PC gaming and console gaming differ in that console games are guaranteed to run smoothly on their respective consoles, while there is no such guarantee for PC games. If a PC doesn’t meet the minimum specifications required to run a game, it may not function properly or may have poor performance.
This issue can be particularly problematic for computers with low-end hardware or integrated graphics.
The Basics: Check Your Computer’s Specifications
To determine if your computer or laptop can run games such as League of Legends or GTA V, you need to know the specifications of your system, specifically your processor, GPU, amount of RAM, and available storage space. These components determine a computer’s ability to run games.
We have a detailed guide on how to find your PC’s specs that will help you figure out the components inside of your system, but here’s a quick rundown of how to find those four components quickly.
4 Vital Components to Check in Your PC
Your Processor & Memory
- Right-click on the Windows start menu icon
- Click on ‘System’
- Under ‘Device specifications’ you’ll see your processor and how much RAM your computer has
Your GPU
- Right-click on the Windows start menu icon
- Click on ‘Device Manager’
- Click on the arrow next to ‘Display Adapters’
- Your GPU will be listed there
Your Storage Space Available
- Type ‘File Explorer’ into the Windows search box and hit enter
- Click on ‘This PC’ on the left sidebar of the File Explorer
- Under ‘Devices and drives, you’ll see a list of storage devices you have as well as how much space they have available
Now that you know what kind of hardware is inside your system, you’ll be able to use the methods below to tell what games your computer can run.
Method 1: The System Requirements
Most PC games list a set of hardware requirements that must be met in order to run the game properly. So, if you have a specific game in question, you can simply search for:
“[game you want to play] system requirements”
The game’s official website or its Steam page will list both minimum and recommended requirements. Compare your hardware to these specifications:
- If your hardware meets or exceeds the minimum, you can probably play on low settings.
- If your hardware meets or exceeds the recommended, you can probably play on medium to high settings.
Checking CPU & GPU Performance Against Requirements
- CPU: Use UserBenchmark’s CPU compare tool to check how your processor stacks up.
- GPU: Use UserBenchmark’s GPU compare tool to see if your graphics card meets or exceeds the listed requirements.
While this method won’t give you a perfect idea of how your system will perform running a specific game, it will at least help you quickly check and see whether or not your computer will come close to meeting the minimum/recommended system requirements.
Method 2: Use A ‘Can You Run It’ (CYRI) Tool
If you’re willing to download a tool to check and see if your computer can run a specific game. Here are the Top 2 CYRI website tools out there that you can use:
- System Requirements Lab
- PC Games Bench Mark
How CYRI Tool Works?
System Requirements Lab’s ‘Can You Run It Tool’ can help you quickly check and see if your system can run that game.
- Go to the Can You Run it Tool
- Enter the game you want to check
- Hit ‘Can You Run It’
- On the next page, hit ‘Can You Run It’ again
- Install the Detection app so that the tool can check your hardware
- Once installed, the tool will update and tell you whether or not you can run the game
Once you have the Detection app installed, you’ll also be able to check and see if your system can run other games and you won’t have to redownload the tool every time.
Top 5 Most Popular PC Games of 2026 – Can You Run It?
1st – Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V, commonly known as GTA V, is an action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was released in 2013 for various gaming platforms and quickly became one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed games of all time. Set in the fictional state of San Andreas, the game features an open-world environment that allows players to explore the sprawling city of Los Santos and the surrounding countryside. Players take on the roles of three main characters, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, each with their own unique personalities and abilities, as they embark on a series of heists and criminal activities.
The game is renowned for its detailed and immersive world, rich storytelling, and a vast range of activities and side missions. Whether engaging in intense gunfights, participating in street races, or simply enjoying the various leisure activities in the game, GTA V offers a dynamic and engaging experience for players. Its online multiplayer mode, Grand Theft Auto Online, also provides a robust and ever-expanding platform for players to connect, compete, and collaborate in a shared open-world environment. With its compelling narrative, impressive graphics, and a plethora of gameplay options, Grand Theft Auto V remains a staple in the world of gaming, continually attracting new players and maintaining a dedicated fanbase.
| Developer | Rockstar North |
| Publisher | Rockstar Games |
| Platform | PlayStation (3,4,5), Xbox (360,One, X/S) Windows |
| Release | 17 September 2013 |
| Genre | Sandbox, survival |
| Mode | Action-adventure |
| Review |
Recommendation: How my PC run GTA V?
- Minimum CPU: Intel Core i5 3470 / AMD X8 FX-8350
- Minimum GPU: NVIDIA GTX 660 2GB / AMD HD 7870 2GB
- Minimum RAM: 8GB
GTA V remains a fan-favorite in 2026, with its online multiplayer mode constantly updated. A strong GPU and CPU are recommended for maximum visuals and smooth performance.
2nd – Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077, the most hyped game of 2020, is set in a futuristic open-world city. CD Projekt Red delayed the launch multiple times, but it has now stabilized with numerous updates and next-gen optimizations. The system requirements for Cyberpunk 2077 remain demanding for players who want to maximize graphics settings, requiring a modern GPU and CPU to run smoothly.
| Developer | CD Projekt Red |
| Publisher | CD Projekt |
| Platform | PlayStation (4,5), Xbox (One, X/S) Windows, Stadia |
| Release | PS5/Xbox Series X/S – 15 February 2022 |
| Genre | Action role-playing |
| Mode | Single-player |
| Review |
Recommendation: How my PC run Cyberpunk 2077?
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti or higher for max settings
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 / Intel i7-9700K
Cyberpunk 2077 continues to be relevant in 2026 with ongoing updates and optimizations, especially for next-gen PCs.
3rd – VALORANT
Experience tactical combat at its finest in the pseudo-magical FPS Valorant. Roleplay as one of 9 unique technical distinct characters with crucial abilities that can turn the tide in intense 5v5 battles. Despite being touted as a CS-GO clone/Overwatch ripoff, Valorant differentiates itself with intelligent combat that relies on player wit and critical thought rather than point-and-click reflexes. Valorant’s free-to-play Beta has grown into a full competitive e-sports phenomenon, keeping it highly relevant for 2026 PC players.
| Developer | Riot Games |
| Publisher | Riot Games |
| Platform | Windows |
| Release | June 2, 2020 |
| Genre | Hero shooter, Tactical shooter |
| Mode | Multiplayer |
| Review |
Recommendation: How my PC run VALORANT?
- Minimum GPU: Intel HD Graphics 3000
- Recommended GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti
- Minimum CPU: Intel i3-370M
- Recommended CPU: Intel i5-4460
VALORANT remains popular for competitive FPS gameplay. Even low-end PCs can play, but a mid-range GPU is recommended for competitive performance.
4th – Minecraft
Minecraft is over a decade old but remains one of the most played PC games and is consistently tested on CanYouRUNIt.com. It was the first of its kind and inspired countless copycats with its simple yet addicting gameplay loop. Some argue the Hunger Games mod for Minecraft was the original Battle Royale that influenced Fortnite and PUBG.
The nostalgia pull of Minecraft has peaked as players return with new updates, quests, biomes, mobs, and cross-platform play in 2026.
| Developer | Mojang Studios |
| Publisher | Mojang Studios, Xbox Game Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Release | 18 November 2011 |
| Genre | Sandbox, survival |
| Mode | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Review |
Recommendation: How my PC run Minecraft?
- Minimum GPU: Intel HD 4000 / GeForce 400 series / Radeon HD 7000
- Recommended GPU: GeForce 700 series / AMD RX 200
- RAM: 2–16GB
Minecraft continues to dominate PC gaming in 2026, with new updates, mods, and servers keeping the gameplay fresh.
5th – Elden Ring
Enter Elden Ring and explore a devastated world wracked by foul denizens, insurmountable foes, and malevolent forces bent on your destruction. Wield a vast arsenal of swords, spells, and giant rocks as you conquer everything FromSoftware has set against you. Even if you are a seasoned veteran of FromSoftware’s Dark Souls and Bloodborne, don’t expect Elden Ring to go easy on you if you don’t meet the graphical requirements of a modern GPU.
| Developer | FromSoftware |
| Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Platform | PlayStation (4,5), Xbox (One, X/S) Windows |
| Release | February 25, 2022 |
| Genre | Action role-playing |
| Mode | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Review |
Recommendation: How my PC run Elden Ring?
- Minimum GPU: NVIDIA GTX 660 / AMD Radeon HD 7850
- Recommended GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / AMD RX Vega 56
- RAM: 8–16GB
Elden Ring remains one of the most challenging and graphically intensive games in 2026. Meeting recommended specs ensures smooth gameplay and full visual fidelity.
Bonus – Starfield
Starfield is a newly launched action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It was first announced during Bethesda’s E3 presentation in 2018. The game takes place in a space-themed setting and is the first new intellectual property developed by Bethesda in 25 years. Players can explore a vast open world with planets, moons, and asteroids, and engage with a deep RPG system including customization, dialogue, and meaningful choices.
| Developer | Bethesda Game Studios |
| Publisher | Bethesda Softworks |
| Platform | Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S |
| Release | 06 September 2023 |
| Genre | Action role-playing |
| Mode | Single-player |
| Review |
Recommendation: How my PC run Starfield?
- Minimum: Windows 10 v21H1, AMD Ryzen 5 2600X / Intel Core i7-6800K, 16GB RAM, AMD RX 5700 / NVIDIA GTX 1070 Ti, SSD
- Recommended: Windows 10/11, AMD Ryzen 5 3600X / Intel i5-10600K, 16GB RAM, AMD RX 6800 XT / NVIDIA RTX 2080, SSD
Starfield’s system requirements are designed for modern 2026 PCs, especially for high-performance gaming with detailed graphics.
My System Doesn’t Meet the Minimum Requirements? Is All Lost?
If your PC is slightly below requirements, you might still be able to play the game. Check benchmarks from users with similar hardware. Upgrading RAM, GPU, or switching to an SSD can significantly improve performance.
Your Computer Can’t Run the Game, Now What?
If your computer/laptop just can’t run the game you want to play, your only option is to upgrade your system.
You can either upgrade the individual components in your system if you have a desktop, or you can completely replace it with a new system (laptop or desktop) if it’s so old that it wouldn’t be worth upgrading.
If you’re willing to build your own computer, you can save a lot of money and still get a system that can run most games. Check out budget-friendly PC build guides for 2026; systems under $800 can handle most current games at 1080p.
