3 Ways to Check Monitor Specs in Windows 10. What monitor do i have

Connect the speaker and microphone cable, if these connections are available on the display device. Some display devices may have built-in speakers or a microphone. Connect these cables to the computer.

What Monitor Do I Have? Find It Here!

What monitor do I have? Have you ever had this question asked you this question from your relatives or parents who have recently started using the computer and are completely new to the computer. We are sure there must be more than one such case. Although, getting to know the details about the make and model of a computer monitor is not a big deal, as long as you have access to them.

However, if you are unable to personally verify it, the answer to this question becomes complicated. Don’t worry, this article is about how to find monitor details directly from Windows 10 itself.

This article is also helpful if your monitor doesn’t have any manufacturer’s branding and you want to know how to find out what kind of monitor it is.

How to Find Monitor Details in Windows 10

Method 1: Using View Devices and Printers

Windows 10 offers all the details about the monitor connected to the computer. To find monitor details,

Method 2: Using Advanced Display Settings

Here is the second method by which you can check the details of your monitor.

Method 3: Using Device Manager

Windows 10 Device Manager also lists all the details about the hardware your system has, including display details like which monitor and graphics card you have.

That’s it, now you can see what monitor you have as well as details about its driver. The only downside to this method is that Windows 10 has automatically installed the monitor drivers, then they can be generic drivers that won’t show any details about the brand or model number of the monitor, and only the “Generic PnP Monitor” section of the device manager will appear under the monitor.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Utility

There are many third-party tools out there that allow you to view the details of the monitor and other peripherals connected to your computer.

– This is a free tool from the well-known developer CCleaner. Provides good visibility into information about your computer’s hardware and operating system.

1. Once downloaded and launched, Speccy will gather all the details and provide you with a summary
2. You can check the details of your monitor in the Speccy graphics section.

Method 5: Look for Manufacturer Sticker

In spite of following the methods above, if you still haven’t been able to get the monitor details, the best way to do this is to locate the manufacturer sticker on the back of your monitor.

Typically all PC monitors are branded as well as model information found on the packaging as well as on the back of the monitor. The monitor detail sticker looks like below.

As you can see, the available information about the monitor is: brand, manufacturer, model number and serial number.

If you’ve seen the frame rate benchmarks for games and gaming PCs, you’ve probably noticed that the frame rate varies depending on the action on the screen. With minimal action, the frame rate goes up, while in dynamic action it can drop drastically. Without the help of smart technology, this can cause screen tearing.

#1 Check the monitor specs online!

The easiest way to get a handful of information about your monitor is to search the Internet. You can use such a search operator.

I am using BenQ VL2040AZ, so the keyword I need to get the info specification would look like this.

The make and type of the monitor can usually be found on the front or back of the monitor. Often, there was a manufacturer’s website at the top of the results, with detailed specs and tips that might come in handy.

#2 Go to Advanced Display Settings

Another easy way to find out the specs (and brand) of your monitor is to use Windows 10’s advanced display settings.

Just go to the Start menu and search for Advanced Display Settings. Click on the first result to run the program.

From there, you can gather some information, including desktop resolution, refresh rate, bit depth, color format, color space, and the graphics card used. It also allows you to choose between displays if you have a multi-monitor system.

If you choose to cut costs and go for a low-end monitor, the colors you might have had in mind when finishing your project may appear quite differently on other screens. Of course, you must already have a machine that can run programs like Adobe Photoshop or Apple Final Cut Pro.

Method 2. The Last Resort:

If you can’t find the model number or any other information about your monitor by above methods, you can try this one. This is the most obvious method of all. Yes, we are talking about checking the back of the monitor.

Overall, almost all monitors have the model number and other information printed on the back. In some cases, you may also need to check the bottom of the monitor. And the brand name of the monitor will always be on the front of the monitor. However, sometimes you can see logos printed there instead of brand names. However, the brand name (most likely) can also be found on the back of the monitor.

Now that you have found this information, simply launch a browser on your smartphone or computer. And look for the information you just got. It is better if you combine both the brand and model number when searching on the Internet. As a result, you can find all the information about your monitor on the monitor manufacturer’s website.

Wrapping it up:

So now you never have to ask how to tell what monitor I have. This guide showed you all the ways to do it.

Finding all the information about your monitor is fairly simple. Sometimes, however, it doesn’t come out that easily. For example, if you do not have a computer at your disposal, you cannot find your monitor information using the “display settings.

Therefore, we also shared an alternative method that you can try. On the other hand, if you are lucky, you can easily find out what kind of monitor you have from the information found on the back of the monitor. We hope this post helps you get to know your monitor in detail.

This is difficult. I don’t want to get into weeds too much here – I’ve already written an article about color ranges. So let me say that at the absolute minimum you will want something with a range close to 100% sRGB. It is a solid base and will provide a good color that no one will complain about.

Features to Consider

At first glance, computer displays are just screens that present a variety of images – but apparently there’s a lot more to consider here than meets the eye. Now it’s time to go inside the monitor to see how the display hardware in your computer works.

LCD vs. LED

The differences between LCD and LED technology are huge factors in deciding what works for your end goal and budget, and these are the most common acronyms you may encounter on a computer monitor product page.

LCD

Liquid crystal display (LCD) technology first appeared in televisions, but it did not appear on computer monitors until the mid-1990s. The name comes from the fact that these displays have screens consisting of two pieces of glass with a liquid between them. From there, the screen is broken down into thousands (sometimes millions) of rows and columns, better known as pixels (a term coined in the 1960s as short for “picture element”).

Now, the hardware components that push the image you see on your LCD monitor are known as Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFLs). These lamps ensure a lifetime of the LCD monitor of approximately 30,000 hours. As the technology is older, these products tend to be thicker and heavier. Few of them support resolutions above Full HD (1920 × 1080, width by height), and the color contrast range can be limited at times. If you are concerned about your environmental footprint, the mercury contamination that these monitors can emit is something you need to properly address at the end of your product life cycle.

The upside is that LCDs are cheaper and won’t burn out, which is a negative effect that occurs when you leave the screen on and the last image displayed stays faintly on the screen – even when it’s off.

Technically speaking, LED displays are also LCD monitors as they share the same fluid between their two piece glass screens. The difference is in the hardware used to shoot the image. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used instead of the fluorescent lamps of the LCD display. For this reason, LED monitors are brighter and use less energy than LCD screens, ultimately boasting a lifetime of around 50,000 hours.

Light emitting diode technology first appeared in the early 1960s and was initially able to produce only red color. Of course, the color capabilities of these LEDs have evolved, but the performance and high levels of efficiency have been consistent. On paper, LED monitors have a higher price tag due to the impressive color contrast and image quality. If you’re looking for a gaming screen, you’ll need to choose an LED for a noticeably faster response time compared to LCD displays.

LED technology also makes most of these products thinner and lighter, allowing for quick and easy portability and installation. The only thing you also need to pay attention to is that LED monitors have a higher risk of burn-in, so make sure you have a screen saver or turn them off when not in use.

Panel Types

Integrated Features

Adaptive Syncing

Screen tearing has been the biggest annoyance for gamers for a long time. Screen tearing occurs when the frame rate (FPS) pushed by the graphics card does not match the refresh rate (frames are presented and refreshed every second) of the display. The ugly lines tearing your image apart are basically the result of frames trying to catch up with another.

For several years now, games have implemented a vertical sync (V-Sync) feature that adjusts FPS and refresh rate, but with the disadvantage of increased input lag and FPS performance drops. Recently, however, the great folks at NVIDIA and AMD developed a monitor feature, now known as “adaptive refresh technology”, that actually solves this age-old problem.

Both synchronization technologies ensure smooth gameplay, the lowest input lag and optimally matched FPS + refresh rates. NVIDIA’s adaptive timing monitor technology is known as G-SYNC, and it works by implementing a chip in the monitor that adjusts the monitor’s refresh rate to the number of frames per second displayed by the computer’s graphics technology. AMD FreeSync monitors use the Adaptive Sync standard, first introduced with DisplayPort 1.2a, which uses the same feature of changing the refresh rate of the monitor to match different output frame rates. To use FreeSync properly, you need to use a DisplayPort cable which is at least 1.2a standard.

Note that in order to take advantage of these technologies, you need to make sure the monitor you want to buy actually supports both technologies and you have the matching as well as a compatible graphics card (GPU) from AMD (FreeSync) or NVIDIA (G-SYNC).

To Stand or Mount…

Aside from the plethora of monitor accessories to choose from, one of the main things that needs to be addressed is how and where you view your monitor. Classically, monitors were connected to stands attached to them and placed on desks. This usually works for most scenarios, but not all spaces are exactly the same. Unless it’s a really old model, today’s monitors come with VESA mount capability. This opens the way for cleaning up desk space and creating unique computer stations.

Whether you are standing or mounting, the most important thing to remember is to make sure you have the correct viewing position. The image below shows the optimal position to view the monitor while sitting or standing.

Pay attention to how you incline your neck as you work on setting up your monitor. The monitor stands are highly adjustable, but if you’re running out of space, find something solid (and trustworthy) to place the monitor at a higher height. The mount gives you a bit more versatility in terms of heights and angles – just make sure you are perfectly comfortable when planning your measurements.

Windows 10 Device Manager also lists all the details about the hardware your system has, including display details like which monitor and graphics card you have.

Adaptive Sync, aka Variable Refresh Rate

If you’ve seen the frame rate benchmarks for games and gaming PCs, you’ve probably noticed that the frame rate varies depending on the action on the screen. With minimal action, the frame rate goes up, while in dynamic action it can drop drastically. Without the help of smart technology, this can cause screen tearing.

LG UltraGear 34GN850-B 34 “21: 9 Curved Gaming Monitor 160 Hz Adaptive-Sync HDR IPS

Screen tearing occurs when the monitor displays part of one frame and the next frame simultaneously. You will definitely notice this as the image looks split where the sync interrupted. This is because the displays are set to run at a fixed refresh rate and they don’t always know what to do when the received frame data doesn’t match their wired settings.

One option is VSync, which is simplified in that it tells the monitor to wait for the entire next frame before switching. This is not ideal as it can introduce lag which is very bad for games.

Both AMD and NVIDIA have developed adaptive timing or variable refresh rate solutions to help monitors maintain smooth playback even when graphics cards generate non-standard refresh rates. AMD has FreeSync while NVIDIA has G-Sync. Both are great at eliminating tearing but require compatible hardware to do so.

AMD’s FreeSync is more widely available and less expensive to implement, which means you’ll often find it on more affordable monitors. On the other hand, NVIDIA’s G-Sync requires certification and undergoes quality control to guarantee performance and usually results in a premium on the display. You will likely have to choose based on the graphics cards you have. If you have an AMD card, get a FreeSync monitor. If you have NVIDIA, download G-Sync.

Is one better than the other? Well, it could be argued that G-Sync is technically superior as it has additional certifications and performance guarantees compared to the open source FreeSync which allows for inconsistencies between monitors. However, G-Sync displays are more expensive.

• • NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync help fix screen tearing with adaptive sync technology.
  • Screen tearing occurs when the frame rate does not match your monitor’s refresh rate, causing two frames to load on top of each other requires NVIDIA GPUs and is more expensive but can be more reliable require AMD GPUs and are inexpensive but can vary greatly depending on the display.
  • Adaptive sync or variable refresh rate is great for gaming.

  

  FreeSync (left) and G-Sync (right)

  Many people think that higher resolution is the best way to get better quality. I argue that High Dynamic Range or HDR will affect the image quality greater than the higher resolution. The extra pop and more vivid colors available in HDR images represent a huge leap over older display systems. If you haven’t seen an HDR display yet, you’re really missing out.

  HDR on computer monitors is somewhat unusual, however. True HDR requires a certain maximum brightness and minimum brightness to guarantee the dynamic range it promises, but many inexpensive displays cannot achieve these goals. This led to the introduction of the DisplayHDR standard with an alternative maximum brightness. If you’re shopping, DisplayHDR 400 or later is probably a sensible purchase and will give your images a more lively impression.

  Color Gamut

  This is difficult. I don’t want to get into weeds too much here – I’ve already written an article about color ranges. So let me say that at the absolute minimum you will want something with a range close to 100% sRGB. It is a solid base and will provide a good color that no one will complain about.

  If you want to use it to edit video, watch HDR movies, or just want the best, you’ll want to see good coverage of Adobe RGB and Rec. 2020 color spaces.

  

  If you’ve seen the frame rate benchmarks for games and gaming PCs, you’ve probably noticed that the frame rate varies depending on the action on the screen. With minimal action, the frame rate goes up, while in dynamic action it can drop drastically. Without the help of smart technology, this can cause screen tearing.

  Types of video connectors

  Get to know the video connectors on your computer and display devices to avoid problems and get the best possible picture quality.

  There are two types of video transfer methods: digital and analog. If you try to connect the digital connector to the analog port or vice versa, you will not be able to watch the video. Also, if you try to play high definition protected digital content, such as Blu-ray movies, over an analog connection, you will likely get an error message or the movie will play at a lower resolution.

  HDMI (digital)

  The HDMI connector is a type of digital connection for transmitting high definition digital video signals AND audio signals. When paired with a compatible HDMI monitor or TV, it can carry high definition video and audio as well as HDCP protected content (for high definition Blu-ray movie playback). If your computer has HDMI audio, it must be set as the default audio device in Windows Sound Properties (available in the Windows Control Panel). A monitor or TV with HDMI must have speakers to hear the sound.

  Display Port (digital)

  The DisplayPort connector is a type of digital connection to send a high definition digital video signal AND an audio signal to a monitor with a DisplayPort connector. The display has very similar properties to HDMI, but in addition to the popular HDCP format, it can also support a content protection method called DPCP.

  DVI (digital/analog)

  The DVI connector is a connector for sending digital video to a display device. Use VGA or DVI, but not both. Some display devices have both a VGA connector and a DVI connector. If your computer supports DVI, try using VGA for a while and then try using DVI for a while. Then use the connection that provides the best image quality for your display device.

  It transmits both digital and analog signals. If your computer has a DVI-I port, you can connect it to any DVI port on your monitor or TV, or use a wide variety of adapters to connect to other types of ports.

  It only transmits digital signals. If your computer has a DVI-D port, you can connect it to either the DVI-I or DVD-D ports. You can often connect to other types of digital connections using adapters. It does not connect to the VGA port.

  Not often. It only carries analog signals. If your computer has a DVI-A port, you can connect it to either the DVI-I or DVD-A ports. You can connect to the VGA port with an adapter. Does not connect to digital ports.

  VGA and SVGA (analog)

  The VGA connector is a video connector for transferring analog video signals to a monitor or TV. Unless you plan to connect to a special monitor, such as a plasma or LCD TV with a DVI connector, connect the main monitor using the VGA connector.

  S-video and Composite (analog)

  The S-video and Composite connectors send analog video to an additional display device such as a television. In some cases it is possible to use these connections for the main display, for example to use the TV as the only monitor for the computer, but this is not recommended.

  One example of using an additional display is the school environment; After connecting the video projector to a desktop computer that is already using the monitor, the instructor can use the main monitor to perform activities on the computer while students watch a projected image of what the instructor is doing.

  Do not remove the video port cover

  If your computer shipped with a graphics card, HP may have installed a plastic cover over the video port connected to the motherboard. This is because the video has been configured to pass through the graphics card for better performance. Most computers can use graphics from either the video card or the motherboard, but not both. If you remove the plastic cover to connect a monitor (usually VGA), the video will not work until the graphics card is removed. A better solution is to connect the adapter to establish a connection (see next chapter).

  Ideally, you want to have the same video connector on your computer and monitor or TV, but there may be times when this won’t be possible. If the video connector on the back of your computer does not match the video connector on the display device, you may need a special cable or adapter. For example, HP provides a small DVI to VGA adapter in a box with many of its computers. Connect this adapter to the DVI port on the computer, then connect the VGA cable from the monitor or TV to the adapter.

  Another good answer may be a special cable that has different connection types at each end. Make sure you are familiar with both types of video connectors before purchasing an adapter or cable.

  

  An HDMI connection can also transfer audio. HDMI audio is lost when using a DVI to HDMI adapter or cable solution.

  Both AMD and NVIDIA have developed adaptive timing or variable refresh rate solutions to help monitors maintain smooth playback even when graphics cards generate non-standard refresh rates. AMD has FreeSync while NVIDIA has G-Sync. Both are great at eliminating tearing but require compatible hardware to do so.

  Choosing a screen for a two-monitor setup

  You don’t necessarily have to buy a second screen. If you have an old monitor lying around your home, check that it will work with your laptop or desktop computer before disposing of it. Even if it’s a bit dated by today’s standards, you should be able to find an adapter to help. This will help you avoid spending money on an additional display.

  Even so, you may need to purchase new hardware to complete the second screen setup. Now that you’ve checked your computer’s ports, you’ll need a monitor that fits them – or that can be made to fit with the right adapter. It’s best to look for monitors with USB-C, HDMI or DisplayPort inputs, as these are the most popular modern standards.

  After selecting the correct inputs, you can check other specifications like screen size, resolution and price. Larger, higher-resolution screens provide more space for movies, spreadsheets, and video games, but they inevitably cost more as well. It’s up to you where you want to compromise, but generally you’ll want to go for the largest screen with the highest resolution your budget can fit.

  However, if you’re using a laptop, keep in mind that powering more pixels requires more graphics processing power, thus extending battery life. In other words, the larger the second display, the more battery power is consumed.

  Other specifications to look out for are contrast ratios (the difference between white and black pixels), response time (how quickly the screen responds to inputs), and viewing angles (from how sharp an angle can be seen on the screen). As usual, online reviews are the best way to measure the quality of your display. That said, Dell and LG have a particularly good reputation for their screens.

  How to connect a laptop or desktop to a monitor

  Configuration is extremely simple: as soon as you connect a second monitor, the computer recognizes it without any additional software or a complicated setup process. However, you can follow a few optional steps to set it up exactly the way you want. The exact process will depend on your computer’s operating system.

  In Windows, tap Windows + P to switch between four display modes: PC screen only (only the original PC screen is active), Duplicate (the same is displayed on two screens), Extend (two screens act as one big screen), or Second screen only (the external monitor is the only active screen). Most of the time, you will need the Extend option, which will allow you to open applications and windows independently on both screens. To further configure the secondary display, open the Start menu, click the Settings icon (the gear symbol) and select System, then Display. Here you can configure the brightness, resolution and orientation of both screens. If you are using two displays as one extended display, you can also use this menu to set which monitor will be on the left and which will be on the right.

  In macOS, open the Apple menu, select System Preferences, then click Monitors. On the Arrangement tab (which will only appear when you connect to the second screen), you can change the relative positions of your displays – which one is on the left screen and which one is on the right. You can also switch between mirrored mode (two screens act as duplicates) and extended mode (two screens act as one screen) using the Mirrored screens check box. In addition, you can set the screen resolution in the same menu.

  If you are using a computer with Chrome operating system, click the information panel in the lower right corner (where the clock is). Then select the gear icon, go to the Settings panel and select Displays. In this menu, you can configure whether the second display acts as an extension or duplicate of the first, set the resolution and orientation of the displays, and set them in virtual space.

  When you’re done, sit back and enjoy using the second screen. If you are working in extended mode, you can drag application windows between screens and maximize them on any screen. And every time you disconnect or disable the second monitor, the operating system will automatically revert to its default configuration.

  David Nield is a UK technology journalist who wrote about gadgets and apps long before iPhone and Twitter were invented. When he’s not busy doing it, he usually takes breaks from all the tech stuff, long walks in the countryside.