Knowing which graphics card (GPU) your Windows 10 PC has helps you check game requirements, download the right drivers, and troubleshoot display problems. Many laptops have two GPUs: an integrated one built into the processor and a dedicated one for gaming and creative apps. This guide shows five quick ways to see your GPU model, memory, and driver version.
Quick Answer
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, click the Performance tab, and select GPU 0 (and GPU 1 if you have two). The GPU name appears in the top-right corner, along with dedicated memory and driver version below the graphs.
Method 1: Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (click More details if Task Manager opens in compact view).
- Click the Performance tab.
- Click GPU 0 in the left pane. If you see GPU 1, click it too; that’s usually the dedicated graphics card.
- Read the GPU name at the top right and details like Dedicated GPU memory, Driver version, and DirectX version.
Method 2: Device Manager
- Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters. Each graphics card is listed by name.
- Right-click one and choose Properties > Driver to see the driver version and date.
If you only see “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter,” Windows is using a generic driver. Install the correct driver from your PC or GPU maker.
Method 3: DirectX Diagnostic Tool
- Press Windows + R, type
dxdiag, and press Enter. - Open the Display tab (or Display 1 / Render for additional GPUs).
- Check Name, Manufacturer, Display Memory (VRAM), and driver details.
- Click Save All Information to create a text report for support forums.
Method 4: Display Settings
Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings. The Display information section shows which GPU drives each monitor, which is helpful on multi-GPU systems.
Method 5: System Information
Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and go to Components > Display. You’ll see the adapter name, driver details, and resolution. This is useful for documenting a PC’s hardware.
Integrated vs. Dedicated GPUs
- Integrated: built into the processor; shares system memory; efficient for everyday use.
- Dedicated: a separate card or chip with its own memory; much faster for games and 3D/video work.
- On laptops with both, choose which apps use the dedicated GPU in Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings.
Troubleshooting
- GPU not listed in Task Manager: update Windows 10 (GPU monitoring requires version 1709 or later) and install current graphics drivers.
- Dedicated GPU missing: check Device Manager for disabled devices or unknown devices, and update drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my GPU’s VRAM?
Task Manager shows Dedicated GPU memory; dxdiag shows Display Memory.
Do these steps work on Windows 11?
Yes. All five methods work the same way on Windows 11.
Summary
- Open Task Manager > Performance > GPU for the quickest answer.
- Check Device Manager > Display adapters for all graphics devices.
- Use dxdiag or msinfo32 for detailed reports.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.