To check what processor you have in Windows 10, select Start > Settings > System > About. Under Device specifications, Processor shows its name and speed. For the number of cores and the current speed, open Task Manager and select Performance > CPU.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Learn on September 27, 2026.
Check in Settings
- Select Start > Settings > System.
- Scroll down and select About.
- Look at Processor under Device specifications.
The name shows the maker, the model number and the base speed in GHz. System type on the same page shows whether it’s a 64-bit processor.
Check the speed and cores in Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc. If Task Manager opens small, select More details.
- Select the Performance tab, then CPU.
- The processor name is at the top right. Below the graph you’ll see:
- Speed: how fast it’s running right now
- Base speed: its normal top speed without boost
- Cores and Logical processors
The Speed number goes up and down to save power. That’s normal.
Check in System Information
Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In System Summary, the Processor line shows the name, speed, cores and logical processors.
Check with PowerShell
Open PowerShell and run:
Get-CimInstance Win32_Processor | Select-Object Name, NumberOfCores, NumberOfLogicalProcessors, MaxClockSpeed
MaxClockSpeed is in MHz. For example, 2900 means 2.9 GHz.
What the processor name tells you
A name like Intel Core i5-1235U or AMD Ryzen 7 5800H packs in several clues:
- Brand and tier. Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 (or Core 3, 5, 7 and Ultra on newer chips) and AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7 and 9 go from basic to high-end.
- Letter at the end. U means a low-power laptop chip, H or HX a faster laptop chip, and K an unlocked desktop chip that can be overclocked. No letter usually means a standard desktop chip.
- The numbers. The first digits usually show the generation, so a 1235U is a 12th-generation Intel chip.
Check if the processor is 64-bit or ARM
Select Start > Settings > System > About. Next to System type, you’ll see 64-bit or 32-bit, and whether the processor is x64-based or ARM-based. This matters when you download apps, since some offer separate versions.
Check if it can run Windows 11
Windows 10 no longer gets regular security updates, so it’s worth knowing whether you can upgrade. Windows 11 generally needs an Intel 8th-generation or newer chip, or an AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer, along with other requirements such as TPM 2.0. The PC Health Check app from Microsoft tells you if your PC qualifies.
Troubleshooting
- Task Manager shows a lower speed than advertised. That’s normal. The processor slows down when idle to save power and speeds up under load.
- Device Manager lists the processor many times. That’s normal. It shows one entry for each logical processor, so an 8-thread CPU appears eight times.
- msinfo32 won’t open. Use Settings or Task Manager instead. If none of them open, Windows may need repairing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out the processor’s generation?
Look up the model number from the Processor line on the maker’s website. The website shows its generation and full specs. For Intel Core chips, you can also read the processor generation from the model number.
Can I upgrade my processor?
On most laptops, no. On a desktop, the new processor has to fit your motherboard. See how to check what motherboard you have in Windows 10.
How do I see the rest of my PC’s specs?
See how to check your PC specs in Windows 10, how to check RAM in Windows 10 and how to check your graphics card in Windows 10.
Is a higher GHz number always faster?
No. Newer processors do more work per clock tick and have more cores, so a newer 2.5 GHz chip can easily beat an older 3.5 GHz one. Compare the generation and core count too.
How many cores do I need?
Four cores handle everyday browsing, email and Office well. Six or more help with gaming, video editing and running many apps at once.
Microsoft’s references are msinfo32 and Win32_Processor class. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.