How Do I Check My Motherboard Type in Windows?
Your motherboard is the main circuit board inside your computer that connects every important component, including the processor (CPU), RAM, storage drives, graphics card, and power supply. Knowing your motherboard type is useful when you want to upgrade your PC, install additional RAM, replace hardware, update the BIOS, troubleshoot compatibility issues, or download the correct drivers.
Fortunately, Windows provides several simple ways to identify your motherboard without opening your computer case. Whether you are using Windows 11 or Windows 10, you can quickly find your motherboard manufacturer, model number, and other important details using easy tools and commands.
Let’s learn how!
Types of Motherboard
Before checking your motherboard model, it helps to understand the common motherboard types used in desktop computers.
ATX
The ATX motherboard is the standard size for most desktop computers. It offers plenty of expansion slots, multiple RAM slots, and excellent upgrade options. It is commonly used in gaming and professional PCs.
Micro ATX
A Micro ATX motherboard is smaller than a standard ATX board. It usually has fewer expansion slots but still supports most modern hardware. It is a popular choice for budget and compact desktop builds.
Mini ITX
The Mini ITX motherboard is designed for small form factor computers. Although compact, many Mini ITX boards support powerful processors and graphics cards, making them ideal for portable or space-saving PCs.
Extended ATX (E ATX)
An Extended ATX motherboard is larger than the standard ATX size. It provides extra expansion slots, additional memory support, and advanced features for workstations and high-performance gaming systems.
How Do I Check My Motherboard Type in Windows?
Windows includes several easy methods for finding your motherboard information. The best part is that you do not need to install third-party software for most of these methods.
Method 1: Check Your Motherboard Using System Information
The System Information tool is one of the easiest ways to view your computer’s hardware details.
Step 1: Open the Run dialog
Press the Windows + R keys together on your keyboard. A small Run window will appear near the bottom left of your screen. This window allows you to quickly open Windows utilities by typing their names.
Step 2: Launch System Information
Type msinfo32 into the Run box and press Enter. Windows will open the System Information window. It may take a few seconds to gather your computer’s hardware information.
Step 3: Find the motherboard details
Make sure System Summary is selected on the left side of the window. On the right side, look for entries such as BaseBoard Manufacturer, BaseBoard Product, and BaseBoard Version. These fields display the motherboard manufacturer, model number, and hardware version.
Write down this information if you plan to download drivers, update the BIOS, or purchase compatible hardware.
Method 2: Check Your Motherboard Using Command Prompt
The Command Prompt provides a quick way to retrieve motherboard details using a simple command.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Click the Start button and type Command Prompt into the search box. Select Command Prompt from the search results. You do not need administrator permission for this task.
Step 2: Enter the motherboard command
Type the following command exactly as shown and then press Enter.
wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer,version,serialnumber
Windows will immediately display your motherboard manufacturer, model number, version, and serial number.
Step 3: Review the results
Carefully read the information shown in the Command Prompt window. The Manufacturer identifies the company that made your motherboard, while the Product field shows the exact motherboard model.
The serial number can also be useful when contacting technical support or checking warranty information.
Method 3: Check Your Motherboard Using Windows PowerShell
If you prefer using Windows PowerShell, you can retrieve the same information in just a few seconds.
Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell
Right-click the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell or Terminal, depending on your version of Windows.
Step 2: Run the motherboard command
Type the following command and press Enter.
Get-CimInstance Win32_BaseBoard
PowerShell will collect and display detailed motherboard information.
Step 3: Read the motherboard details
Review the output displayed on the screen. You will find information such as the motherboard manufacturer, product name, version number, and serial number.
This method is especially useful for users who prefer modern Windows management tools.
Method 4: Check Your Motherboard Using DirectX Diagnostic Tool
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool mainly provides graphics and system information, but it can also help identify your motherboard manufacturer on many systems.
Step 1: Open the Run window
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
Type dxdiag and press Enter. Wait while Windows checks your hardware.
Step 3: Review system details
Open the System tab if it is not already selected.
Although the motherboard model may not always appear, you can often identify the system manufacturer and compare it with your PC specifications to determine the motherboard used by your computer.
Method 5: Check Your Motherboard by Viewing BIOS Information
If Windows cannot display complete motherboard details, you can check them directly in the BIOS or UEFI firmware.
Step 1: Restart your computer
Save your work and restart your PC normally.
Step 2: Enter the BIOS setup
While your computer starts, repeatedly press the appropriate key. Depending on your computer, this may be Delete, F2, F10, or Esc.
Step 3: Locate the motherboard information
Inside the BIOS or UEFI setup screen, look for the System Information or Main section. Most systems display the motherboard manufacturer, model number, BIOS version, and processor information here.
After noting the information, exit the BIOS without changing any settings unless you intentionally want to modify them.
FAQs
Why do I need to know my motherboard type?
Knowing your motherboard type helps you purchase compatible RAM, processors, storage devices, and expansion cards. It is also necessary when downloading BIOS updates and motherboard drivers.
Can I check my motherboard without opening my computer?
Yes. Windows provides several built-in tools, including System Information, Command Prompt, and PowerShell, that let you identify your motherboard without opening your PC.
Does Windows 11 show motherboard information?
Yes. Windows 11 includes the same hardware tools found in Windows 10, making it easy to view motherboard manufacturer and model details.
What if my motherboard model is not displayed?
Some computer manufacturers limit the information reported to Windows. In that case, checking the BIOS or using your computer manufacturer’s specifications can help identify the exact motherboard.
Is the motherboard serial number important?
Yes. The serial number can be useful for warranty claims, technical support, BIOS updates, and identifying the exact hardware revision.