How to Check CPU Information on Windows

Everything on this page applies to Microsoft Windows PCs and uses free CPUID software: CPU-Z for CPU information and HWMonitor for hardware monitoring.

CPU information tells you exactly which processor is inside your Windows PC and how it is running right now. The fastest way to read it is CPU-Z, the free CPUID CPU-Z software for Windows.

Read your CPU information step by step

1. Download CPU-Z from the CPU-Z page and install it, or run the ZIP build without installing.
2. Open CPU-Z. The CPU tab opens first.
3. Read the processor name and number, codename, package, technology node and TDP.
4. Check Cores and Threads at the bottom of the tab.
5. Watch Core Speed, Multiplier and Bus Speed update in real time.
6. Read the L1, L2 and L3 Cache values.

What each value means

• Name and code name – the exact processor model, useful when comparing specifications.
• Cores and threads – how many parallel tasks the CPU can handle.
• Core speed – the live clock speed, which moves with power management.
• Cache – fast memory built into the processor.

CPU-Z reports the same information for Intel and AMD processors, so the steps above also answer "how do I check my AMD CPU on Windows".

Related guides

• Processor information and identification
• How to check CPU specifications
• How to check CPU temperature