Knowing your monitor’s exact model helps when you’re downloading a driver or color profile, checking whether it supports a higher refresh rate or HDR, buying a matching second screen, or looking up warranty details. Windows 10 and Windows 11 can show you the model name without you having to crawl behind the desk, though Device Manager often just says “Generic PnP Monitor.” This guide covers five ways to find it, from quickest to most detailed.
Quick Answer
Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display (called Advanced display settings in Windows 10). The monitor’s name appears under Display information. For the full model number, check the label on the back of the monitor or use the PowerShell command below.
Method 1: Advanced Display Settings
- Right-click the desktop and choose Display settings, or press Windows key + I and go to System > Display.
- If you have more than one screen, select the one you want at the top.
- Scroll down and click Advanced display (Windows 11) or Advanced display settings (Windows 10).
- Look under Display information. You’ll see the monitor name, which graphics card it’s connected to, the resolution, refresh rate, bit depth and color space.
The name is reported by the monitor itself, so it’s usually the model series (for example, a brand and a short code) rather than the full part number.
Method 2: PowerShell (Model and Serial Number)
This reads the model name and serial number your monitor reports to Windows:
- Right-click Start and choose Terminal or Windows PowerShell.
- Paste this command and press Enter:
Get-CimInstance -Namespace root\wmi -ClassName WmiMonitorID | ForEach-Object { [PSCustomObject]@{ Maker = -join [char[]]($_.ManufacturerName -ne 0); Model = -join [char[]]($_.UserFriendlyName -ne 0); Serial = -join [char[]]($_.SerialNumberID -ne 0) } }
You’ll get a line for each connected monitor with a three-letter manufacturer code, the model name and the serial number. Built-in laptop screens often show a panel code instead of a friendly name.
Method 3: Device Manager
- Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Monitors.
- If the entry shows a model name, you’re done. If it says Generic PnP Monitor, double-click it, open the Details tab, and choose Hardware Ids. The code after MONITOR\ (for example, a three-letter maker code plus four characters) identifies the model; search it online.
Method 4: DirectX Diagnostic Tool
- Press Windows key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
- Open the Display tab (Display 1, Display 2 and so on for multiple screens).
- Check Monitor Model and Monitor Name in the Device section, along with the native resolution.
Method 5: Check the Monitor Itself
- Label on the back: the sticker lists the exact model number, serial number and manufacturing date. It’s often near the stand mount or the ports.
- On-screen menu: press the monitor’s menu button and look for Information or System. Many monitors show the model and firmware version there.
- Laptops: the screen is part of the laptop, so look up the laptop’s model number (Settings > System > About) to find the display specs.
Why Does It Say Generic PnP Monitor?
Windows shows this when it’s using its built-in driver rather than one from the manufacturer. It’s normal and the monitor works fine. You can install the manufacturer’s driver (usually just a color profile and info file) from their support site to show the proper name. If the name is missing because Windows can’t read the monitor’s information, try a different cable or port; some adapters and KVM switches block that data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these steps work on Windows 11?
Yes. All five methods work on Windows 11; the Advanced display page is under System > Display.
How do I find my monitor’s refresh rate?
It’s listed in Advanced display next to the resolution, and you can change it under Choose a refresh rate.
How can I check the monitor size?
The model number usually includes the size (for example, 24 or 27 for inches). You can also measure the screen diagonally, excluding the frame.
Can I find the model of a monitor that isn’t connected?
Only from the label, the box or your purchase records.
Summary
- Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- Read the name under Display information.
- For the exact model and serial, use PowerShell, dxdiag or the label on the back.
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.