How to Check Your Computer's System Specs

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Open the "About" settings page

    Go to Settings, then System, then About (on Windows), or the equivalent "About This Mac/PC" section on other systems.

  2. Check the basics

    Here you can see your processor (CPU), installed memory (RAM), and system type (32-bit or 64-bit).

  3. Use "dxdiag" for more detail

    Open the Run dialog (Windows key + R), type "dxdiag", and you'll get detailed information including your graphics card and audio devices.

  4. Check live usage in Task Manager

    Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and go to the Performance tab to see real-time CPU, memory, disk, and GPU usage alongside their specs.

  5. Why it's useful

    This helps you confirm whether your computer meets the requirements for a new program or game, or verify the actual specs when buying or selling a used computer.

Check before installing anything new

Before installing a game or an editing program, it helps to know your computer's exact specs so you can confirm it meets the minimum or recommended requirements, and it only takes a few clicks to find everything you need.

Check your memory usage too

Beyond static specs, it's worth periodically checking how much of your RAM is actually in use, since a computer that meets the specs on paper can still feel slow if memory is constantly maxed out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I see my graphics card information?

Run "dxdiag" and switch to the Display tab to see your graphics card model and video memory amount.

Is this useful when buying a used computer?

Yes, it's a great way to independently verify that the specs a seller listed actually match what the machine has installed.