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

Ever wondered what kind of processor your computer has, how much RAM it uses, or whether it’s capable of running a new game or software?
If you’re running Windows 11, finding out your PC specs — such as CPU, RAM, GPU, storage, and system type — is surprisingly easy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check your specs on Windows 11 using several simple methods. Whether you want a quick overview or detailed hardware information, we’ve got you covered — step by step.

Why Check Your PC Specs?

Checking your PC’s specs is essential for several reasons:

  • 🧠 Compatibility: To ensure your system meets software or game requirements.

  • ⚙️ Troubleshooting: Helps diagnose performance issues or crashes.

  • 💻 Upgrade Planning: Know if you can add more RAM, upgrade storage, or replace your CPU.

  • 📦 Resale Value: Accurate specs help when selling or trading in your laptop or desktop.

  • 🔍 Performance Monitoring: See how your system compares to newer devices.

Whether you’re a gamer, student, or IT professional, understanding your system specs empowers you to make smarter tech decisions.


What Are System Specs?

System specifications, or “specs”, describe the hardware and software capabilities of your computer.

Here are the key components you’ll usually check:

ComponentDescription
Processor (CPU)The “brain” of your computer that processes data.
Memory (RAM)Temporary storage used for running programs.
StorageWhere your data and OS are saved (HDD/SSD).
Graphics Card (GPU)Handles graphics, gaming, and video rendering.
MotherboardThe main circuit board that connects all components.
BIOS/UEFI VersionThe firmware controlling hardware functions.
Windows Edition and BuildDetermines your OS version and features.

How to Check Your Specs on Windows 11 (Quick Overview)

Here’s a quick summary before we dive deeper:

MethodTool UsedDetails Provided
Windows SettingsBasic specs (CPU, RAM, OS version)Easy
System InformationComplete hardware and software summaryDetailed
Command PromptHardware info via commandsAdvanced
PowerShellSpecific component infoFlexible
DXDiagGraphics, sound, and DirectX infoGreat for gamers
Task ManagerCPU, memory, GPU, disk statsReal-time
Third-party toolsIn-depth diagnosticsAdvanced users

Now, let’s break down each method step by step.


🧰 Method 1: Check System Specs Using Windows Settings

This is the simplest and most beginner-friendly way to view your PC specs in Windows 11.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System → About.

  3. Scroll down to the Device specifications section.

You’ll see:

  • Device name

  • Processor (CPU)

  • Installed RAM

  • Device ID

  • System type (64-bit or 32-bit)

  • Windows version and build number

💡 Tip: This is enough for most users to confirm whether their system meets software or game requirements.


🖥️ Method 2: Check Your Specs Using System Information (msinfo32)

If you need detailed information about your PC’s components and configuration, this method is ideal.

Step-by-Step:

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

  2. Type:

    msinfo32

    and press Enter.

  3. The System Information window opens.

Here you’ll find:

  • OS name and version

  • BIOS/UEFI version

  • Motherboard model

  • Installed memory

  • Processor type

  • Boot mode

  • Hardware resources

  • Network adapter info

💡 Pro Tip: Use File → Export to save your system report for troubleshooting or sharing with support teams.


💻 Method 3: Check System Specs with Command Prompt

Prefer using commands? Windows 11 lets you check your specs quickly via the Command Prompt.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Search cmd → right-click → Run as administrator.

  2. Type:

    systeminfo
  3. Press Enter.

After a few seconds, you’ll see a detailed system summary — including:

  • OS version

  • BIOS version

  • Processor info

  • Physical and virtual memory

  • Network card info

💡 Bonus: You can export the output by typing:

systeminfo > C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\specs.txt

This saves your system report as a text file.


⚙️ Method 4: Use PowerShell to View Hardware Details

PowerShell allows you to extract specific hardware data more flexibly.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Right-click the Start menuWindows Terminal (Admin).

  2. Type the following command:

    Get-ComputerInfo
  3. Press Enter to view all system details.

You can also view specific specs:

ComponentCommand
CPU detailsGet-WmiObject Win32_Processor
RAM details`Get-WmiObject Win32_PhysicalMemory
Disk detailsGet-PhysicalDisk
GPU info`Get-WmiObject Win32_VideoController

🎮 Method 5: Check Specs Using DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)

If you’re a gamer or creative professional, this tool is great for viewing graphics and sound hardware details.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run.

  2. Type:

    dxdiag

    and hit Enter.

  3. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool window appears.

Tabs include:

  • System: CPU, RAM, DirectX version, BIOS, and OS build.

  • Display: GPU name, VRAM, driver version.

  • Sound: Audio device details.

  • Input: Connected input devices.

💡 Tip: Click Save All Information to export your full hardware report.


🧩 Method 6: Check Your Specs via Task Manager

Task Manager shows real-time system performance and hardware usage.

Step-by-Step:

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

  2. Click the Performance tab.

  3. View hardware details for:

    • CPU: Speed, cores, threads.

    • Memory (RAM): Used and available memory.

    • Disk: Type (SSD/HDD) and activity.

    • GPU: Graphics card usage and VRAM.

💡 Pro Tip: Hover over graphs for live stats — perfect for checking thermal throttling or resource-heavy tasks.


💾 Method 7: Check Storage and Drive Details

Want to know how much space your SSD or HDD has left?

Option 1: File Explorer

  1. Press Windows + E.

  2. Under This PC, view your drives and available storage.

Option 2: Settings

  1. Go to Settings → System → Storage.

  2. See a breakdown of used vs. free space.

Option 3: PowerShell

Get-PhysicalDisk | Format-Table FriendlyName, MediaType, Size

🧰 Method 8: Use Third-Party Tools for Detailed Specs

If you need in-depth diagnostics or benchmarking, third-party apps are your best option.

ToolFeatures
CPU-ZDetailed CPU, memory, and motherboard info
GPU-ZGraphics card specifications
SpeccyComplete hardware summary with temperatures
HWInfoAdvanced system diagnostics and sensor data
Belarc AdvisorGenerates a detailed local web report of your PC

💡 Tip: These tools are ideal for enthusiasts, gamers, and system builders.


🎨 How to Find Your Graphics Card Information

Knowing your GPU specs helps when gaming or using design software.

Option 1: Task Manager

  • Open Task Manager → Performance → GPU.

Option 2: Device Manager

  1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.

  2. Expand Display adapters.

  3. Your GPU name (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) appears.

Option 3: DXDiag

As mentioned earlier, the Display tab lists GPU brand, model, and VRAM.


🧠 How to Check Memory (RAM) and Speed

Option 1: Settings

  • Go to Settings → System → About → see “Installed RAM.”

Option 2: Task Manager

  • Open Task Manager → Performance → Memory.

    • Shows total capacity, used memory, speed (MHz), and form factor (DIMM/SODIMM).

Option 3: Command Prompt

wmic MemoryChip get Capacity, Speed

This command shows per-slot memory details.


🪛 How to Check Motherboard and BIOS Details

To find your motherboard manufacturer and BIOS version:

Step 1: Command Prompt

wmic baseboard get product, manufacturer

Step 2: Check BIOS Version

wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion

💡 Tip: BIOS info is crucial for firmware updates or checking hardware compatibility.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the easiest way to check my specs on Windows 11?

Go to Settings → System → About for a quick summary of your processor, RAM, and system type.

2. How can I find my GPU (graphics card) info?

Use Task Manager → Performance → GPU or run dxdiag in the Run box.

3. Can I export my system specs as a report?

Yes — open System Information (msinfo32) and select File → Export.

4. How do I check my PC’s motherboard model?

Run this command in Command Prompt:

wmic baseboard get product, manufacturer

5. What’s the best tool for advanced hardware monitoring?

Use HWInfo or Speccy for detailed temperature and voltage tracking.


🧩 Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to check your specs on Windows 11 — whether you need a quick overview or a deep dive into your system hardware.

From the simple Settings app to advanced tools like PowerShell and HWInfo, Windows 11 offers multiple ways to view your system information.

Understanding your specs isn’t just tech trivia — it’s key to optimizing performance, planning upgrades, and keeping your computer healthy.


🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways

💡 Category🛠️ Tool / Method🧩 What You’ll See
Basic specsSettings → AboutCPU, RAM, Windows version
Detailed specsSystem InformationFull system summary
Command-lineCMD / PowerShellSpecific component details
Gaming specsDXDiagGPU, DirectX, sound
Real-time statsTask ManagerCPU, GPU, Memory usage
In-depth analysisSpeccy, HWInfoTemperatures, voltages, full diagnostics

In short:
Learning how to check your specs on Windows 11 gives you total insight into your computer’s power, performance, and potential. Whether you’re gaming, troubleshooting, or upgrading — knowing what’s under the hood makes all the difference.

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