How to Check the Video Card in a PC

Knowing your computer's video card is helpful when purchasing new software.

Certain computer games and programs have a set of minimum system requirements that must be met before the software will function on your Windows PC. In other instances, your computer may suffer from display issues that require you to update or restore your video card's driver--the software needed for the video card to function properly. Whatever the case may be, knowing how to check what video card is running on your Windows PC is handy when purchasing new software or troubleshooting problems with your computer.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista or 7)

Instructions

Windows XP

1. Right-click a blank portion of the Windows XP desktop.

2. Click "Properties" to open the "Display Properties" menu.

3. Select the "Settings" tab. Your video card is listed under the image of the computer monitor and beneath the "Display" label near the center of the window.

Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Click the "Start" button on the task bar.

2. Open the "Control Panel."

3. Click the "Appearance and Personalization" option.

4. Select "Personalization."

5. Select "Display Settings" and click "Advanced Settings" (Windows Vista) or select "Display," "Change display settings" and click "Advanced settings" (Windows 7). Information regarding your video card is listed under the "Adapter" tab.

Tips & Warnings

• Certain companies and individuals refer to a video card as a "graphics card."

References

• Microsoft: Troubleshoot Monitor and Video Card Problems
• Microsoft: Video Cards FAQ
• Tribal Trouble: How to Update Your Video Card Drivers in Windows