A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is an essential part of your computer system that generates images and video for display. Just like with any other component, it is essential to check the health of your GPU on a regular basis to ensure that it works well and isn’t causing problems with your computer’s performance.
But how can you check GPU health in Windows 11? In this article, I’ll explain several methods you can use for this purpose. If you read this guide all the way through, you’ll find it very easy to check GPU health in Windows 11.
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How Can You Check GPU Health in Windows 11?
To keep running your gig smoothly, you must know how to check GPU health if you’re an online gamer, YouTube game streamer, or graphics designer.
Here are five quick ways to check GPU health in Windows 11 to see if it’s still functioning as it should.
Use the Settings App
The Windows Settings app is the most convenient way to check GPU health in Windows 11. All you have to do is go to the Advanced display settings and check under the Device status section. I will go over these steps in more detail:
- To open the Settings app, press the Win + I hotkey.
- From the left sidebar, select System, and then in the right pane, select Display.
- Select Advanced display.
- Press the Display adapter properties for the Display 1 option.
- In the Adapter Type section, select the Properties button.
- Check the Device status section under the General tab.
This is an easy way to check GPU health in Windows 11. Any ongoing GPU problem will be displayed using an error code or warning in the Device status section. The message “This device is working properly” will appear if no problems are discovered.
Use the Device Manager
The Device Manager is a Windows utility which provides full management capabilities for all installed hardware components. It allows you to do a variety of tasks, including updating Windows drivers, enabling or disabling devices, and more.
You can also check GPU health in Windows 11 using the Device Manager. Here are the steps to follow:
- To access the Power User Menu, press Win + X, then select Device Manager from the list.
- Click twice on the Display Adapters node.
- Right-click on the installed graphics driver and then select Properties.
- In the Device status section, check the status.
Use the Task Manager
Using the Windows Task Manager is yet another easy method to check GPU health in Windows 11. The procedure is as follows:
- To open the Task Manager, press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc hotkey.
- In the left sidebar, select the Performance option.
- Select GPU from the left pane in the Performance section.
You’ll get comprehensive information about your GPU’s real-time usage here. Insights into shared memory usage, video encoding, and high-priority computing are provided by the graphs. By right-clicking on any graph, you can access more relevant information.
You’ll also find important information at the bottom of the screen, such as usage, GPU temperature, and GPU memory consumption, which are essential signs of GPU health. It’s time to troubleshoot your GPU if any sections provide concerning data.
For example, the GPU’s optimal operating temperature is 50°C during normal use and 85°C while gaming. If the temperature exceeds these limits, it indicates that your GPU is overheating.
Use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool, also known as dxdiag, offers helpful details on the hardware and DirectX components installed on your computer. These procedures should be followed to use DirectX to check GPU health in Windows 11:
- Launch the Start menu and enter dxdiag in the search field.
- Change to the Display tab.
- Check the Notes section here.
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool will show any problems with your GPU in this area if there are any. You will see the message “No problems found” if everything works as it should.
Use a GPU Benchmarking Tool
The tools I’ve analyzed thus far provide an overview when you need to check GPU health in Windows 11, but GPU benchmarking tools are highly suggested for deeper solutions. MSI Afterburner is a popular choice and one of the top-notch free benchmarking programs for Windows, among the several options available. All graphics cards are compatible with this benchmarking tool, which provides additional functionality beyond health monitoring.
It also enables issue resolution and facilitates GPU adjustments in addition to checking GPU health.
To conclude, the GPU is a critical component of your system that requires optimal conditions to work at its best. By using the methods outlined above to check GPU health in Windows 11, you’ll be better able to identify any ongoing issues with your GPU and take proactive efforts to fix them. If you’re trying to troubleshoot any other Windows issue, check out this category of guides. Also contact the Windows Help Center if you need more insight into GPU health and how to maintain it.