How to Check Graphics Card Windows 11 for Better Performance

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Windows 11 makes checking your graphics card straightforward, whether you’re using an integrated chip or a dedicated graphics unit. We often walk clients through this in just a couple of minutes – a quick look at the right place lets you find out exactly what’s running your visuals.

Knowing your GPU is handy for troubleshooting, keeping drivers in good shape, or getting the settings just right for creative work or gaming. We’ve helped plenty of folks in Sydney check their graphics info on the spot, and it’s an easy win for making sure your PC is set up well.

Key Takeaways

Built-in Windows tools – like Settings, Device Manager, and Task Manager – will show you exactly which graphics card is installed, often in just a few clicks. [1]
Recognising which GPU you have makes it much simpler to address driver updates, resolve display issues, and get more reliable results for demanding software.
At Nimble Nerds, we encourage checking this info as part of your basic PC know-how, as it can save both time and hassle when things don’t look quite right or when you’re planning upgrades.

Using Built-in Windows Tools

Credits: Trendy Startups

We’ve always found there’s a simple satisfaction in using what’s already in Windows to figure out the hardware specifics, no extra downloads or third-party apps needed. Windows 11 offers several ways to confirm which graphics card your computer is running, and they’re all straightforward.

Over the years at Nimble Nerds, we’ve met plenty of clients surprised to discover they even have a dedicated graphics card hiding in their laptop, or just assumed their PC was much lower spec than it really was. Knowing where to look can make a real difference, especially when you’re weighing up tasks like video editing, gaming, or even diagnosing that mysterious display issue.

Windows Settings

The Settings app is generally the first place we point people, since it’s quick and accessible.

To check through Settings:

Click the Start menu
Select Settings
Head to System and then choose Display
Scroll down and click ‘Advanced display’ near the bottom

Here, you’ll see the graphics card currently handling your display. It usually displays the GPU model – so you might spot names like “Intel UHD Graphics” if it’s integrated, or something a bit flashier if it’s dedicated. It’s good for a fast check, though it won’t give you advanced details like dedicated video RAM or driver version.

We often walk clients through this step when they’re on the phone, as it’s handy for a quick identification before we dive deeper.

Device Manager

If you want a closer look, or if you’re dealing with a possible driver hiccup, Device Manager is our go-to. We use it ourselves for remote troubleshooting and to clarify exactly what hardware is present in both home and business systems.

To use Device Manager:

Open the Start menu and type “Device Manager”
Click to open the Device Manager panel
Expand the Display adapters heading

You’ll see each GPU your system is using listed out here. Integrated graphics might turn up as Intel or AMD, and dedicated graphics show up in a separate entry. From here, you can right-click on any of them, select Properties, and check details like device status or the current driver version.

For our managed service clients, these steps are often worked into regular health check routines. By letting us keep an eye on things, business owners spend less time worrying about drivers or compatibility and more time on what really needs their attention.

Task Manager

We often remind clients that Task Manager is far more than just a tool for closing stuck programs – it’s genuinely useful for checking on GPU activity in real time. We walk many customers through this, especially if their system is lagging or graphics aren’t quite right. It’s a straightforward way to spot what’s using the graphics card without extra software.

To check your GPU in Task Manager:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Head to the Performance tab
Select GPU in the sidebar

This section will display the name of the graphics card along with metrics like current usage, memory consumption, and clock speeds. It’s handy for troubleshooting spikes in usage or identifying an app that’s hogging resources. More than once, we’ve talked someone through this over the phone and found an unexpected process chewing up the graphics power – making a quick improvement just by closing it down.

DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)

When you need a full rundown of your graphics card’s capabilities and its drivers, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool is one we fall back on reliably. [2] We regularly use it to collect details while troubleshooting graphics glitches or investigating why a certain app won’t launch.

To launch and use dxdiag:

Press Windows key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter
Switch to the Display tab

You’ll see manufacturer info, the graphics card model, approximate memory amount, and current driver versions. For business environments, especially when clients depend on specific software, we use dxdiag to confirm everything matches up with their requirements, avoiding last-minute surprises.

Detailed Graphics Card Information

At times, more technical details are needed – perhaps for a creative studio needing to know exact VRAM, or to check driver versions ahead of a big upgrade. Windows has a built-in tool for this, too.

System Information App

System Information is a little more hidden, but we use it often, particularly when helping clients prepare their workstations for video production or 3D work. It gives a clear, detailed breakdown of the hardware – something we rely on when planning upgrades or ensuring compatibility for demanding software.

To find your GPU specs:

Open the Start menu and search for System Information
Expand Components, then select Display

Here you’ll find not just the graphics card model, but details like the full adapter description, your driver version, and the total available video RAM. Having this knowledge on hand saves time – whether it’s us doing a remote check as part of managed IT support or you looking to see if your setup meets a program’s minimum specs.

Manufacturer Control Panels

If your PC has an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, their control panels provide the most detailed specs and options.

Access NVIDIA or AMD Panel:
Open Control Panel, navigate to Hardware and Sound, then select NVIDIA Control Panel or its AMD equivalent.

Check GPU Details:
Within the control panel, head to System Information or the Display tab. You’ll find detailed specs like CUDA core count, GPU clock speeds, and temperature readings.

This is where you can also tweak your GPU settings for better performance or power savings. We always recommend clients familiarise themselves with these panels if they’re serious about gaming or video editing.

Understanding and Managing Your Graphics Card

Knowing your graphics card isn’t just about specs – it’s about understanding how your system handles graphics and how to make it work better for you.

Integrated vs Dedicated Graphics

Identify GPU Type:
In Device Manager’s Display adapters, integrated graphics usually appear as Intel or AMD APUs, while dedicated GPUs are NVIDIA or AMD discrete cards.

We’ve worked with many who didn’t know their laptop switched between integrated and dedicated GPUs depending on the workload. It’s confusing at first, but knowing which GPU is active can explain why certain apps run slowly or why battery life varies.

Importance of Knowing GPU Type:
Dedicated GPUs are more powerful and better suited for gaming, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks. Integrated graphics save power but struggle with heavier workloads.

This distinction matters when choosing software settings or considering upgrades. We’ve often had to explain this to business owners who want to know if their laptop is fit for purpose.

Updating Graphics Drivers

Good drivers keep your graphics card running smoothly and compatible with the latest apps.

Using Device Manager:
Right-click your GPU in Display adapters and select Update driver. Windows can search automatically for updates.

Using Manufacturer Websites:
Sometimes, Windows drivers lag behind. Downloading the latest from your GPU maker’s website ensures you have the newest features and fixes.

We’ve seen cases where outdated drivers caused crashes or poor performance. Keeping drivers current avoids headaches and saves time.

Benefits of Updated Drivers:
They improve performance, fix bugs, and sometimes add support for new games or software features.

Optimising GPU Performance on Windows 11

Once you know what GPU you have, you can fine-tune how Windows uses it, especially if your machine has both integrated and dedicated graphics.

Assign GPU for Specific Apps

Access Graphics Settings:
Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics.

Select App and GPU Preference:
Here you can choose which apps use the integrated GPU or the dedicated one. For example, set video editing software or games to use the high-performance GPU while leaving less demanding apps on power-saving mode.

We’ve found this setting invaluable for clients who want to squeeze extra life from their laptops or desktops without constant manual switching.

Monitoring GPU Usage and Temperature

Use Task Manager Performance Tab:
You can watch GPU usage spike during heavy tasks – video rendering or gaming – and check if memory is maxing out.

Check GPU Temperature:
While Windows doesn’t show temperature by default, the manufacturer’s control panel often does. Keeping an eye on temps can prevent overheating and throttling.

We recommend regular checks to avoid hardware damage, especially if your PC is old or in a warm environment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

GPU Not Detected:
If your graphics card doesn’t show up in Device Manager or dxdiag, it might be a driver issue or hardware fault. Reinstalling drivers or checking hardware connections can help.

Performance Bottlenecks:
Sometimes apps run slowly because other programs hog GPU resources. Closing these can free up power. Also, outdated drivers often cause sluggishness.

We often take care of these problems for clients remotely, saving them the frustration of trying to fix things themselves.

Practical Advice from Nimble Nerds

Managing your tech might not be your forte, and that’s fine. We’ve seen how outsourcing IT to a reliable support team like Nimble Nerds can ease the load tremendously. By handing over tasks like driver updates, hardware checks, and troubleshooting, business owners get more time to focus on what matters – running their business. Our managed services cover everything from routine maintenance to urgent repairs, with jargon-free advice and transparent pricing.

If you’re unsure about checking your graphics card or keeping your system optimised, we’re here to help. It’s not just about fixing problems; it’s about making technology work quietly and efficiently in the background.

That way, when you open your laptop or PC, you’re confident it’s ready for whatever you throw at it – whether that’s editing videos, running graphics-heavy apps, or just everyday use.

We’ve been doing this for over 20 years in Sydney, and it still feels good to see a client’s system running smoothly after a quick tune-up or driver update.

FAQ

How can I check my graphics card memory and clock speed on Windows 11 without third-party software?

You can check your graphics card memory and clock speed using built-in tools on your Windows 11 PC. Open the Settings app from the Windows start button, then go to System > Display. Scroll down and click Advanced display to view display information including video RAM and clock speed. Alternatively, open Task Manager, select the Performance tab, and click GPU to see detailed graphics card information without installing extra software.

What’s the best way to identify if my laptop’s graphics card is integrated or dedicated on Windows 11?

To tell if your laptop’s graphics card is integrated or dedicated, open Device Manager from the start menu and expand Display adapters. Integrated graphics often appear as Intel or AMD, while dedicated GPUs show up as NVIDIA or AMD discrete cards. You can also check under Advanced display settings in the system information app for more details like adapter description and driver version to confirm the type of GPU your Windows PC is using.

How do I use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool to check my GPU and driver version in Windows 11?

Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press enter to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Select the Display tab to find your graphics card information, including the GPU model, driver version, and total graphics card memory. This method is useful for verifying driver updates and ensuring your graphics drivers are current for optimal performance in graphics intensive tasks or editing videos on your computer.

Can I assign a specific GPU to a video editing program in Windows 11 to improve rendering images performance?

Yes, Windows 11 lets you choose which GPU runs specific applications. Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings, then select the app (like your video editing software) to assign either integrated graphics or a powerful GPU such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX. This setup helps improve rendering images and content creation by giving more power to graphics intensive tasks without needing to open the NVIDIA control panel or other software.

Why does my graphics card temperature rise during gaming or editing videos, and how can I monitor it on Windows 11?

GPU temperature rises during gaming or editing videos because these are graphics intensive tasks that push your graphics processing unit to work harder. You can monitor GPU temperature using the performance tab in Task Manager or through the NVIDIA control panel if you have an NVIDIA GPU. Keeping an eye on GPU temperature helps prevent overheating, which can affect clock speed, video RAM usage, and overall gaming experience on your Windows PC.

How can I safely clean dust from my graphics card to prevent overheating on my Windows PC?

Dust buildup inside your computer, especially around the graphics card and cooling fans, can cause your GPU temperature to rise and reduce performance. To clean it safely, power down and unplug your PC, open the case, and use compressed air to blow dust off the display adapters, fans, and heat sinks. Avoid touching the components directly. Regular cleaning helps maintain optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your graphics card and other hardware.

Conclusion

Checking your graphics card on Windows 11 is straightforward once you know where to look. Whether it’s through Settings, Device Manager, or Task Manager, you can find essential details without hassle. For deeper info, System Information and manufacturer control panels reveal every spec you might need.

Staying on top of driver updates and knowing the difference between integrated and dedicated GPUs helps you get the most from your machine. Plus, assigning GPUs to specific apps can improve performance and battery life.

If tech tasks feel overwhelming, outsourcing to a company like Nimble Nerds can take the pressure off. We handle the technical stuff, making sure your PC runs well so you don’t have to worry.

In the end, a little knowledge and support go a long way in keeping your Windows 11 system running smoothly and ready for whatever comes next.

References

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How to Check Graphics Card Windows 11 for Better Performance

Key Takeaways