Surface Laptop Studio Feature with 11th Gen Intel® Core processor and NVIDIA® RTX™ A2000 laptop GPU shown

April 11, 2023

How to check your GPU and why it matters

The human brain is divided into two hemispheres. The right side of the brain is more creative and artsy, while the left side is more analytical and rational. Where a computer is concerned, the CPU, or central processing unit, is the analytical part, and the GPU, or graphics processing unit, is the creative part. Learn more about the beauty of your device’s GPU does and how to check for it on Windows 11.

What is a GPU?

Your computer’s GPU helps your PC or laptop handle visuals like graphics and videos. There are two different types of GPUs, and the type you have in your computer may vary due to the type of device and your specific computing needs.

Discrete GPU

These are standalone chips that are mounted on their own circuit board and are embedded alongside the CPU on a computer’s motherboard. They are larger and use more power than integrated GPUs, but they are an excellent choice for tasks that involve a lot of processing like video editing, design, and gaming. Due to their larger size, discrete GPUs can require a dedicated cooling apparatus, like a fan, to ensure that the chip won’t overheat and will continue to perform as it should.

Integrated GPU

These GPUs are built into your PCs motherboard. They’re smaller and lighter, but they also use less power. So while they’re great for portability and frequently appear in laptops, they aren’t always as powerful as discrete GPUs. They still do the job for gaming and video or photo editing, and they tend to be less expensive.

Why do I need to know my GPU?

Simply put, the more powerful your GPU, the better your graphics will be. This can affect your video and photo editing, content creation, gaming, and watching TV shows, and movies. Better graphics performance means that your video games can be played at a higher resolution and with faster frame rates, improving your overall experience.

How to check GPU in Windows

If you’re curious about what type of GPU you have in your device, Windows 11 makes it easy to find out. This information can come in handy if you use a lot of graphics-heavy applications like gaming and photo editing. Knowing what kind of GPU you’re working with can help you determine if you have enough power to make a program work as well as it could. These two simple ways will help you identify the GPU in your device:

Check GPU from Settings

Select Settings > System.
Select Display and scroll down to Related settings.
Select Advanced display. Your GPU’s make and model should be shown under Display information.

Check GPU from Task Manager

In Windows 11, right-click on the Start button.
Select Task Manager from the menu.
Select Performance.
In the last pane of the tab, choose GPU. If this option is available, it will likely be at the bottom of the list.
In the top right corner of the GPU selection, information about your computer’s GPU will be visible.

When you recognize the value of GPU, you can make smart choices about how much you need. If you need a better GPU, let us help you find the Windows device to meet your needs. If you’re using that powerful GPU for the best gaming experience possible, don’t forget that Windows 11 is designed with gaming in mind.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.