The fastest way to identify your monitor

Look at the back or underside of your monitor for a label with the brand name and model number. Most manufacturers print this information on a sticker or engraved plate. Write down the brand (Dell, LG, HP, ASUS, Samsung, etc.) and the model number — it usually looks like a short code with letters and numbers, such as "U2720Q" or "27GP850".

If you cannot find a physical label, check your computer's display settings instead. Your operating system keeps a record of what monitor is connected, though the detail level varies between Windows and Mac.

Key Takeaways

  • The manufacturer label on the back of your monitor shows the brand and model number, which is the most reliable way to identify it.
  • Windows displays basic monitor information in Settings > System > Display, though it may only show the generic name rather than the exact model.
  • Mac users can find monitor details in System Settings > Displays, which shows resolution and refresh rate but often not the model number.
  • If you need the full specifications, search the model number online or visit the manufacturer's website to find the original product page.

Finding your monitor information on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select the Settings app. Go to System in the left sidebar, then click Display. Scroll down and look for a section called "Advanced display" or "Multiple displays". Click on it.

You will see information like resolution (1920 × 1080, for example) and refresh rate (60 Hz, 144 Hz). However, Windows often shows only a generic name like "Generic PnP Monitor" rather than the actual brand and model. If that happens, the physical label on your monitor is your best source.

For more detailed information, you can also right-click on your desktop, select Display settings, and look for a link that says Advanced display settings or Properties. Some versions of Windows will show the monitor name here, but again, it may be generic.

Finding your monitor information on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Click Displays in the sidebar. You will see the resolution, refresh rate, and sometimes the display name.

Mac typically shows less detail than Windows — you may see only "LG Display" or "Built-in Display" rather than a specific model number. If you need the exact model, check the physical label on the back of your monitor or the original box it came in.

What to do if you cannot find a label

If the label has worn away or you bought the monitor used, try searching for the monitor online using any visible branding. Take a photo of the front and back of your monitor and do a reverse image search on Google Images — this sometimes identifies the model.

You can also check your computer's purchase history or receipts if you bought the monitor yourself. Your email account may have an order confirmation with the model number. If you bought it from a retailer like Best Buy or Amazon, log into your account and look at your order history.

Using the model number to find full specifications

Once you have the model number, visit the manufacturer's website directly. Go to their support or products page and search for your model. You will find the full specifications: screen size, resolution, refresh rate, ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C), brightness, color accuracy, and any special features.

You can also search the model number on Google to find the product page, user manual, or spec sheet. This is useful if you need to know whether your monitor supports a particular connection type or if you are troubleshooting a problem.

Why you might need to know your monitor model

Knowing your exact monitor helps when you are buying cables, troubleshooting display problems, or checking whether it supports a new connection standard. If your monitor is not displaying correctly, the manufacturer's support page often has driver updates or known issues listed by model number.

You also need the model number if you are selling the monitor or looking up its original price and features. Some monitors have specific quirks or settings that only show up in the manual for that exact model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if Windows just says "Generic PnP Monitor"?

That is normal — Windows uses a generic name when it does not have a specific driver installed. Check the physical label on your monitor instead. If you want Windows to show the real name, you can install the monitor's driver from the manufacturer's website, though this is rarely necessary for basic use.

Can I find my monitor model from the cables connected to it?

The cables themselves do not identify the monitor — they just carry the signal. However, if you still have the original box or documentation, those will have the model number printed on them. Check any paperwork that came with your monitor.

Does my monitor have a model number if it came built into my laptop?

Built-in laptop displays do have model numbers, but they are rarely printed on the screen itself. Check your laptop's manual or search your laptop model number plus "display specifications" online. You can also find this in your laptop manufacturer's support page under your specific model.

What if I see multiple displays listed in my settings?

If you have more than one monitor connected, Windows and Mac will list each one separately. Look at the physical labels on each monitor to match them to the names in your settings, or disconnect all but one to see which is which.