How to Check Which Generation Your Intel Processor Belongs To on Windows

Not sure which generation your Intel processor belongs to? Whether you’re planning a system upgrade, troubleshooting performance issues, or buying software that requires a specific CPU generation, this is essential information. Luckily, Windows makes it easy to find out, and with some basic knowledge, you can identify your Intel CPU generation quickly and accurately. In this guide, we’ll show you several reliable methods to check the generation of your Intel processor on a Windows system.

Why Knowing Your Intel Processor Generation Matters

The generation of your Intel processor can directly impact system performance, compatibility with software, and feature support. For example:

• Hardware Compatibility: Newer generations often support faster memory, better graphics, and more efficient power usage.
• Software Requirements: Some applications and games require a minimum processor generation to run smoothly.
• Security Features: More recent CPUs often include enhanced hardware-based security features.

Each new generation typically brings improvements over the last, so it’s helpful to know where your CPU stands among Intel’s evolving lineup.

Understanding Intel CPU Naming Conventions

Intel uses a naming convention that makes it relatively easy to identify the processor generation. For example:

• Intel Core i5-8250U – This is an 8th generation processor.
• Intel Core i7-1265U – This belongs to the 12th generation.

The first digit (or the first two digits in later generations) of the numeric part after the hyphen typically indicates the generation. Knowing how to read this helps in recognizing the generation at a glance without needing additional tools.

Method 1: Check Through System Properties

This is the quickest and simplest method. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click on This PC or My Computer on your desktop or in File Explorer.
2. Select Properties.
3. Under the System section, look for Processor. You’ll see an entry like: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9750H CPU @ 2.60GHz.

In this example, the “9750H” segment tells us that this is a 9th generation processor – the leading “9” reveals the generation.

Method 2: Use Task Manager

Task Manager not only gives you performance stats but also lists detailed processor information:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and click Task Manager, or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Click on the Performance tab.
3. Choose CPU from the left sidebar.
4. Look for the full processor name in the top-right section.

You should see something like “Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1145G7”. In this case, the number “11” indicates it’s an 11th generation processor.

Method 3: System Information Tool

Windows has an internal tool called System Information that provides highly detailed specs.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
3. In the System Summary section, find the entry labeled Processor.

The processor name will again reveal its generation using the same numeric segment.

Method 4: Use Command Prompt (CMD)

For users comfortable with the command line, CMD offers another accurate method:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:

wmic cpu get name

You’ll get output like:

Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1035G1 CPU @ 1.00GHz

Here, “1035G1” tells us it’s a 10th generation processor.

Interpreting Intel Processor Numbers

Intel’s processor numbering can vary slightly between desktop and mobile processors. Still, here’s a general guide:

• 2nd – 9th Gen: The generation is the first digit (e.g., i7-7700 is 7th Gen)
• 10th Gen and newer: Two digits at the beginning show the generation (e.g., i5-10400 is 10th Gen; i7-1255U is 12th Gen)

Note that Xeon and other processor lines may have different naming schemes, but most consumer CPUs follow this format.

Bonus: Use Intel’s Official Processor Identification Utility

If you want a bulletproof method provided by Intel themselves, you can download the Intel Processor Identification Utility. Here’s how:

1. Go to Intel’s official website.
2. Search for Intel Processor Identification Utility.
3. Download and install the tool.
4. Run the application to see detailed specs, including the generation.

It’s especially useful when working with non-core processors or when the model name is ambiguous.

Trouble Identifying the Generation?

If the number is confusing or doesn’t follow typical naming formats, you can always search the processor name on Intel’s ARK database:

• Visit: https://ark.intel.com
• Type in the full processor name, such as “Intel Core i7-7600U”.
• The product page will clearly state the generation and release date.

This is the most reliable source for detailed processor specifications and is maintained directly by Intel.

Tips for Future Reference

Here are a few tips to remember when checking Intel processor generations:

• Always look for the number right after the dash in the processor name.
• Keep in mind that mobile and desktop models may share similar numbers but differ in performance tiers.
• Use the official ARK Intel website for the most accurate information if in doubt.

Conclusion

Knowing your Intel processor’s generation is a small detail that can make a big difference. Whether you’re upgrading components, optimizing performance, or simply verifying compatibility, identifying the generation helps you make informed decisions. Windows provides several easy methods for checking this information, from basic system menus to built-in tools like Task Manager and Command Prompt.

With the rise of hybrid architecture in newer Intel generations (like performance and efficiency cores in 12th Gen and above), being aware of your CPU’s generation also helps you better understand the capabilities of your system.

Familiarizing yourself with Intel’s naming conventions and using these techniques ensures you’re never in the dark about your processor again.