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Windows 11 does not have one window named Computer Configuration for every task. The right tool depends on what you need to configure: basic device specifications are in Settings > System > About, while detailed hardware and software information is available through msinfo32. Administrative tools such as Computer Management, System Configuration, Registry Editor, and Local Group Policy Editor are also available through Start Search or commands in the Run dialog.
Open the main computer configuration page in Windows 11
For the most common meaning of “computer configuration”—checking the processor, RAM, Windows edition, device name, or system architecture—use the About page.
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Settings.
- Choose System in the left pane.
- Scroll down and select About.
You can open Settings more quickly by pressing Windows key + I. On the About page, the Device specifications section includes the processor, installed RAM, device name, and System type. System type tells you whether the installed Windows version is 64-bit or 32-bit.
Windows 11 is available only as a 64-bit operating system. If you are checking a Windows 11 installation, the System type field should identify a 64-bit operating system. The Windows specifications section shows the installed edition and version.
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Check storage capacity and free space
Storage information is not shown in the same place as the processor and RAM details.
- Open Settings with Windows key + I.
- Go to System > Storage.
- Review the drive capacity, used space, and available free space.
If the PC has more than one drive, open Advanced storage settings, then select Storage used on other drives. This lets you inspect storage on drives that are not shown as the main system drive.
Use System Information for a detailed configuration report
The Settings About page is useful for a quick summary. For a fuller inventory of hardware, drivers, components, and the Windows software environment, open System Information.
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Open System Information from Search
- Open Start.
- Type
msinfo32. - Select System Information from the results.
Open it with Run
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter
msinfo32. - Press Enter.
System Information groups details under areas such as system summary, hardware resources, components, and the software environment. If driver or service information appears incomplete, close the tool, search for msinfo32, right-click System Information, and choose Run as administrator.
System Information can also export its results. Create the destination folder first if it does not already exist, then run one of these commands from Run, Command Prompt, or PowerShell:
| Purpose | Command |
|---|---|
| Save an System Information file | msinfo32 /nfo C:TEMPTEST.NFO |
| Save a text report | msinfo32 /report C:TEMPTEST.TXT |
| View a remote computer | msinfo32 /computer BIGSERVER |
The remote-computer option requires suitable permissions to access Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) on the other computer. In Safe Mode, System Information may open but cannot provide hardware information; its results are limited to system components and the software environment.
Open graphics, sound, and DirectX configuration
Use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool when you need graphics, audio, driver, or DirectX details.
- Open Start Search.
- Type
dxdiag. - Select dxdiag or DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
- If Windows asks whether it should check if drivers are digitally signed, select Yes.
The System tab lists the DirectX version under System Information. Other tabs provide information about display adapters, sound devices, and input devices. Select Save All Information… to export a text report.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 receive the latest DirectX version available for that Windows version through Windows Update. On Windows 11, downloading a separate “latest DirectX” installer is not normally the correct way to update DirectX.
Open Computer Management
Computer Management is a collection of administrative tools rather than a hardware-summary page. It is useful for managing disks, devices, services, shared folders, and local users.
Use any of these methods:
- Search Start for Computer Management and open it.
- Right-click Start and select Computer Management, if the option is present.
- Press Windows key + R, type
compmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
For example, use its Disk Management section to inspect partitions and volumes, Device Manager to examine hardware and drivers, and Services to view installed Windows services. Be careful when changing partitions, disabling services, or removing devices.
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Event Viewer records warnings, errors, and informational events generated by Windows and installed applications.
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- Search Start for Event Viewer and open it.
- Alternatively, press Windows key + R, enter
eventvwr.msc, and press Enter.
Important areas include Windows Logs, Application and Services Logs, and Subscriptions. Event Viewer is particularly useful after a crash, failed service start, driver problem, or unexpected shutdown. An event is evidence to investigate, not automatically proof that the listed process caused the problem.
Open System Configuration with msconfig
System Configuration provides troubleshooting controls for startup and boot behavior.
- Search Start for System Configuration.
- Or press Windows key + R, type
msconfig, and press Enter.
Its tabs include General, Boot, Services, Startup, and Tools. In current Windows versions, the Startup tab redirects startup-app management to Task Manager. To enable or disable startup applications, follow that link to Task Manager rather than relying on old instructions that use msconfig for this job.
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Do not change boot options or disable services without knowing what they do. A poor change can prevent a required service or Windows component from starting.
Open Control Panel
Control Panel remains available in Windows 11, although Microsoft is moving many settings to the newer Settings app.
- Search Start for Control Panel.
- Press Windows key + R, type
control, and press Enter.
Control Panel is still useful for settings and management pages that have not moved to Settings. The exact pages visible can vary by Windows edition, installed hardware, and installed software.
Open advanced configuration tools
| Tool | How to open it | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Registry Editor | Run regedit |
Inspect or edit low-level Windows and application settings |
| Local Group Policy Editor | Run gpedit.msc |
Configure local policy settings on supported editions |
| Advanced System Settings | Run SystemPropertiesAdvanced |
Environment variables, performance settings, and user profiles |
To open the Registry Editor, search for Registry Editor or run regedit. Registry changes can cause application errors, system instability, or prevent Windows from starting. Back up the relevant key and understand the intended change before editing it.
Local Group Policy Editor can be opened by searching for Local Group Policy Editor or running gpedit.msc. It is not available in Windows Home edition. If the command is not found on Home, that is an edition limitation rather than a damaged installation.
For environment variables, visual performance options, user profiles, and related settings, search for Advanced System Settings or run SystemPropertiesAdvanced.
Which Windows 11 configuration tool should you use?
| What you need | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| Processor, RAM, device name, Windows version | Settings > System > About |
| Drive capacity and free space | Settings > System > Storage |
| Complete hardware and software inventory | msinfo32 |
| Graphics, sound, and DirectX details | dxdiag |
| Disks, devices, services, and users | compmgmt.msc |
| Crash and application records | eventvwr.msc |
| Boot and troubleshooting startup options | msconfig |
| Low-level policy or registry changes | gpedit.msc or regedit |
These tools complement one another. Start with Settings for routine information, use System Information or DxDiag for a report, and open the administrative consoles only when the task requires them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support note
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. That date means Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 under normal support. It does not mean that Windows 11 support has ended.
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Where is Computer Configuration in Windows 11?
For basic PC details, open Settings with Windows key + I and go to System > About. For administrative configuration, use tools such as Computer Management, System Configuration, Registry Editor, or Local Group Policy Editor.
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How do I see my full computer specifications in Windows 11?
Open Start Search, type msinfo32, and select System Information. For a quick summary, use Settings > System > About.
How do I open Computer Management in Windows 11?
Search Start for Computer Management, right-click Start and select it if available, or press Windows key + R, type compmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
Why does gpedit.msc not open on my PC?
Local Group Policy Editor is not available in Windows Home edition. It is included only with supported Windows editions such as Pro and higher editions.
How do I check DirectX and graphics information?
Run dxdiag from Start Search or the Run dialog. Review the System, Display, and Sound tabs, then select Save All Information… if you need a report.
The Bottom Line
For ordinary Windows 11 configuration details, open Settings > System > About. Use Settings > System > Storage for disk space, msinfo32 for a detailed system inventory, and dxdiag for graphics and DirectX information. Administrative tools such as compmgmt.msc, eventvwr.msc, and msconfig handle deeper troubleshooting and management; treat Registry Editor and boot settings as advanced tools and change them cautiously.
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