How To Check GPU in Windows 10? Tips & Tricks

Before diving into the process of how to check GPU in Windows 10, it’s crucial to understand what a GPU is and its role in your computer. A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialised electronic circuit designed to handle complex mathematical calculations required for rendering images, videos, and animations. It works in tandem with your computer’s Central Processing Unit (CPU) to ensure the smooth functioning of your device. Now that we have a brief understanding of the GPU, let’s move on to the methods to check it in Windows 10.

There are several built-in tools in Windows 10 that can help you check your GPU. In this section, we will discuss four methods: using Task Manager, Device Manager, Display Settings, and DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

Task Manager is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that provides detailed information about your computer’s hardware, including the GPU. Here’s how to check GPU in Windows 10 using Task Manager:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. You can also right-click on the Taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the context menu.
• In the Task Manager, click on the “Performance” tab.
• In the left pane, click on “GPU.” Here, you’ll see the name of your GPU, along with other details such as utilisation, memory usage, and driver version.

Device Manager is another built-in tool in Windows 10 that allows you to manage your computer’s hardware components. Here’s how to check GPU in Windows 10 using Device Manager:

• Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the context menu.
• In Device Manager, expand the “Display adapters” section. You will see the name of your GPU listed under this section.

Display Settings is a straightforward method for checking your GPU in Windows 10. Follow these steps:

• Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings” from the context menu.
• Scroll down to the bottom of the Display settings window and click on “Advanced display settings.“
• In the Advanced display settings window, click on “Display adapter properties for Display 1” (or the display number corresponding to your main monitor).
• In the properties window, you’ll see the name of your GPU under the “Adapter” tab.

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag) is a built-in Windows utility that provides detailed information about your computer’s hardware and software components. Here’s how to check GPU in Windows 10 using DxDiag:

• Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type “dxdiag” (without quotes), and press Enter.
• In the DxDiag window, click on the “Display” tab.
• Under the “Device” section, you’ll find the name of your GPU, along with other information such as the manufacturer, chip type, and driver version.

Sometimes, you might need additional information about your GPU or want to monitor its performance more closely. In such cases, third-party tools can be useful. In this section, we will discuss two popular third-party tools: GPU-Z and MSI Afterburner.

GPU-Z is a lightweight utility that provides detailed information about your GPU, including its name, specifications, and real-time monitoring of various performance metrics. Here’s how to check GPU in Windows 10 using GPU-Z:

Download GPU-Z from its official website: https://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

Install and run the application.

In the GPU-Z window, you’ll see detailed information about your GPU, such as the name, manufacturer, BIOS version, memory size, and more.

MSI Afterburner is a popular GPU overclocking and monitoring tool that works with most GPUs, regardless of the manufacturer. It provides a wealth of information about your GPU, along with advanced features like custom fan profiles and benchmarking. Here’s how to check GPU in Windows 10 using MSI Afterburner:

• Download MSI Afterburner from its official website: https://www.msi.com/page/afterburner
• Install and run the application.
• In the MSI Afterburner window, you’ll see the name of your GPU, along with other details such as temperature, core clock, memory clock, and fan speed.

Now that you know how to check GPU in Windows 10, it’s essential to keep your GPU drivers up-to-date. Updated drivers can improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance compatibility with new games and applications. Here’s how to update your GPU drivers in Windows 10:

• Open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager” from the context menu.
• Expand the “Display adapters” section and right-click on your GPU.
• Click on “Update driver” from the context menu.
• In the Update Driver window, click on “Search automatically for updated driver software” to let Windows search and install the latest available driver for your GPU.

Alternatively, you can visit your GPU manufacturer’s official website (such as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers manually.

Understanding how to check GPU in Windows 10 is crucial for users who want to ensure their systems are running optimally. With built-in tools like Task Manager, Device Manager, Display Settings, and DirectX Diagnostic Tool, as well as third-party utilities like GPU-Z and MSI Afterburner, you can easily monitor your GPU’s performance and keep your drivers up-to-date. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your GPU and ensure a smooth and enjoyable computing experience.