If you’ve ever tried installing a new game, updating graphics drivers, or troubleshooting display issues, you’ve probably asked yourself: What graphics card do I even have?
In this complete guide on how to check what GPU you have on Windows 10 – a step-by-step guide, we’ll walk through multiple easy methods to identify your graphics card (also called a GPU or video card) in just minutes.
Whether you’re a gamer, designer, video editor, or just curious about your PC specs, knowing your GPU model helps you:
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Install the correct drivers
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Check game compatibility
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Upgrade your system
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Fix performance issues
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Compare hardware performance
Let’s break it down in simple, beginner-friendly steps.
What Is a GPU and Why Does It Matter?
Before we jump into how to check what GPU you have on Windows 10, let’s quickly understand what a GPU does.
Your Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations on your screen. Think of it as your computer’s “visual engine.”
Without a GPU, your monitor wouldn’t display anything meaningful.
There are two main types of GPUs:
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Integrated Graphics – Built into the CPU (e.g., Intel UHD Graphics)
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Dedicated Graphics Card – Separate hardware component (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon)
If you play games or use creative software like Adobe Premiere or Blender, your GPU is critical.
How to Check What GPU You Have on Windows 10 (Quick Overview)
If you’re in a hurry, here’s the fastest method:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
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Open the Performance tab
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Click GPU
You’ll instantly see your graphics card name.
But that’s just one method. Let’s explore them all in detail.
Method 1: Check GPU Using Task Manager (Fastest Method)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Click the Performance tab.
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Select GPU 0 (or GPU 1 if you have multiple).
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Look at the top-right corner to see your GPU name.
You’ll also see:
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GPU utilization
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VRAM (Video RAM)
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Driver version
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Temperature (sometimes)
Why This Method Works
Task Manager displays real-time system performance data, including your graphics hardware.
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t see the Performance tab, click “More Details” at the bottom.
Method 2: Use Device Manager to Identify Your Graphics Card
Steps to Follow
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Press Windows + X
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Click Device Manager
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Expand Display adapters
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Your GPU name appears underneath
Example:
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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660
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AMD Radeon RX 580
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Intel UHD Graphics 620
When to Use Device Manager
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Checking driver issues
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Updating graphics drivers
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Confirming multiple GPUs
Method 3: Check GPU Using DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)
How to Use dxdiag
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Press Windows + R
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Type dxdiag
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Press Enter
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Click the Display tab
You’ll see:
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GPU name
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Manufacturer
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Approximate VRAM
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Driver details
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DirectX version
Why Gamers Use dxdiag
Many games request your GPU model when troubleshooting issues. dxdiag provides official system specs.
Method 4: Check GPU in Windows Settings
Step-by-Step Guide
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Click Start
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Open Settings
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Go to System
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Click Display
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Scroll down and click Advanced display settings
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Select Display adapter properties
You’ll see your GPU listed under “Adapter Type.”
Method 5: Use System Information Tool
Steps
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Press Windows + R
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Type msinfo32
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Press Enter
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Navigate to Components → Display
Here you’ll find:
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GPU name
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Driver version
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RAM details
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Resolution info
Method 6: Check GPU Using Command Prompt
Follow These Steps
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Open Command Prompt
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Type:
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Press Enter
Your GPU model will appear instantly.
How to Check If You Have Integrated or Dedicated Graphics
Wondering whether your PC has both?
Open Task Manager → Performance → GPU.
If you see:
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GPU 0 – Intel UHD Graphics
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GPU 1 – NVIDIA GeForce
That means you have both integrated and dedicated graphics.
How to Check GPU Driver Version on Windows 10
Using Device Manager
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Open Device Manager
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Expand Display adapters
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Right-click your GPU
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Click Properties
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Go to the Driver tab
You’ll see:
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Driver version
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Driver date
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Provider
How to Check GPU Memory (VRAM)
Using Task Manager
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Open Task Manager
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Click Performance → GPU
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Look at “Dedicated GPU memory”
VRAM affects gaming and video editing performance.
Why Is My GPU Not Showing in Windows 10?
Sometimes your GPU doesn’t appear.
Common Reasons
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Outdated drivers
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Disabled GPU in BIOS
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Hardware failure
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Corrupted Windows installation
How to Fix It
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Update drivers
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Restart your PC
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Check BIOS settings
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Reseat the GPU (desktop users)
How to Check What GPU You Have on Windows 10 Without Opening the PC
Good news — you don’t need to open your computer case.
All methods in this guide work entirely through Windows software tools.
Opening your PC is only necessary if:
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The GPU isn’t detected
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You’re upgrading hardware
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You suspect physical damage
How to Identify GPU Manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel)
| Manufacturer | Typical GPU Names | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA | GeForce GTX/RTX | Gaming & Ray Tracing |
| AMD | Radeon RX | Competitive gaming value |
| Intel | UHD / Iris | Integrated graphics |
Knowing your manufacturer helps you download correct drivers.
How to Check GPU Temperature on Windows 10
Using Task Manager
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Open Task Manager
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Click Performance → GPU
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Check temperature (if supported)
If not visible, use third-party tools like:
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MSI Afterburner
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HWMonitor
Overheating can cause lag and crashes.
How to Compare Your GPU Performance
Once you know your GPU model, you can:
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Search benchmark results
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Compare FPS performance
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Check gaming requirements
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Review hardware specs online
Type your GPU model into Google followed by:
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“benchmarks”
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“gaming performance”
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“compare vs”
When Should You Upgrade Your GPU?
You may need an upgrade if:
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Games lag even on low settings
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Video editing software crashes
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GPU usage is always 100%
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You want better 4K or ray tracing support
Troubleshooting GPU Detection Problems
GPU Missing from Device Manager?
Try:
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Scanning for hardware changes
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Updating Windows
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Installing official drivers
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Checking BIOS settings
Black Screen Issues?
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Boot in Safe Mode
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Roll back drivers
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Reinstall GPU drivers
Why Knowing Your GPU Is Important
Understanding your GPU helps you:
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Install compatible drivers
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Optimize game settings
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Diagnose performance issues
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Plan hardware upgrades
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Ensure software compatibility
Think of it like knowing your car’s engine type before buying parts.
Conclusion: How to Check What GPU You Have on Windows 10 – A Step-by-Step Guide
Now you know multiple ways to check your graphics card on Windows 10.
The easiest method?
Open Task Manager → Performance → GPU.
If you need deeper details, use:
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Device Manager
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dxdiag
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System Information
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Command Prompt
Knowing your GPU model empowers you to update drivers, improve gaming performance, and make smarter upgrade decisions.
Take a minute right now and check your GPU — you’ll thank yourself later.