How to check what GPU you have in 2024

Needing to know how to check what GPU you have is important for avid gamers, as certain games will require a newer, more powerful GPU, and it’s worth checking before you commit to buying a more demanding title.

If you have just bought or are considering buying a new gaming PC, it will almost always come with its own graphics card already installed (unless it’s a low-end model running on an APU), and if you are only a casual gamer, the GPU may not be detrimental. But for AAA games that require a more powerful GPU, you’re going to need to know what graphics card you currently have and whether it will be sufficient for your intended gameplay. If you’ve never opened the PC up, you might not even be aware of what’s inside your machine. This is how to be sure – it’s quick and easy.

How to check what GPU you have through Windows 11

Ever since the Windows 10 2020 update, you can keep a keen eye on your GPU via Task Manager, where you can monitor and optimize the performance of your graphics card. You can open Task Manager via the Start menu, or by using Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Once you’re in, select Performance at the top of the window, then select GPU from the sidebar. You should be provided with a range of statistics from GPU temperature and usage, but you will also find the manufacturer and the model name (e.g you may see NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080).

You won’t however be able to find the exact model number, if you need that for some reason. This also works in Windows 11, too. You can also find your manufacturer and model name via System Information. If you open the Start menu, search msinfo then click System Information the window will open, from there select Components and then Display. Again you should have access to various GPU statistics, including the model name and manufacturer.

How to check what GPU you have with DirectX Diagnostics Tool 

If you are using DirectX Diagnostics to keep tabs on your GPU’s performance, checking what GPU you are using is just as easy as with Windows. Open the DirectX Diagnostics Tool, and then click on the Display option at the top of the window. From there, you should be able to see the manufacturer and ‘chip type’. Again, this will not show you the exact model number. 

How to check what GPU you have with PowerShell

Similar to the above, go into your Start menu and open the Windows PowerShell app, where you will also be met with a screen full of stats for your GPU. There will be a section that supplies Description, Caption and Name which will tell you what graphics card you are currently using.

Other ways to check what GPU you have

If you are not currently using any of the above softwares or Windows OS, you can use third-party softwares that not only can tell you the name and manufacturer of your graphics card but also gives you real-time information that will help you best monitor and optimize the way you use your GPU. How To Geek recommends a third-party software like HWiNFO64 and outlines the way to find out which  GPU you currently have. 

If you need to know the model number of your GPU for any reason, the quickest and mostly easiest way to find this is to check for your email receipt if you purchased the graphics card online. If you cannot find that, then you’ll have to manually go into your PC to retrieve the graphics card; there will be a sticker on the side with the model number. If you have never changed or removed a graphics card before, check out How to remove a GPU from your gaming PC. 

How do I find out what GPU I have?

For most people it will be a case of opening your Windows Start menu, launching Task Manager, from there select Performance and then GPU to see your model and manufacturer.

How do I check my graphics card Windows 11?

You can check your GPU via Task Manager or System Information on Windows 11. Both can be reached from the Start menu, and will provide model names and the manufacturer of your graphics card.

Image Credit: Acer (Photo depicts an Acer Predator 7000 gaming PC)