Have you ever wanted to upgrade your games, install the latest GPU drivers, or check system compatibility?
The first step is to know what graphics card you have.
Windows 11 makes it easy to check your GPU, whether it’s an integrated Intel chip or a dedicated NVIDIA/AMD card. This guide will show you several easy methods to find out your graphics card details quickly.
🧩 What Is a Graphics Card?
A graphics card (GPU) is responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations on your screen.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Built into the CPU; less powerful but energy-efficient |
| Dedicated GPU | Separate card (NVIDIA/AMD); more power for gaming and editing |
| Hybrid setups | Systems with both integrated and dedicated GPUs |
Knowing your GPU helps you:
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Check compatibility with games and apps
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Update drivers for optimal performance
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Troubleshoot display issues
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Monitor performance during gaming or rendering
⚙️ Method 1: Use Windows 11 Settings
🪜 Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to System → Display.
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Scroll down and click Advanced display.
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Under Display information, check Display adapter properties.
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The window shows your GPU name, type, and memory (VRAM).
✅ This method is easy and doesn’t require additional tools.
⚙️ Method 2: Use DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag)
DxDiag provides detailed GPU and driver information.
🪜 Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
dxdiag, and press Enter. -
Click the Display tab (or multiple tabs if you have more than one monitor).
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Look for:
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Name → Your GPU model
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Manufacturer → NVIDIA, AMD, Intel
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Approx. Total Memory → VRAM
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Driver Version → Installed graphics driver
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💡 Tip: You can also save all information as a text file by clicking Save All Information.
⚙️ Method 3: Use Device Manager
Device Manager lists all hardware connected to your PC, including GPUs.
🪜 Steps:
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Press Windows + X → Select Device Manager.
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Expand the section Display adapters.
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You will see the GPU(s) installed on your system (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or Intel UHD Graphics 750).
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Double-click a GPU → Go to Driver tab to check driver details.
✅ This method is quick and works for both integrated and dedicated GPUs.
⚙️ Method 4: Use Task Manager
Task Manager in Windows 11 provides real-time GPU usage and basic details.
🪜 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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Select GPU 0 (or GPU 1 if you have multiple).
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You will see:
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GPU name and manufacturer
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Dedicated GPU memory (VRAM)
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Current usage, shared memory, and driver version
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💡 Tip: You can also monitor GPU usage while running games or apps to check performance.
⚙️ Method 5: Use System Information
🪜 Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter. -
Go to Components → Display.
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You will find detailed information about your GPU, including:
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Name
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Manufacturer
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Adapter RAM
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Driver version
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✅ System Information gives a more technical view than Settings or Task Manager.
⚙️ Method 6: Use Third-Party Software
Third-party apps can provide even more GPU details and benchmarking options.
| Software | Features |
|---|---|
| GPU-Z | Full GPU specs, VRAM, clock speeds, temperature |
| Speccy | Complete system overview including GPU |
| HWMonitor | Real-time monitoring of GPU usage and temperature |
💡 Tip: GPU-Z is free and widely used for troubleshooting and monitoring graphics cards.
⚙️ Method 7: Check Your GPU via Game or Graphics Control Panel
Many games and graphics card drivers allow you to check GPU settings:
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NVIDIA Control Panel: Right-click desktop → NVIDIA Control Panel → System Information
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AMD Radeon Software: Open Radeon Software → System tab
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Intel Graphics Command Center: Open app → System info
✅ Useful if you want GPU-specific options like overclocking, resolution, or driver updates.
🧰 Troubleshooting: Common GPU Detection Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| GPU not detected | Driver not installed | Download latest GPU drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel |
| Integrated GPU shows instead of dedicated | Laptop power settings | Switch to High-Performance mode in Power Options |
| Incorrect VRAM info | Old driver or BIOS | Update GPU driver and check BIOS settings |
| Games crash or lag | Outdated GPU driver | Update drivers and check DirectX version |
💡 Expert Tips
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Keep drivers updated: Use NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Adrenalin, or Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
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Monitor temperatures: Overheating GPUs can throttle performance.
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Check VRAM for games: Make sure your GPU has enough memory for modern titles.
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Know integrated vs dedicated: On laptops, dedicated GPUs offer better gaming and rendering performance.
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Use shortcuts: Press Windows + R → dxdiag for a quick GPU check.
🧾 Summary: How to Find Your Graphics Card on Windows 11
Here’s a quick recap of the easiest ways:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Settings → Display → Advanced display | Quick basic info |
| DxDiag | Detailed GPU specs and driver info |
| Device Manager | Check installed GPU(s) and driver version |
| Task Manager → Performance → GPU | Real-time usage and VRAM |
| System Information | Technical details about your GPU |
| Third-party apps (GPU-Z, Speccy) | Advanced specs and monitoring |
| Graphics control panels | Manufacturer-specific info |
✅ By using these methods, you can easily find out your GPU, update drivers, and ensure your system runs games and applications smoothly.
❓ FAQs About Checking GPU on Windows 11
1. How do I know if I have a dedicated GPU?
Check Device Manager → Display adapters. If you see NVIDIA or AMD along with Intel, you have both integrated and dedicated GPUs.
2. Can I check GPU without installing software?
Yes. Built-in tools like Settings, Task Manager, DxDiag, or Device Manager provide all basic information.
3. How do I update my GPU driver in Windows 11?
Use Device Manager → Display adapters → Right-click → Update driver, or use NVIDIA GeForce Experience / AMD Adrenalin software.
4. Why is my GPU not showing in Task Manager?
Possibly due to outdated drivers, disabled device in BIOS, or laptop using integrated GPU for power saving.
5. Can I use my integrated GPU for gaming?
Yes, but dedicated GPUs are recommended for modern games, higher resolutions, and better performance.
🏁 Conclusion: Quickly Identify Your GPU on Windows 11
Finding your graphics card in Windows 11 is straightforward, whether you’re a gamer, video editor, or just curious.
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Use Settings or Task Manager for quick checks.
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Use DxDiag or Device Manager for detailed info.
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Use GPU-Z or other apps for advanced monitoring.
Knowing your GPU helps ensure better performance, compatibility, and troubleshooting.