Quick answer
On Windows 11, open Settings > System > About to see your processor, installed RAM and system type. On a Mac, choose Apple menu > About This Mac for the chip and memory. On a Chromebook, type chrome://system into the address bar. For your screen size, resolution and graphics in one click, use our device specs checker.
You usually need your specs at an awkward moment: a game won't start, an app says your computer isn't supported, or you're selling a laptop and the buyer wants to know what's inside. The good news is that every major system shows the basics in a single screen. Here's where to look on each one, and what the numbers mean once you find them.
What "specs" actually means
Most requirements lists ask about five things:
| Spec | What it does | Typical example |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Runs every app; faster means smoother everything | Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5, Apple M-series |
| Memory (RAM) | How many things can stay open at once | 8 GB, 16 GB |
| Graphics (GPU) | Games, video editing, external displays | Intel Iris Xe, NVIDIA GeForce RTX |
| Storage | Space for files and apps | 256 GB or 512 GB SSD |
| System type | Whether 64-bit apps will run | 64-bit operating system |
How to check PC specs on Windows 11
- Right-click the Start button and choose Settings.
- Select System, then scroll down and select About.
- Under Device specifications, read the processor, installed RAM and system type (32-bit or 64-bit).
Shortcut: press Windows + R, type ms-settings:about and press Enter.
The About page doesn't list your graphics card or storage. For those:
- Graphics: go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. The display information panel names the adapter your screen is connected to.
- Storage: go to Settings > System > Storage to see total and free space.
How to check specs on a Mac
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
- Choose About This Mac.
- The window shows your model name, the chip (or processor on an Intel Mac), memory, startup disk and macOS version.
Need more detail, like the exact model identifier or graphics information? Hold the Option key, choose Apple menu > System Information, and select Hardware in the sidebar.
How to check specs on a Chromebook
- Open Chrome and type chrome://system into the address bar.
- Look under About System and select Expand next to any item for the details, such as CPU info and memory.
For a friendlier view, open the Diagnostics app: select the time in the bottom-right corner, then Settings > About ChromeOS > Diagnostics. It shows CPU usage and speed, memory and battery health, and it can run quick tests on each.
Check your screen and graphics in your browser
Some specs are easier to read from the browser than from system menus, especially on a work laptop where settings are locked. Our My Device Specs tool shows your screen resolution, pixel ratio, graphics renderer, browser and CPU thread count instantly. If you're wondering whether your monitor runs at 60 Hz or 144 Hz, the refresh rate test measures it, and our guide to checking your monitor's refresh rate shows where to change it.
Setting the PC up for video calls? If people can't hear you, our guide on why your mic is not working walks through the fixes in order.
Common questions
How do I know if my PC can run a game?
Compare the game's minimum and recommended requirements with your CPU, RAM and graphics. RAM is the easiest to compare. For the processor and graphics card, look up both names and compare their generation and tier, because a newer mid-range chip often beats an older high-end one.
Is 8 GB of RAM enough?
For web browsing, documents and video calls, 8 GB is usually fine. If you keep many browser tabs open, edit photos or play modern games, 16 GB gives you more breathing room.
What does 64-bit mean?
It's the type of operating system. Almost every PC sold in the last decade runs a 64-bit system, and many newer apps only come in 64-bit versions.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Find information about your Windows device
- Apple Support: Find your Mac model name and serial number
- Chromebook Help: Use Diagnostics to troubleshoot your issue
- Acer Community: How to check system specifications on a Chromebook
Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected] and we'll check it.