

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Method 6: Check Graphics Card (GPU) Details

Your GPU is crucial for gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

Option 1: Use Task Manager

• Open Task Manager → Performance → GPU.

• View GPU name, memory, driver version, and usage.

Option 2: Use DirectX Diagnostic Tool

1. Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.

2. Switch to the Display tab.

3. You’ll see GPU name, manufacturer, driver version, and VRAM size.

✅ Bonus Tip: If you have both integrated and dedicated GPUs (common in laptops), DxDiag will show both under “Display 1” and “Display 2.”

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Method 7: Check Storage Type and Capacity

Knowing whether you have an SSD or HDD helps gauge speed and upgrade options.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Right-click your C: drive → Properties.

3. Check Used space and Free space.

For drive type:

1. Press Windows + S, search “Defragment and Optimize Drives.”

2. Open it and look at the Media type column — it’ll say “Solid state drive” (SSD) or “Hard disk drive” (HDD).

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Method 8: Use DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag)

DxDiag is built into Windows and shows comprehensive details about system hardware.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R → type dxdiag → press Enter.

2. On the System tab, you’ll see:

   • OS version

   • Processor

   • Memory (RAM)

   • DirectX version

3. On the Display tab:

   • GPU details

   • Driver version

   • Monitor specs

Click Save All Information to export a full report as a text file — perfect for troubleshooting or sharing with support.

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Method 9: Find Motherboard and BIOS Information

To check your motherboard model or BIOS version, use Command Prompt.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

2. Type:

   wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer,version,serialnumber


3. Press Enter.

You’ll get the motherboard’s manufacturer, model, and version.

To check BIOS details:

Knowing this helps you find firmware updates or identify compatible upgrades.

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How to Save or Export Your PC Specs

If you need to share or back up your system specs:

Option 1: From System Information

• Open MSInfo32 → File → Export → save as .txt.

Option 2: From Command Prompt

Option 3: From PowerShell

Now you have a handy file containing all your specs.

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Common Issues When Checking Specs

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How to Compare Your Specs to Windows 11 Requirements

Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements. Here’s how to see if your PC meets them.

You can compare your specs (from Settings or System Info) with this list to ensure full compatibility.

✅ Pro Tip: Download Microsoft’s “PC Health Check” tool to verify Windows 11 compatibility automatically.

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Conclusion

Checking your PC specs on Windows 11 is quick, easy, and crucial for performance tuning, troubleshooting, and upgrades.

You can use simple tools like Settings or dive deeper with Command Prompt, PowerShell, or DxDiag — depending on how detailed you want the info to be.

Here’s the quick summary:

• For basic info → use Settings > System > About.

• For full details → open System Information (msinfo32).

• For command-line lovers → use systeminfo or Get-ComputerInfo.

Once you know your specs, you’re better equipped to maintain, upgrade, or optimize your PC for peak performance.

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FAQs

1. How do I check my RAM and CPU in Windows 11?

Go to Settings → System → About. Under Device specifications, you’ll find your processor (CPU) and installed RAM.

2. Can I check my GPU without third-party software?

Yes — open Task Manager → Performance → GPU or run dxdiag to view graphics details.

3. What’s the easiest way to export my PC specs?

Use System Information (msinfo32) → File → Export to save your specs as a text file.

4. How can I check if I have SSD or HDD?

Search “Defragment and Optimize Drives” and check the Media type column.

5. Are these methods safe?

Absolutely. All tools and commands listed are built into Windows 11, so they’re completely safe and reliable.

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Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ In short:
To check specs on Windows 11, open Settings → System → About, or use the System Information app for more detail. From RAM to GPU, you can view, export, and analyze every component — all without third-party software.