How to Check the Graphics Card in Windows 11
Understanding your graphics card (GPU) is essential for troubleshooting, upgrades, gaming & creative work. This guide provides comprehensive, expert-backed steps to check your graphics card in Windows 11.
Why It’s Important to Know Your Graphics Card?
Your GPU powers everything from simple visuals to intensive gaming and video editing. Knowing your GPU helps you:
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- Ensure compatibility with software and games.
- Troubleshoot display or performance issues.
- Update drivers for stability and speed.
- Plan upgrades for better performance.
Quick Reference: Main Ways to Check Your Graphics Card in Windows 11
- Windows Settings (Advanced Display)
- Device Manager
- Task Manager
- System Information
- DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag)
- Manufacturer Control Panels (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
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Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Graphics Card in Windows 11
Using Windows Settings
- Click the Start button and select Settings.
- Go to System > Display.
- Click Advanced display.
- Under Display information, see your GPU next to “Connected to”
This method is quick and shows how the GPU handles your display.
Using Device Manager
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Your GPU(s) will be listed (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, AMD).
Device Manager helps identify both integrated and dedicated GPUs.
Using Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Click the Performance tab.
- Select the GPU on the left.
You will see the GPU name, usage, memory & driver version. Multiple GPUs will appear as GPU 0 (integrated) and GPU 1 (dedicated).
Using System Information
- Click Start and search System Information.
- Expand Components > Display.
Find GPU specs, RAM, resolution & driver version here, ideal for advanced users.
Using DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag)
- Press Windows + R, type dxdiag & press Enter.
- Go to the Display tab.
See GPU model, manufacturer, driver version & total graphics memory helpful for troubleshooting and verifying drivers.
Using Manufacturer Control Panels
- NVIDIA Control Panel: Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > NVIDIA Control Panel > System Information.
- AMD Radeon Settings: Right-click desktop > AMD Radeon Software.
- Intel Graphics Command Center: Search in Start menu.
These tools offer advanced diagnostics and settings.
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How to Tell If Your GPU Is Integrated or Dedicated
- Integrated Graphics: Labeled as Intel or AMD in Device Manager. Share memory with the CPU. Common in laptops and budget desktops.
- Dedicated Graphics: Labeled as NVIDIA or AMD Radeon. Has its own VRAM. Essential for gaming and creative work.
Check Device Manager or Advanced Display settings. Two GPUs usually mean your system switches for efficiency.
Advanced Troubleshooting: If Your Graphics Card Isn’t Detected
- Show Hidden Devices in Device Manager: View > Show hidden devices.
- Scan for Hardware Changes: Action > Scan for hardware changes.
- Update or Reinstall Drivers: Right-click GPU > Update driver or Uninstall device, then restart.
- Check for Windows Updates: Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
- BIOS and Hardware Checks: If the card is detected in BIOS but not Windows, check PCIe controller drivers or reset BIOS.
- Command Prompt Fix: Run as administrator, enter bcdedit /set pciexpress forcedisable, restart PC.
If none work, hardware failure or compatibility issues may be at play; consult a professional.
How to Update Your Graphics Card Drivers
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- Device Manager: Right-click GPU > Update driver > Search automatically.
- Windows Update: Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Manufacturer’s Website: Download and install the latest drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.
Keeping drivers up to date ensures stability, security & optimal performance.
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FAQs
- What’s the easiest way to check my graphics card in Windows 11?
Task Manager or Device Manager provides instant access to your GPU model, no extra software needed. - Can I check my graphics card without opening my PC?
Yes, all methods listed here use built-in Windows tools, so you don't need to open your computer. - How do I know if my laptop has a dedicated GPU?
If Device Manager lists both Intel/AMD and NVIDIA/AMD Radeon under Display adapters, you have both integrated and dedicated GPUs. - What should I do if my graphics card isn’t detected?
Try showing hidden devices, updating drivers, checking BIOS & running hardware scans. See the troubleshooting section above for step-by-step help. - How do I update my graphics card drivers?
Use Device Manager, Windows Update, or download directly from your GPU manufacturer’s website.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check your graphics card in Windows 11 is essential for troubleshooting, upgrades and optimizing your PC’s performance. With built-in tools like Device Manager, Task Manager & DxDiag, you can quickly identify your GPU, monitor its health & keep drivers up to date for the best experience.
Whether you are a gamer, creative professional, or business owner, understanding your hardware is the first step to unlocking your computer’s full potential.
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Written By: Khurram Qureshi
Founder & consultant of DigiPix Inc.
Call or text: 416-900-5825
Email: info@digipixinc.com
About The Author
In 2005, Khurram Qureshi started DigiPix Inc. which started off as a design agency offering video editing to professional photography, video production & post production, website designs and 3D Animations and has now expanded towards online marketing and business consultancy. Khurram Qureshi also is a motivational figure and participates in local and international platforms. He also play a role in the local community development, helping local young minds get ready to enter the job market.