Figuring out what’s under the hood of your Windows 11 PC is surprisingly straightforward, but sometimes the basic methods don’t quite cut it, especially if you need more detailed info like your graphics card or detailed hardware specs. Whether you’re troubleshooting, preparing for an upgrade, or just curious, knowing how to access these details can save a lot of head-scratching. Using the Settings menu is the most common way, but for a more granular view, the System Information tool can be a lifesaver. The goal here is to get a clear snapshot of your processor, RAM, OS version, and maybe more if you’re digging deep.
Checking PC Specs on Windows 11
Open Settings and get to the About page
Starting from scratch, you’ll want to open Settings. That’s kinda the hub for all your device info. The easiest way is to click the Start button, then select Settings (the gear icon).Once that’s up, head over to System in the sidebar, then scroll down and click on About. If Settings is being stubborn, you can try hitting Windows + I as a shortcut.
Locate device specs and Windows info
Within the About page, there are two main sections: Device specifications and Windows specifications. The device specs will tell you what processor you’ve got, your total RAM, and system type (like 64-bit or 32-bit).Over on Windows specs, you get your version of Windows, build number, and install date.
On some setups, the info isn’t as detailed as you’d like — especially when it comes to graphics. For better GPU info, you might need to open Device Manager (right-click the Start menu and choose Device Manager) and expand the Display adapters section. That’s where usually your graphics card info lives. Or, better yet, use a third-party tool like HWInfo for the deep dive.
Use the System Information tool for more details
Another handy trick is launching the System Information app — kind of weird it’s hidden, but here’s how: hit Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type msinfo32 and hit Enter. This brings up a window packed with details about your hardware, network, peripherals, and more. True, it looks a bit old-school, but it gives you everything from BIOS version to total storage capacity. Useful if the Settings page isn’t enough or if you need info for detailed troubleshooting.
Whichever route you choose, be aware that sometimes the system needs a couple of seconds or even a reboot to update its info after changes. Also, on one setup it worked right away, on another it took a reboot or a hardware scan refresh, so don’t get too frustrated if it’s not instant.
Tips for Checking PC Specs on Windows 11
- Use System Information (
msinfo32) for detailed hardware info. - Keep Windows updated — Settings > Windows Update — so specs match reality.
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check the Performance tab for real-time CPU, memory, disk, and GPU stats when troubleshooting.
- If you’re an adventurous type, third-party apps like HWMonitor or Speccy can reveal even more granular hardware details.
- Bookmark the Settings > System > About page for quick access later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my computer’s RAM in Windows 11?
Check the Device specifications section on the About page — it lists total installed RAM pretty clearly.
How can I check my processor type on Windows 11?
The processor info appears in the same Device specifications section, along with other core hardware details.
Where do I find the version of Windows 11 I’m using?
Look in the Windows specifications section on the About page for Edition, Version, and Build info.
Can I find my graphics card info using this method?
Not directly in the About page. For GPU details, open Device Manager and check under Display adapters. Third-party software, again, can help if you want all the specs in one place.
What if I can’t access the Settings menu?
Try pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Task Manager to see if it helps, or toggle your PC off/on. If Settings refuses to cooperate, a quick reboot usually resets the interface.
Summary
- Open Settings > System > About
- Check Device specifications for hardware info
- Look at Windows specifications for OS version
- Use Device Manager or third-party tools for extra details
Wrap-up
Getting the hang of checking your PC specs on Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but it can be a little annoying if the info isn’t readily visible or if Windows acts weird. Most of the time, the Settings menu or the System Information app gets the job done. Just play around with those options, and eventually, you’ll find what you need. And yeah, sometimes a reboot helps clear up things if info isn’t updating right away. Just something that worked on a couple of machines I tried, so maybe it’ll help you avoid some guesswork.