If you’re a gamer, video editor, or just a curious Windows user, knowing how to see your GPU on Windows 10 can be very useful. Whether you want to check compatibility for a new game, troubleshoot performance issues, or simply find out what graphics card your computer has, Windows 10 gives you several ways to do it — no third-party tools required.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through every method to view your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) details, including built-in Windows tools, third-party software, and command-line options. By the end, you’ll know exactly what GPU your system uses, how much VRAM it has, and how to monitor its performance.
What Is a GPU and Why Does It Matter?
A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is the component in your computer responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations. It works alongside your CPU (Central Processing Unit) to handle graphics-intensive tasks — like gaming, video editing, and 3D modeling.
In simpler terms, your GPU determines how smoothly games run, how clear videos appear, and how fast graphic applications perform.
2. Why You Might Want to Check Your GPU
Here are a few common reasons you might want to see your GPU on Windows 10:
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🎮 Gaming: Check if your graphics card meets the system requirements for a game.
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🧩 Software Compatibility: Ensure apps like Adobe Premiere, Blender, or DaVinci Resolve can use GPU acceleration.
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⚙️ Troubleshooting: Diagnose performance issues, overheating, or display problems.
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🧠 Upgrade Planning: Know your current GPU before buying a new one.
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📊 Benchmarking and Performance Monitoring: Compare GPU performance or optimize for better FPS (frames per second).
3. Different Types of GPUs (Integrated vs Dedicated)
Before checking your GPU, it helps to know which kind you have.
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Built into your CPU. Ideal for basic computing, web browsing, and light tasks. | Intel UHD Graphics, AMD Radeon Vega |
| Dedicated GPU | Separate graphics card installed on your motherboard. Great for gaming and heavy workloads. | NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon RX |
💡 Tip: Some laptops include both — the system automatically switches between them to balance performance and battery life.
4. How to See GPU on Windows 10 (Quick Overview)
Here’s a quick summary of all the methods you can use:
| Method | Tool Used | Difficulty | Details Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Task Manager | ⭐ Easy | GPU name, usage, temperature |
| 2 | Device Manager | ⭐ Easy | GPU name, driver info |
| 3 | System Information | ⭐⭐ Moderate | Full hardware list |
| 4 | DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag) | ⭐⭐ Moderate | GPU specs, memory |
| 5 | Settings App | ⭐ Easy | Display adapter properties |
| 6 | Command Prompt / PowerShell | ⭐⭐ Moderate | GPU model, driver details |
| 7 | Third-party software | ⭐⭐ Moderate | Full analytics (temperature, fan speed, etc.) |
5. Method 1: Check GPU Using Task Manager
This is the fastest and easiest way to see your GPU in Windows 10.
Step-by-Step:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Click on the Performance tab.
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On the left sidebar, select GPU 0 (and GPU 1 if you have more than one).
You’ll see:
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GPU name (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660)
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Usage percentage
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GPU temperature
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Memory (VRAM)
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Driver version
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Dedicated and shared memory usage
💡 Tip: If you don’t see the Performance tab, click “More details” at the bottom.
6. Method 2: View GPU Information in Device Manager
The Device Manager provides technical information and allows you to manage drivers.
Steps:
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Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
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Expand Display adapters.
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You’ll see the name(s) of your GPU(s).
Right-click your GPU → choose Properties → Driver tab to see:
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Driver version
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Driver date
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Update or rollback options
This is useful for troubleshooting driver-related issues.
7. Method 3: Use System Information Tool
The System Information tool gives a detailed overview of your entire system.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter. -
Expand Components → Display.
You’ll find details such as:
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Adapter description (GPU model)
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Adapter RAM (VRAM)
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Driver version and date
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Resolution and refresh rate
This method is perfect for users who need comprehensive GPU information without third-party software.
8. Method 4: Use DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)
This tool shows graphics-related details including GPU model and driver information.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
dxdiag, and hit Enter. -
Go to the Display tab.
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Look for:
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Name: GPU model
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Manufacturer: (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
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Display Memory (VRAM): Amount of GPU memory
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Driver Version and Date
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💡 Tip: You can click “Save All Information” to export GPU details as a text file.
9. Method 5: Check GPU via Settings App
Windows 10’s Settings app also allows you to check your GPU details.
Steps:
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Go to Settings → System → Display.
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Scroll down and click Advanced display settings.
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Under Display information, click Display adapter properties.
You’ll see a pop-up window showing:
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Adapter type (GPU model)
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Total and dedicated VRAM
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Driver version
This method is simple and ideal for beginners.
10. Method 6: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell
For tech-savvy users, you can check GPU information using commands.
Command Prompt:
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
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Type:
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Press Enter.
You’ll see your GPU name(s) listed.
PowerShell:
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Open PowerShell.
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Type:
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Press Enter to view detailed info.
This method is handy for remote systems or scripting environments.
11. Method 7: Use Third-Party Tools for Detailed Info
If you want in-depth GPU analytics, third-party tools are your best bet.
| Tool | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| GPU-Z | Lightweight utility for GPU monitoring | VRAM, clock speed, sensors |
| Speccy | System information software | GPU + CPU + RAM details |
| HWMonitor | Hardware monitoring tool | Temperature, voltage, fan speed |
| MSI Afterburner | Popular GPU tool | Performance tuning and real-time monitoring |
💡 Tip: GPU-Z is widely used for checking VRAM, clock speeds, and even BIOS versions of GPUs.
12. How to Monitor GPU Performance and Temperature
Windows 10 allows real-time monitoring via Task Manager or third-party apps.
Using Task Manager:
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Open Task Manager → Performance → GPU
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Check the graph for GPU Utilization, Memory, and Temperature
Using MSI Afterburner:
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View real-time graphs for temperature, fan speed, and usage.
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Great for gamers who need to monitor performance during gameplay.
13. How to Identify GPU Memory (VRAM)
VRAM (Video RAM) determines how much data your GPU can process at once.
Steps to Check VRAM:
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Go to Settings → System → Display.
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Click Advanced display settings → Display adapter properties.
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Under Adapter Information, look for Dedicated Video Memory.
Higher VRAM (e.g., 6GB or 8GB) is better for gaming, rendering, and multi-monitor setups.
14. Troubleshooting GPU Not Showing on Windows 10
If your GPU isn’t showing up, here’s what to do:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| GPU missing from Device Manager | Driver issue | Scan for hardware changes or reinstall GPU driver |
| Black screen or flickering | Outdated driver | Boot into Safe Mode and update drivers |
| Integrated GPU only showing | Disabled dedicated GPU | Enable GPU in BIOS or reinstall driver |
| “Unknown device” in Device Manager | Corrupted driver files | Uninstall device → Restart → Reinstall driver |
💡 Pro Tip: Always download drivers directly from your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
15. How to Update or Change Your GPU Drivers
Keeping GPU drivers updated ensures optimal performance and stability.
Automatic Method:
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Open Device Manager.
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Right-click your GPU → Update driver.
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Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Manual Method:
Download directly from:
After downloading, install the driver package and restart your PC.
16. FAQs
1. How can I check if my PC has an NVIDIA or AMD GPU?
Open Device Manager → Display adapters. The GPU name will indicate the manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX).
2. Can I see GPU temperature on Windows 10?
Yes! Open Task Manager → Performance → GPU. Temperature appears at the bottom if supported.
3. How do I know how much VRAM my GPU has?
Go to Settings → Display → Advanced display settings → Display adapter properties to see VRAM.
4. Why is my GPU not showing in Device Manager?
This usually happens due to outdated or corrupted drivers. Try updating drivers or scanning for hardware changes.
5. Do laptops have GPUs?
Yes. Most laptops have integrated GPUs, and some high-performance models include dedicated GPUs (like NVIDIA or AMD).
17. Key Takeaways
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🎮 Your GPU controls all visual output, from gaming to video rendering.
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🧠 Check GPU details using Task Manager, Device Manager, or dxdiag.
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🔍 VRAM affects performance — more VRAM = better handling of complex visuals.
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⚙️ Keep GPU drivers updated for optimal performance.
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🧯 If your GPU isn’t showing, reinstall drivers or enable it in BIOS.
18. Conclusion
Knowing how to see your GPU on Windows 10 is essential for anyone who wants to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, or upgrade hardware.
From simple tools like Task Manager to advanced options like GPU-Z, Windows 10 provides plenty of ways to check your GPU details — no tech expertise required.
Whether you’re gaming, editing, or just exploring your PC’s capabilities, understanding your GPU helps you get the most out of your computer’s performance.