How to Find the Generation of Your Laptop: A Complete Guide
Laptops have evolved significantly over the years, with each new generation of processors offering better performance, energy efficiency, and new features. If you’re wondering how to find out the generation of your laptop, this guide will help you check your processor details, understand Intel and AMD processor generations, and determine your laptop's age and capabilities.
Why Does Laptop Generation Matter?
The generation of your laptop’s processor plays a crucial role in its performance and efficiency. Knowing your laptop’s generation can help you:
✔️ Determine if your laptop supports the latest software and updates
✔️ Compare performance with newer models before upgrading
✔️ Check compatibility for gaming, video editing, and multitasking
✔️ Identify power efficiency and battery life improvements
Methods to Find Your Laptop’s Generation
There are multiple ways to check the generation of your laptop, whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux. Below are the easiest methods to determine your laptop's processor generation.
1. Check Using System Information (Windows)
One of the quickest ways to find your laptop's generation is through Windows system settings.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R and type msinfo32, then press Enter.
- In the System Information window, look for Processor.
- The processor name will include details like Intel Core i5-1135G7 or AMD Ryzen 7 5800H.
- The first two digits in an Intel processor (e.g., i5-1135G7) indicate the 11th generation.
- In AMD processors, the first digit of a four-digit model number (e.g., Ryzen 7 5800H) indicates the 5th generation.
2. Find the Generation in Task Manager (Windows)
If you’re on Windows, you can check the processor generation through the Task Manager.
Steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on the Performance tab.
- Select CPU on the left side.
- Your processor name and generation will be displayed at the top.
3. Check Processor Generation via Command Prompt (Windows)
For a quick command-line method:
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Type the command:
wmic cpu get name
- Press Enter, and it will display your CPU model and generation.
4. Check on macOS (MacBook Users)
For Mac users, the processor information is found in the About This Mac section.
Steps:
- Click on the Apple Menu in the top-left corner.
- Select About This Mac.
- The processor name and specifications will be displayed.
- Use Apple’s official website to check details about your Mac's processor and generation.
5. Using BIOS/UEFI
If you can’t access Windows or macOS, you can check the processor details in the BIOS/UEFI.