Press Windows + R , type dxdiag , and hit Enter. This tool was designed for diagnosing DirectX issues, but it’s fantastic for gaming rigs. The tab gives you GPU name, driver date, total VRAM, and even monitors the current DirectX feature level.

You don’t need to download anything. Windows has robust built-in tools. For 90% of users, Task Manager’s Performance tab is the gold standard—it’s fast, graphical, and complete. If you’re buying a used PC or troubleshooting crashes, cross-reference with System Information.

Now you have no excuse for not knowing your specs. Go ahead—press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and explore what your machine is really made of.

Whether you’re troubleshooting a crash, checking if you can run a new game, or just curious about your system, knowing your PC’s specifications is essential. But with multiple ways to find the same information, which method is best? I’ve tested every built-in tool Windows offers—from the simple Settings app to the powerful System Information utility—and here’s my honest review of each method. Method 1: Windows Settings (Best for Beginners) Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Depth of Info: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

Open PowerShell and type Get-ComputerInfo for an overwhelming wall of data. Alternatively, wmic cpu get name for just the CPU. This is for power users who want to export specs to a text file or script hardware inventories across multiple machines.

Search for “System Information” or run msinfo32 . This is the Windows equivalent of an automotive diagnostic tool. It lists everything : BIOS version, motherboard manufacturer, boot mode (UEFI/Legacy), network adapters, running services, and even problematic devices flagged with yellow exclamation marks.