You’ve probably heard of the Windows System Information tool before. It’s an incredible app that provides detailed information about your PC. But how do you access this app in the first place?

To answer that, we’ll cover all the ways ways to access the System Information app on Windows.

The Start menu search bar makes it easy for you to open almost any app on your device. You can use this tool to access the system settings, built-in apps, and all your third-party apps.

Let’s explore how you can use the Start menu search bar to open the System Information app:

  1. Press Win + S or click the Start menu search bar icon on the taskbar.
  2. Type System Information and then select the Best match result.
Opening the System Information tool using the Start menu search bar

2. Use File Explorer's Address Bar

You can also use File Explorer's address bar to open various apps. In most cases, this tool comes in handy if the Start menu search bar isn't working.

Now, here’s how to open the System Information tool using File Explorer’s address bar:

  1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Type msinfo32 in File Explorer’s address bar and press Enter to open the System Information app.
Typing msinfo32 in the File Explorer address bar

3. Use the Run Command Dialog Box

Alternatively, you can access the System Information tool using the Run command dialog box.

Interestingly, the Run command dialog box can help you access almost any program on Windows. If you want to run third-party programs with the Run command dialog box, then you’d have to tweak some Registry settings first.

Now, here’s how to open the System Information tool using the Run command dialog box:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter to open the System Information tool.
Opening the System Information tool using the Run command dialog box

4. Use the Start Menu

The Start Menu is a great place to access most of the apps on your device.

Let’s check out how to access the System Information tool via the Start menu:

  1. Press the Win key or click the Start Menu icon on the taskbar.
  2. Scroll down on the Start menu items on the left.
  3. Expand the Windows Administrative Tools option.
  4. Locate and click on the System Information tool.
Selecting the System Information tool on the Start menu items

5. Use the System Settings

You can always use the system settings to customize or repair the apps on your PC (see how to repair apps on Windows). But did you know that you can open various tools and apps with the system settings?

Here are the steps for opening the System Information app using the system settings:

  1. Press Win + I to open the system settings.
  2. Type System Information in the search box and select the relevant option.
Opening the System Information tool using the system settings

6. Use the Control Panel

The Control Panel is a reliable tool that can help you troubleshoot most PC issues. Now, the best part about it is that it also allows you to open various apps.

Here’s how you can use the Control Panel to open the System Information app:

  1. Type Control Panel in the Start menu search bar and select the Best match.
  2. Click the View by drop-down menu and select Small icons.
  3. Select System from the list.
Selecting System from the Control Panel menu items

7. Use the Task Manager

You’ve likely used Task Manager before to close PC programs or analyze system performance. But did you know that this tool makes it easy for you to access various apps?

Let’s check out how you can open the System Information tool using the Task Manager:

  1. Press Win + X to open the Quick Access menu.
  2. Select Task Manager from the options.
  3. Click the File tab in the top-right corner and select Run new task.
  4. Type msinfo32 in the search box and press OK to open the System Information tool.
Opening the System Information tool using the Task Manager

8. Search for the System Information Tool in the System32 Folder

You can easily open various apps by using the executable (.exe) files contained in the System32 folder.

Here are the steps for opening the System Information tool from the System32 directory:

  1. Type File Explorer in the Start menu search bar and select the Best match.
  2. Click This PC on the left-hand side and then double-click the Local Disk (C:) option on the right.
  3. Double-click on the Windows folder.
  4. Scroll down in the Windows folder and double-click on the System32 folder.
  5. Locate and double-click on the msinfo32 option to open the System information tool.
Clicking the msinfo32 option in the System32 folder

Want to make the System Information tool easily accessible?

If so, then pin the msinfo32 EXE file to your taskbar. To do that, right-click on the msinfo32 option in the System32 folder and then select Pin to taskbar.

9. Use the Command Prompt or PowerShell

A person using a Windows device on a desk

The Command Prompt and PowerShell can help you configure various settings or troubleshoot system issues. Now, you’d be glad to know that these tools can help you access the apps on your Windows device.

Here’s how you can open the System Information app using the Command Prompt:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type CMD in the search box for the Command Prompt, or PowerShell for Powershell.
  3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt/PowerShell windows.
  4. Type the following command and press Enter to open the System Information app:
            msinfo32
        

10. Use a System Information Desktop Shortcut

Using a Windows laptop on a brown desk

You can also open the System Information app by using its desktop shortcut. If you don’t have a desktop shortcut for this app, here’s how you can create it:

  1. Press Win + D to access the desktop.
  2. Right-click on a blank space on the desktop and then select New > Shortcut.
  3. Type %windir%\system32\msinfo32 in the location box.
  4. Press the Next button to continue.
Creating the msinfo32 desktop shortcut

Type System Information App in the Name box. From there, press the Finish button.

From now on, you can easily access the System Information app by clicking your desktop shortcut. And if you want to make things easier, you can pin your desktop shortcut to the taskbar.

Access the Windows System Information Tool Using Your Favorite Method

If you want to quickly find some information about your PC, then you should check out the System Information tool. And if this app gives you issues, you can check your Windows PC specs using other tools instead.