How to tell whether a game will run on your PC
What to read in a game's system requirements: processor, graphics card, memory and free disk space, and what to do when there is a gap.
Every PC game lists minimum and recommended requirements. Minimum means the game should start and run, usually on low settings. Recommended is what you need for a smooth experience.
Four numbers matter most: processor (CPU), graphics card (GPU), memory (RAM) and free disk space. On home PCs the graphics card is usually the weakest link, followed by memory.
To find out what you have on Windows, open System Information or Task Manager's Performance tab and note the processor name, memory size and graphics card name.
If your PC is above the minimum but below the recommended spec, lower the resolution, shadow quality and textures. If it is below the minimum, read user reviews from people with similar hardware before you buy.
Keep in mind that official requirements are the publisher's estimate, and real performance varies with drivers, cooling and background programs.