How to check generation of processor in Windows 10

If you are using Windows 10 or 7, you can check the generation of your laptop by following these steps.

1. Right-click on “This PC” or “My computer icon” on your desktop.
2. Click properties from the menu.
3. Look for “processor” under the system section. It will show something like “Intel(R) Core (TM) i7-3520M CPU @ 2.90GHz.” The number at the position of this bold 3 will be the generation of your laptop’s processor.

Generation of my laptop:

As 8th is the number after i3 so, the generation of this laptop is 8th.

How to check generation of processor in Windows 10

This number can be anyone from 1 to 11. This means your generation can be anyone between 1 to 11. Thank you very much to Parhlo for contributing in this post

How to check generation of processor in Windows 10
Robson90/Shutterstock

Every computer contains at least one processor, also known as a CPU or central processing unit. Your computer’s CPU is probably made by Intel or AMD. Here’s how to see what CPU you have and how fast it is.

You don’t need a system information utility to find this information. Windows shows it in several different places.

To find this information in Windows 10’s Settings app, navigate to Settings > System > About. Look under “Device specifications.” The name of your computer’s processor and its speed are displayed to the right of “Processor.”

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You can press Windows+i to open the Settings app quickly. You can also press the Windows key, type “About” to search your Start menu for this settings screen, and click the “About This PC” shortcut that appears.

Windows 10’s Task Manager shows detailed CPU information, too. Right-click your taskbar and select “Task Manager” or press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch it. Click the “Performance” tab and select “CPU.” The name and speed of your computer’s CPU appear here. (If you don’t see the Performance tab, click “More Details.”)

You’ll also see real-time CPU usage data and other details, including the number of cores your computer’s CPU has.

Windows 7—or Windows 10—users can find this information in the Control Panel. Specifically, it’s on the system pane. Head to Control Panel > System and Security > System to open it. You can also press Windows+Pause on your keyboard to instantly open this window.

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Your computer’s CPU model and speed are displayed to the right of “Processor” under the System heading.

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If Windows isn’t booting on your system, you can still find this information in several other ways. Your computer’s documentation likely includes system specification details like this. You may also find this information displayed in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware settings screen.

RELATED: What Does a PC's BIOS Do, and When Should I Use It?


If you're shopping for a new computer, you might be surprised to find out that the latest computers might have the same processor you've had for years. In 2008, Intel introduced "Generations," meaning your chipset model name (i3, i5, i7) remained the same, while the Generation is updated almost yearly. Here's how that works and how to identify your Intel chipset.

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Briefly, let's understand the three majorly available chipsets; i3, i5, and i7, or follow along with our brief video:i3 Core i3 processors first appeared in 2010 and are the entry-level Intel chipsets with 2 cores (processors). Core i3 is a slower clock speed i5 without Turbo Boost. The i3 will show up on lower-priced computers and is the best fit for someone who needs a computer for the most basic use.i5 Core i5 processors first appeared in 2009, and as you might have guessed, it is the middle of the road chipset with 2-4 cores (processors). Turbo Boost allows faster speeds when the processor is under high demand. Other advantages included better memory support. Hyper-threading and different clock frequencies are disabled. The i5 is the best chipset for the average computer user looking to save money on a new computer.i7 Core i7 processors were introduced in 2008 and are aimed at businesses and power users with 2-6 cores (processors). As you might expect, the i7 features more cache, more clock speed, and often more cores. i9 Core i9 processors were introduced in 2017 and featured many cores, high power draw, high thermal output, and high performance. They are intended to be used by hardcore gamers and enthusiasts. They are also the most expensive.If you were trying to decide which chipset has the best value, we would find a computer with an i7 chipset that is a couple of generations old. For example, if the 9th generation is out, look for a 7th generation chipset. We think that option beats out the i3 and i5 every time.In closing, we wish Intel would name their chipsets for the consumer, not the engineers and executives. The i7 2020 would simplify things.

How to Identify Your Generation

Go to Start > Settings > System > About. Next to Processor, you will see your chipset listed. You will see your processor and the first number after i3, i5, or i7 lets you know what generation you have. For example, our current chipset is the i7, 7th generation. You can also check Device Manager > Processors by searching for and clicking on Device Manager.

How to check generation of processor in Windows 10

If you have any problems identifying your processor, Intel offers a free app called the Intel Processor Identification Utility that can identify the brand, features, package, intended & actual frequencies of your Intel microprocessor.

How to check generation of processor in Windows 10

Similar:
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  • What Version of Windows 10 Do I Have?
  • How to Identify the Hardware in Your Computer

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  • Sometimes it’s necessary to know what CPU you have and how fast it is? or What Generation your Intel Processor is in Windows? These things are important when you want to buy a new laptop or PC. Whatever the reason is, in this guide, you will learn how to check the generation of a laptop or PC in Windows 10.

    How to Check the Generation of Laptop or PC in Windows 10

    Here, we will show you 2 different ways to check the generation of laptop or PC:

    Method 1. How to Find What Generation Your Intel Processor is in Windows

    If you have a laptop or desktop system running Windows 7 or above, you can check what processor is installed on your system.

    Simply right-click My Computer and select Properties and you will be given a summary view of the hardware and operating system that is currently set up. The information includes among other things which processor it is you’re running but the processor is mentioned by the name it was sold/marketed by.

    Step 1. Right-click on My Computer or This PC and select Properties.

    How to check generation of processor in Windows 10

    This PC

    Step 2. You will see your processor and the first number after i3, i5, or i7 lets you know what generation you have. For example, our current chipset is the i5, 7th generation Under the System section. In the screenshot below, 7th is the number after i5 so, the generation of my laptop or PC is 7th.

    How to check generation of processor in Windows 10

    Check the Generation of Laptop

    This number can be from 1 to 9. This indicates your generation can be anyone from 1 to 9.

    Method 2. How to Check the Generation of Laptop or PC via Task Manager

    Windows 10’s Task Manager shows detailed CPU information like the generation and many more things, too. Right-click your taskbar and select “Task Manager” or press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch it. Click the “Performance” tab and select “CPU.” The name and speed of your computer’s CPU appear here.

    Here’s how to check the generation of the laptop using Task Manager in Windows 10:

    Step 1. Right-click your taskbar and select Task Manager.

    How to check generation of processor in Windows 10

    Task Manager

    Step 2. Navigate to the Performace tab and select CPU. Here you will see the details of Intel Processor and Generation. In the screenshot below, 7th is the number after i5 so, the generation of my laptop or PC is 7th.

    How to check generation of processor in Windows 10

    Check the Generation of Laptop

    Final Words

    This is how you can identify or check the generation of your laptop or PC. Using This PC Properties and Task Manager can give you detailed information about your PC and laptop. Well, it is always good to know about the Intel processor and generation, especially if you want to buy a PC or laptop or even to add to your general information about the computer. To learn about the Difference Between Intel Processor Generations and Intel Processor Generations visit the link below:

    • Difference Between Intel Processor Generations

    Read More: 

    Andrew Clark is a professional How-to content writer. As a tech enthusiast, he loves to write articles about different operating systems such as Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS.