How to Check Your PC Specifications in Windows 11: A Simple 3-Minute Guide

Your PC specifications reveal what your computer can do, how fast it works, and whether it can run new software—but many users have never checked them. Windows 11 makes finding this information surprisingly simple, requiring just a few clicks in the Settings app.

Why Knowing Your PC Specifications Matters

Your PC specifications are the ‘vital signs’ of your computer. Think of RAM like your desk space (more space means you can work on more things simultaneously), your processor like your brain’s processing speed (faster thinking means quicker task completion), and storage like your filing cabinet (where you permanently keep your documents and programs).

Understanding your key specifications helps you troubleshoot problems, know whether you can run new software, and makes shopping for upgrades far less intimidating. Windows 11 puts this information within reach without requiring you to open your computer or contact IT support.

[Current as of: Windows 11 Version 25H2 - January 2026]

Why Check Your PC Specifications?

• Install new software with confidence – Know whether your computer meets the requirements before downloading
• Troubleshoot performance problems – Identify if your RAM or storage space is the bottleneck causing slowdowns
• Plan upgrades strategically – Understand exactly what components need upgrading rather than guessing
• Sell or donate your computer – Provide accurate specifications to potential buyers or recipients

What to Know Before You Start

• No technical skills required – This is purely information-gathering; you won’t be changing anything
• Takes 3 minutes maximum – The Settings app opens quickly and displays everything clearly
• Works on all Windows 11 editions – Whether you have Home, Pro, or Enterprise edition, the steps are identical
• Note for IT administrators – Some organization-managed computers may have restricted access to certain settings, but the About page typically remains accessible

How to Check Your PC Specifications – Step by Step

Method 1: Using the Settings App (Fastest)

1. Click the Windows logo (Start button) in the bottom left corner of your screen. Wait a moment for the Start menu to open.

2. Type ‘Settings’ in the search box at the top of the Start menu. Don’t press Enter yet—just type the word.

3. Click ‘Settings’ at the top of the search results. It has a gear icon next to it.

4. Click ‘About’ in the left sidebar. (If you don’t see it immediately, scroll down in the left sidebar—it’s usually near the bottom, under ‘System’.)

5. View your specifications. Your PC specifications are now on screen:

   • Processor – This is your computer’s ’thinking speed’ (e.g., Intel Core i5-12400 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X)
   • Installed RAM – Your temporary workspace (measured in GB, e.g., 16 GB)
   • System type – Whether it’s 64-bit (modern and standard) or 32-bit (outdated)
   • Scroll down to see Storage information and available drive space

BONUS: Check Your Graphics Card

6. Scroll back up in the About page.

7. Click ‘Display’ in the left sidebar.

8. Click ‘Advanced display’ under ‘Related settings’.

9. Scroll down to the ‘Display device properties’ section to see your graphics card information (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or Intel Arc Graphics).

Understanding Your Specifications in Plain English

Processor (Your Computer’s Brain) This controls how fast your computer thinks. Modern processors include Intel Core i5/i7/i9 and AMD Ryzen 5/7/9 series. Current generations include Intel’s 14th Gen Core (2024) and AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series (2024).

• What’s good: Intel Core i5 or newer, AMD Ryzen 5 or newer
• What’s outdated: Intel Core 2 Duo (released 2006-2010—now 15+ years old) or older processors will definitely struggle with modern software and cannot run Windows 11
• Red flag: If your processor is older than 8 years, new software may run slowly or refuse to install

RAM (Memory – Your Desk Space) This is your temporary workspace. More RAM means you can do more things simultaneously.

• 8 GB – Minimum for comfortable everyday use in 2024-2025 (browsing, email, documents)
• 16 GB – Ideal for multitasking and the recommended standard for most users
• 32 GB or more – For creative professionals (video editing, 3D rendering) or heavy multitasking
• Less than 4 GB – Your computer will feel sluggish and new software may refuse to work

Storage (Your Filing Cabinet) This is permanent space where your programs and files live. Unlike RAM, storage doesn’t empty when you restart.

• Official minimum: 64 GB available space (Windows 11 itself needs 30-40 GB)
• Comfortable minimum: 256 GB total storage
• Ideal: 512 GB to 1 TB (1000 GB) for everyday users
• Free space threshold: Maintain 15-20% free space for optimal performance. When you fall below this (approximately 40-50 GB free on a 256 GB drive), your computer noticeably slows down because Windows lacks space for system updates, temporary files, and background processes
• Critical warning: If you’re under 50 GB free space, your computer will run noticeably slower

System Type (32-bit vs. 64-bit) This determines how much RAM your computer can use and how it processes information.

• 64-bit – Modern and standard. Windows 11 is 64-bit only—there is no 32-bit version of Windows 11
• 32-bit – Outdated. If you see 32-bit in Windows 11, something unusual is happening (older systems may have shown this with Windows 10)

Graphics Card (Video Memory) This controls how smoothly graphics display and enables gaming or creative work.

• Integrated graphics (Intel UHD, AMD Radeon) – Built into the processor, sufficient for everyday use and light gaming
• Dedicated graphics (NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon Discrete) – Separate card, essential for gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering

[Sources: Microsoft Learn - Windows 11 Requirements | Tom’s Hardware - CPU Hierarchy 2025 | AOMEI Tech - Storage Recommendations | Microsoft Support - Windows 11 Settings Guide]

What to Do With Your Specifications

Now that you know your specifications, here’s what to do next:

Before installing new software: Compare your specs against the software’s requirements (usually found on the website or in the ‘System Requirements’ section).

If your computer feels slow: Check if your RAM or storage space is nearly full. Both can cause significant slowdowns.

Planning an upgrade: You now know exactly which component needs replacing—processor, RAM, or storage—instead of guessing.

Selling your computer: Share these specifications with potential buyers so they understand what they’re purchasing.

Getting IT support: You can now provide specific information to IT professionals instead of saying ‘my computer is slow.’

Finding your PC specifications in Windows 11 is quick and painless—just three clicks from the Settings app. Knowing these vital signs helps you make informed decisions about software, upgrades, and troubleshooting. Keep this information handy for future reference when installing new programs or seeking technical support.