How to Find Out What Graphics Card I Have on Windows 11: A Guide

Have you ever wondered what graphics card powers your PC? Whether you’re trying to install the latest GPU drivers, check compatibility for a new game, or troubleshoot performance issues — knowing what graphics card you have is essential.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to find out what graphics card you have on Windows 11 — using multiple easy methods.

You don’t need to be tech-savvy. We’ll explain everything in a beginner-friendly way, using simple steps anyone can follow.

By the end, you’ll know:

The name, model, and manufacturer of your GPU
How much VRAM (video memory) it has
Whether it’s an integrated or dedicated graphics card
And how to check GPU performance in real time

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Graphics Card?

A graphics card (GPU) is the hardware component responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations on your screen.

Think of it as the artist of your computer — the GPU turns digital data into the beautiful visuals you see when gaming, streaming, or editing.

There are two main types:

Integrated GPU: Built into your CPU (common in laptops and budget PCs).
Dedicated GPU: A separate, powerful graphics card installed on the motherboard.

Windows 11 can use either or both, depending on your system setup.

2. Why You Should Know What Graphics Card You Have

Knowing your GPU details helps you:

Install correct drivers for stability and performance.
Check compatibility with new games, creative apps, or VR software.
Compare specs before upgrading hardware.
Monitor GPU health and temperature for troubleshooting.
Optimize settings for gaming or editing.

For example, a gamer needs to know if their GPU meets a game’s minimum requirements, while a designer needs GPU details to ensure smooth rendering.

3. Types of Graphics Cards in Windows 11 PCs

Understanding GPU types helps you interpret what you’ll find later.

Type	Description	Example
Integrated Graphics	Built into the CPU. Uses shared memory. Power-efficient but less powerful.	Intel UHD, AMD Radeon Vega
Dedicated Graphics	Separate GPU with its own memory (VRAM). Ideal for gaming and heavy tasks.	NVIDIA GeForce RTX, AMD Radeon RX
Hybrid Graphics	Systems with both integrated and dedicated GPUs.	Gaming laptops with NVIDIA Optimus

If you’re using a laptop, you may have both an integrated GPU for light work and a dedicated one for gaming or editing.

4. How to Find Out What Graphics Card You Have — 6 Easy Methods

Let’s explore different ways to identify your GPU on Windows 11.

🧭 Method 1: Check via Settings

The easiest way for beginners.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Click System → Display.
Scroll down and select Advanced display.
Under “Display information,” you’ll see your GPU name next to “Display adapter properties.”
Click Display adapter properties for Display 1 for more details — including the chip type, DAC type, and total available graphics memory.

This method is fast and requires no special tools.

🖥️ Method 2: Use Device Manager

Device Manager lists all hardware connected to your system.

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters.
You’ll see one or more entries — e.g., Intel UHD Graphics 620 or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060.

If there are two, you have both integrated and dedicated GPUs.

💡 Tip: Right-click the GPU and select Properties → Driver tab to check the driver version and update status.

⚙️ Method 3: Use Task Manager

Windows 11’s Task Manager provides live GPU details.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click the Performance tab.
Select GPU 0 (and GPU 1, if available).

Here you’ll see:

GPU model name
GPU usage percentage
GPU temperature
Memory usage (VRAM)

It’s perfect for real-time monitoring during gaming or rendering.

🎮 Method 4: Use DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)

This classic Windows tool shows detailed graphics information.

Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and hit Enter.
Click the Display tab.

You’ll see:

GPU name
Manufacturer
Approx. total memory
Display mode
Driver version and date

You can even save all info by clicking “Save All Information.”

🧰 Method 5: Use System Information

The System Information (msinfo32) tool gives an overview of your hardware setup.

Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
Expand Components → Display.
On the right, check:
- Adapter type
- Adapter RAM
- Driver version
- Installed display devices

It’s especially useful for gathering system data for tech support or diagnostics.

🔍 Method 6: Use Third-Party Tools

If you want more detailed insights, third-party software can help.

Some popular options include:

GPU-Z – Lightweight and free tool showing GPU specs, memory type, and temperature.
Speccy – Provides a full system overview including GPU details.
HWInfo – Advanced monitoring of GPU sensors and stats.

These tools are ideal for enthusiasts or PC builders.

5. How to Check GPU Model and Memory (VRAM)

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory your GPU uses to store textures and graphics data.

To check VRAM using Windows Settings:

Go to Settings → System → Display → Advanced display.
Click Display adapter properties for Display 1.
Under “Adapter,” look for Dedicated Video Memory — that’s your VRAM amount.

Example:

Dedicated Video Memory: 8192 MB = 8 GB VRAM

Knowing your VRAM helps you determine whether your system can handle high-resolution textures or multiple monitors.

6. How to Check If You Have Integrated or Dedicated Graphics

Here’s how you can tell the difference quickly:

Indicator	Integrated GPU	Dedicated GPU
Listed as “Intel UHD” or “AMD Radeon Graphics”	✅	❌
Has separate VRAM (2GB, 4GB, 8GB, etc.)	❌	✅
Found in laptops for power efficiency	✅	✅
Ideal for gaming or video editing	❌	✅

You can also open Task Manager → Performance tab → GPU 0 / GPU 1 to see which GPU is in use for each task.

7. How to Monitor GPU Performance in Windows 11

Windows 11 lets you monitor your GPU performance easily.

Using Task Manager:

Open Task Manager → Performance → GPU.
You’ll see real-time usage, memory load, and temperature graphs.

Using Xbox Game Bar:

Press Windows + G to open Game Bar.
Go to Performance → GPU.

You can track GPU usage, temperature, and VRAM while gaming.

8. Common Issues When Detecting a GPU

Sometimes, Windows 11 may fail to show your GPU properly. Common causes include:

Outdated or missing GPU drivers
Disabled device in BIOS
Faulty GPU installation (for desktop PCs)
Corrupt Windows system files

9. How to Fix “GPU Not Detected” Errors

Try these steps if your GPU doesn’t appear:

Update Drivers: Go to Device Manager → Display adapters → Right-click → Update driver.
Enable GPU in BIOS: Restart and check your BIOS settings for GPU configuration.
Reinstall Drivers: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to remove old drivers and reinstall fresh ones.
Check Hardware Connection (desktop PCs only): Reseat your graphics card.
Run Windows Update to ensure compatibility patches are installed.

If it’s still missing, your GPU may be damaged or unsupported by your motherboard.

10. How to Update or Install GPU Drivers

Proper drivers ensure maximum performance and stability.

Option 1: Windows Update

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

Option 2: Device Manager

Right-click your GPU under Display adapters → Update driver → Search automatically.

Option 3: Manufacturer Software

Use tools like:

NVIDIA GeForce Experience
AMD Adrenalin Edition
Intel Arc Control

They automatically detect your GPU and install the latest driver version.

11. How to Check GPU Temperature in Windows 11

Overheating can cause slowdowns or crashes.

To check GPU temperature:

Open Task Manager → Performance → GPU.
Look for Temperature at the bottom of the right panel.

If it exceeds 85°C regularly, clean dust, improve airflow, or check your cooling setup.

12. Best Free Tools to Identify Your Graphics Card

If you prefer dedicated utilities, these are great options:

Tool	Features	Ideal For
GPU-Z	Full GPU specs, clock speeds, VRAM, temperature	Gamers, enthusiasts
Speccy	System-wide hardware info	Everyday users
HWMonitor	Real-time sensor data	Advanced users
MSI Afterburner	Performance tuning, monitoring, overclocking	Gamers, power users

These tools often provide more detailed data than Windows’ built-in utilities.

13. GPU Specs Comparison: Intel vs NVIDIA vs AMD

Brand	Typical Use	Strengths
Intel	Everyday computing, office tasks	Energy-efficient, built-in
NVIDIA	Gaming, AI, rendering	Excellent driver support, ray tracing
AMD	Gaming, budget builds	Good price-to-performance ratio

If you’re unsure which GPU you have, noting the brand (Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD) can help you find drivers and compatible software.

14. When Should You Upgrade Your Graphics Card?

You might consider upgrading your GPU if:

Games stutter or crash often
Video editing/rendering feels slow
You can’t install the latest drivers
The GPU doesn’t support DirectX 12 or Vulkan
You’ve upgraded to a 4K monitor but see lag

For most users, upgrading every 4–6 years ensures compatibility and good performance.

15. Conclusion

Finding out what graphics card you have on Windows 11 is simple — no advanced knowledge required.

Whether you use Settings, Device Manager, or dxdiag, you can identify your GPU in minutes. Knowing your GPU model, VRAM, and type helps you update drivers, fix issues, and optimize performance.

If you’re facing compatibility problems, outdated drivers are often to blame — so keep them up to date.

Once you know your GPU details, you can confidently tweak settings for gaming, design, or streaming — and even plan your next upgrade smartly.

16. FAQs

1. How do I check my graphics card model quickly?
Press Windows + X → Device Manager → Display adapters. The listed name is your GPU model.

2. Can I check GPU details without opening my PC?
Yes, Windows tools like Task Manager, Settings, or dxdiag show everything — no need to open the case.

3. How can I see how much VRAM I have?
Go to Settings → Display → Advanced display → Display adapter properties to view “Dedicated Video Memory.”

4. Why can’t I see my GPU in Device Manager?
It may be disabled in BIOS, have faulty drivers, or not be properly connected (for desktops).

5. Do laptops have two graphics cards?
Many do — an integrated GPU for basic tasks and a dedicated GPU (like NVIDIA or AMD) for heavy workloads.

17. Summary of Key Takeaways

Your graphics card (GPU) renders visuals on your screen.
Windows 11 provides multiple ways to identify it:
- Settings → Display → Advanced display
- Device Manager → Display adapters
- Task Manager → Performance tab → GPU
- dxdiag or System Information
Use tools like GPU-Z or Speccy for detailed specs.
Always keep GPU drivers updated for best performance.
Knowing your GPU helps with gaming, editing, and troubleshooting.

Final Word:
Your graphics card is the heart of your visual experience. Whether you’re gaming, creating, or just curious, Windows 11 gives you all the tools you need to find out exactly what GPU you have — quickly, easily, and accurately.