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10 Tech How-To

How to View System Information in Windows 10

Guide 10-35580 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you several ways to view detailed system information in Windows 10, including your processor, RAM, operating system version, and more. No special tools are needed—everything is built into Windows.

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 10 PC or laptop
  • Administrator access (not required for most methods, but helpful for some details)

Step-by-Step

  1. Use the Settings app (easiest for basic info):
    1. Click the Start button (Windows logo) in the bottom-left corner.
    2. Click the gear icon (Settings).
    3. Go to System → About.
    4. Here you’ll see your device name, processor, installed RAM, system type (64-bit or 32-bit), and Windows edition.
  2. Use the System Information app (most detailed):
    1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
    2. Type System Information and press Enter.
    3. The app opens showing a summary: OS name, version, manufacturer, system model, processor, BIOS, and more.
    4. Use the left sidebar to explore categories like Hardware Resources, Components, and Software Environment.
  3. Use the Command Prompt (quick text output):
    1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
    2. Type cmd and press Enter.
    3. Type systeminfo and press Enter.
    4. Wait a few seconds; you’ll see a list of system details including OS version, BIOS date, total physical memory, and network adapter info.
  4. Use PowerShell (more advanced, scriptable):
    1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (or Terminal).
    2. Type Get-ComputerInfo and press Enter.
    3. This shows a comprehensive list, including OS details, hardware, and even some software info. It takes longer to load than systeminfo.
  5. Use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (for graphics and audio):
    1. Press Windows + R.
    2. Type dxdiag and press Enter.
    3. Click Yes if prompted to check for signed drivers.
    4. The System tab shows OS, processor, memory, and DirectX version. The Display tab shows your graphics card and driver details.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing “System type” with “Windows edition”: “System type” (x64 or x86) refers to the processor architecture, not the Windows version (like Home or Pro).
  • Looking at “Device specifications” vs “Windows specifications”: In Settings > About, these are two separate sections. Device specs cover hardware; Windows specs cover the OS version and build.
  • Assuming “Installed RAM” is the total usable memory: Windows may show less than the installed amount if hardware reserves some memory (e.g., for integrated graphics).
  • Using the wrong command in Command Prompt: Typing systeminfo is correct; sysinfo or systeminfo.exe may not work.

Tips

  • To copy the system info from Command Prompt, right-click the window, choose Select All, press Enter, then paste into Notepad or an email.
  • In System Information, you can Export the whole report to a text file: go to File → Export.
  • If you need to find your Windows product key, use a dedicated tool—System Information does not show it.
  • For quick access, type msinfo32 in the Run dialog (Windows + R) to launch System Information directly.

Troubleshooting

  • System Information app is blank or won’t open: Try running it as administrator. Right-click the Start button, select Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin), then type msinfo32 and press Enter.
  • Command Prompt says “systeminfo is not recognized”: This is very rare; ensure you’re typing it exactly and that the Command Prompt is not in a restricted environment. Try using PowerShell instead.
  • Settings > About shows “Unable to see” or is missing info: Restart your PC. If the problem persists, run the Windows Update troubleshooter or check for pending updates.
  • dxdiag shows “No problems found” but you suspect a driver issue: That message only indicates basic DirectX functionality. Check the Display tab for driver date/version and compare with the manufacturer’s website.
  • Get-ComputerInfo takes a long time: This is normal; it gathers a lot of data. Wait a few minutes or use systeminfo for a faster result.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to see basic system info?

Press Windows + Pause/Break (if your keyboard has that key) or right-click This PC and select Properties. This opens the old Control Panel system page with key specs.

How do I find my Windows 10 version and build number?

In Settings > System > About, look under Windows specifications for the version (e.g., 22H2) and OS build (e.g., 19045.xxxx). Alternatively, type winver in the Run dialog.

Can I see system information without logging in?

Yes, on the login screen, click the Power icon and hold Shift while clicking Restart. Then go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt and use systeminfo.

Does System Information show my GPU and driver version?

Yes. In System Information, expand Components → Display. For more detailed driver info, use dxdiag and check the Display tab.

Why does my RAM show less than what I installed?

Some RAM is reserved by hardware (e.g., integrated graphics) or is not addressable by a 32-bit OS. Check “System type” in Settings > About; if it’s x86, you’re limited to ~3.5 GB.

Can I export the System Information report?

Yes. In System Information, go to File → Export, choose a location, and save as a .txt file. This can be useful for tech support.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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