How to check your PC specs

Whether you're looking to upgrade your desktop or laptop PC, or researching information about your system, you'll need to check your PC's specifications.

Knowing these specs is essential when looking to upgrade components such as the processor in your PC, how much ram is installed, what type of storage device you have, and what operating system (OS) you’re running.

An online tool can quickly reveal all your desktop or laptop specifications while also listing compatible components. Choose a well-respected tool, such as the Crucial System Scanner or the Crucial System Selector.

The Crucial System Scanner safely checks your system bios and provides a detailed report of your PC specs and more. It doesn't gain access to your files, so there's no need to worry about the security of your private information.

The scanner can also show the amount of memory you have and how much memory your system is designed to handle. It even provides a list of compatible upgrade components, including solid state drives and memory modules, which is great if you're looking to upgrade your PC.

The Crucial System Selector will provide much of the same information as the scanner but rather than scanning your device, it will guide you to supply three pieces of information: the manufacturer, product line, and model of your computer.

Both tools include compatibility information for more than 110,000 systems in their database, so it’s likely that your system is on the list.

And Crucial offers a 100% compatibility guarantee if you use one of these tools and then buy memory or storage directly from our website. This takes away any worry you might have about buying RAM or an SSD that won’t work with your system.

Checking the specs on your desktop, laptop, or Mac is a straightforward process. It won't display compatible component upgrades, but it will show you details about your existing computer specs.

The process is slightly different depending on what version of Windows or Mac you are running.

• For Windows 10 and 11, you’ll need to click the Windows Start icon, then Settings (gear icon), click About, followed by Device Specifications if on Windows 11.
• While for Mac, you click on the Apple icon, choose About This Mac, and the overview specs tab will open.

1. Click on the Windows Start icon on the left side of the bottom menu
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon from either your pinned apps, or search “settings” in the top search bar
3. Click System from the menu on the left side of the pop-up window
4. Scroll down through the options on the right and select About at the bottom
5. You'll find a list of details there under Device Specifications

1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon
3. Select System
4. On the left-hand side, select About
5. You'll find a range of data about your device and specifications

1. Click the Start button
2. Type Computer in the search box
3. Right-click on Computer
4. Select Properties
5. A window will display a range of information about your device specifications

1. Click the Apple icon on the top left side
2. Choose About This Mac
3. The overview tab will provide all the required information

Using an online tool or checking your specs in your settings is simple and provides tons of information. However, checking your PC specs manually is helpful if you're ever in a situation where you're having technical issues, or if your computer won't turn on.

You can find your computer's make, model, and serial number on your system's case cover. Most computers will list the information you need somewhere on the outside of the machine.

Keep an eye out for any labels or metal plates attached to the front or back of your system. You can also consult your owner's manual if you know where it is.

Generally, hardware components in your computer, such as the processor and any video cards, will be listed in the same area as the operating system in your System Settings.

Hardware that connects to your computers, such as printers, keyboards, and other peripherals, will be listed under Connected devices or Printers.