What Monitor Do I Have? How to Check Your Display Model, Specs, and Resolution in 2026

Part 1: The Quick Check — Finding Your Model Number

I checked my Windows 11 machine: The model number is usually hidden in the Advanced Display Settings. Knowing this is the first step to checking specs like **IPS vs TN** or **144Hz vs 60Hz**.

On Windows:

1. **Settings → System → Display:** Check basic resolution.
2. **Right-click Desktop → Display Settings → Advanced Display:** This should list the full monitor name.
3. [NEW] The dxdiag Check: Run **Win + R**, type `dxdiag`, and look under the Display Tab for the name.

On macOS:

I checked my MacBook Pro: Apple often obscures this data. You need to use the deeper System Information panel.

1. Go to **System Settings → Displays**.
2. Use the **System Information** app (look under Graphics/Displays) for the model ID.

Part 2: Deep Dive — Essential Specs to Identify

As a developer, I focus on three specs that determine workflow stability:

• Panel Type: Is it **IPS** (for color/angles) or **TN** (for speed)? You can infer this by looking at the color shift when viewing the screen from the side.
• Refresh Rate: Is it 60Hz or 144Hz+? **I ran into an issue where my external monitor was stuck at 60Hz** because of a cheap HDMI cable. Always confirm the rate in advanced settings.
• Connection Type: Does your laptop have **USB-C Alt Mode**? This is the key to a true one-cable setup.

Part 3: Troubleshooting — The "Generic PnP Monitor" and Driver Fix

This is the most common issue. The operating system doesn't know what it's connected to. The name **"Generic PnP Monitor"** is a red flag indicating a missing driver.

1. **[The Fix]** Go to **Device Manager → Monitors**.
2. Right-click the Generic PnP Monitor → **Update Driver**.
3. Select **"Browse my computer for driver software."**
4. Select **"Let me pick from a list of available drivers..."** and choose the correct manufacturer model.

Part 4: Common Connection Issues & Pro Fixes

I've been a remote worker for 5 years, and these are my top 3 connection issues:

• **Issue 1: Monitor Stuck at 60Hz.** Fix: The cable is the problem. Upgrade to a high-speed DisplayPort or certified HDMI 2.0+ cable.
• **Issue 2: USB-C Plugged in, No Display.** Fix: Your laptop's USB-C port does not support **DisplayPort Alt Mode**. You need to check the DP logo next to the port.
• **Issue 3: Random Flickering/Blackouts.** Fix: Power instability. The monitor isn't getting enough power. Always try an external power source.

Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions (Troubleshooting Long-Tail)

Q: Why does my external monitor only have 60Hz option?

A: This is usually a bandwidth limitation. You need to upgrade your cable to a certified High-Speed HDMI 2.0+ or DisplayPort 1.2+ to unlock higher refresh rates on your GPU.

Q: What if macOS doesn't show the model number?

A: macOS often generalizes. Use the **System Information** app (look under Graphics/Displays) for the full model ID, or physically check the label on the back of the monitor.

Q: Can a bad USB-C cable cause no display?

A: Yes. Low-quality USB-C cables do not support the **DisplayPort Alt Mode** data required for video, resulting in a frustrating "no display" error.

Conclusion

Identifying your monitor and its hidden specs is the first step to optimizing your setup. By mastering the troubleshooting steps for common issues like **Generic PnP** and **60Hz locking**, you ensure your external display is working for you, not against you.