If you are a PC or laptop user, knowing which graphics card (GPU) is installed in your system is very important. Whether you are a gamer, video editor, or simply someone who wants smooth system performance, your graphics card plays a huge role in handling visuals and graphics-related tasks. Many users don’t even know which GPU their system uses — Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD, and what its memory capacity is. In this article, we will explain step-by-step how to check your graphics card in Windows 10/11, using multiple easy methods.Why Should You Know Your Graphics Card Details?
Before checking, let’s understand why knowing the graphics card is important:
- To check whether your PC can run high graphics games
- To ensure compatibility with software like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Blender
- To upgrade graphics card in future
- To troubleshoot issues like screen lag, display errors, and game crashes
- To check VRAM (Video Memory) for smooth performance
- To download correct GPU drivers from official websites
Also, if you want to build a powerful PC, you must know the GPU details.
How to Check Graphics Card in Windows Using Display Settings (Method 1)
Windows 10/11 provides easy access to display settings where you can view your graphics card name and GPU usage. This is the simplest method for beginners.
Steps:
- Right-click on Desktop
- Select Display Settings
- Scroll down and click on Advanced Display Settings
- Under Display information, you will see:
- Display adapter
- Resolution
- Refresh rate
- Click on Display Adapter Properties for Display 1
- A popup will show:
- Graphics Card Name
- Manufacturer
- Dedicated Video Memory (VRAM)
- Shared System Memory
What You Can Check Here:
- If your graphics card is Integrated like Intel UHD/Intel Iris
- Or Dedicated GPU like NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon
- Basic memory and driver details
This method is handy for users who only need basic GPU info quickly without using extra tools.
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How to Check Graphics Card in Windows Using Task Manager (Method 2)
Task Manager gives you real-time GPU performance statistics along with memory usage and temperature (in supported models).
Steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Click on Performance Tab
- Select GPU 0 and GPU 1 if available (dual graphics setup)
- Check details like:
- GPU Model
- GPU Usage percentage
- VRAM Usage
- Shared Memory
- DirectX Version
- Temperature (if supported)
Benefits of this Method:
- Shows real-time graphics performance
- Helps in identifying bottlenecks while gaming
- Perfect for monitoring GPU while multitasking
Example of What You Will See:
| Information You Will Get | Description |
|---|---|
| GPU Model | Example: NVIDIA GTX 1650, Intel UHD 620 |
| Memory Usage | How much VRAM is being used |
| Encoding/Decoding usage | Video performance indicator |
| 3D rendering details | Game performance indicator |
So, if you want to check whether your graphics card is performing properly or overheating, this method is best.
How to Check Graphics Card in Windows Using Device Manager (Method 3)
Device Manager is an advanced Windows utility that displays all installed hardware components including the graphics card.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X
- Select Device Manager
- Click Display Adapters
- You will see GPU names:
- Intel Integrated Graphics
- NVIDIA / AMD Dedicated GPU (if present)
- Right-click → Properties to check:
- Driver version
- Device status
- Hardware ID
What This Method Helps With:
- Updating GPU Drivers
- Fixing GPU-related errors
- Identifying disabled or malfunctioning graphics cards
If your dedicated GPU is missing here, chances are driver is not installed — so you can troubleshoot quickly.
How to Check Graphics Card Using DirectX Diagnostic Tool – DXDIAG (Method 4)
DXDIAG is a powerful built-in tool that shows detailed graphics and DirectX information.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type:
dxdiag - Hit Enter
- Go to Display Tab
You Will See:
- GPU Model & Driver version
- VRAM (Dedicated Memory)
- Shared memory
- Supported DirectX Features (DirectDraw, Direct3D)
- Monitor details
This tool is very useful for troubleshooting game crashes and DirectX errors.
How to Check GPU Using System Information (Method 5)
Windows also has a System Information tool that shows complete hardware details.
Steps:
- Press Windows Key and type: System Information
- Go to Components → Display
- Check details like:
- GPU Name
- Adaptor Type
- Refresh Rate
- VRAM
- Driver details
This is ideal when you need more advanced, technical information.
How to Check GPU Using Third-Party Tools (Method 6)
If you want in-depth GPU specifications, temperature monitoring, and stress testing — third-party tools are best.
Top Tools to Check Graphics Card:
| Tool Name | What It Shows | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| GPU-Z | GPU clock, VRAM, sensors | Overclockers & Tech users |
| Speccy | Full system info | Beginners |
| CPU-Z | Basic GPU info | Quick check |
| MSI Afterburner | GPU Temperature, FPS overlay | Gamers |
| HWMonitor | Hardware temperature | Stability test |
Third-party tools can also help you benchmark your GPU to know whether performance is optimal.
Integrated vs Dedicated Graphics Card — How to Identify?
Most laptops have Integrated GPU + Dedicated GPU combo.
| Feature | Integrated Graphics (Intel/AMD) | Dedicated Graphics (NVIDIA/AMD) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it is located | Inside Processor | Separate GPU chip |
| Performance | Medium / Basic | High / For heavy usage |
| Best for | Office work, Movies, Browsing | Gaming, Video Editing |
| Power Usage | Low | High |
| Price | Low-cost | Expensive |
| VRAM | Uses system RAM | Has own VRAM |
How To Identify:
- If you see Intel UHD / Iris / Vega, it’s Integrated
- If you see NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon, it’s Dedicated
If both appear, Windows automatically switches based on app requirement.
Which GPU is Good for Gaming? (Quick Guide)
If you want to play AAA Games, you should check these specs:
- GPU VRAM — Minimum 4GB to 8GB
- DirectX 12 Support
- Boost Clock — Higher is better
- GDDR6 memory in modern GPUs
Popular Gaming-grade GPUs:
| Brand | Recommended Models |
|---|---|
| NVIDIA | GTX 1650, RTX 3050, RTX 4060 |
| AMD | RX 6500 XT, RX 6600, RX 7600 |
If these GPUs appear in your system — congratulations! You can play most games smoothly.
Common Problems While Checking Graphics Card
You may face these issues sometimes:
- GPU not showing in Device Manager
- VRAM showing 0 MB
- Microsoft Basic Display Adapter displayed instead of GPU name
- Black screen while accessing GPU settings
- Driver signature errors
Reasons for GPU Not Detecting:
- Driver not installed or outdated
- GPU disabled by mistake
- Faulty hardware or loose connection
- BIOS settings incorrect
Solutions:
- Update drivers from NVIDIA / AMD official websites
- Enable GPU in BIOS
- Try reseating GPU (only for desktop)
How to Update Graphics Card Drivers (Quick Tip)
Updating GPU drivers solves most graphics-related issues.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Display Adapters
- Right-click your GPU → Update Driver
- Select Search automatically
Or manually update from official websites:
- NVIDIA: “GeForce Experience” software
- AMD: “Radeon Software”
- Intel: Official drivers from support page
FAQs – How to Check Graphics Card in Windows
Q1. How do I find my GPU model quickly?
➡ Use Task Manager → Performance → GPU.
Q2. How to check VRAM?
➡ Display Adapter Properties → check Dedicated Video Memory.
Q3. Why is my graphics card not showing in Device Manager?
➡ Driver missing or GPU disabled — reinstall or enable it.
Q4. How to know if my PC has a dedicated GPU?
➡ NVIDIA/AMD name appears under Display Adapters.
Q5. Which tool is best for checking complete GPU details?
➡ GPU-Z for technical specs + MSI Afterburner for monitoring.
Conclusion – Easily Check Your Graphics Card in Windows
Now you know all the powerful methods to check graphics card details in Windows. Whether you want to check basic information like GPU name and VRAM or advanced specs like temperature, clock speed, and DirectX support — Windows provides many tools to help you. If you are a gamer, video editor, or content creator, knowing your GPU is very important to avoid performance issues and ensure compatibility with high-end software.
So next time you plan to upgrade your PC, play a new game, or install graphics-heavy programs — first check your GPU using the methods in this guide. We hope this article helped you!