Understanding your laptop’s true performance level is extremely important—especially if you are planning to use it for gaming, video editing, software development, 3D rendering, or other hardware-intensive workloads. While many users rely on benchmark apps, very few know that Windows already includes a built-in, professional-grade performance assessment tool called WinSAT, which generates a performance index known as WinSPRLevel.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to check your laptop or PC’s performance rating using PowerShell and WinSPRLevel, interpret the detailed scores (CPU, GPU, RAM, disk), and determine what your machine is actually suitable for.
This tutorial is perfect for Windows 10 & Windows 11 users who want a free, accurate, no-software benchmark.
What Is WinSPRLevel? Understanding Windows Performance Rating
WinSPRLevel is Windows’ internal performance metric derived from the Windows System Assessment Tool (WinSAT). It analyzes the performance of your CPU, RAM, GPU, 3D graphics, and storage drive—then gives your computer an overall score on a scale from 1.0 to 9.9.
Where WinSPRLevel Comes From (WinSAT Engine Explained)
WinSAT runs a detailed diagnostic that evaluates:
- CPU processing power
- RAM bandwidth
- Disk read/write speed
- GPU rendering performance
- Direct3D capabilities
Although Microsoft removed the graphical interface after Windows 8, the engine still works and remains one of the most reliable ways to measure your hardware performance.
What WinSPRLevel Scores Mean (1–9.9 Scale)
Here is the performance rating chart:
| WinSPRLevel | Performance Level | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Low | Browsing, documents, basic tasks |
| 3–5 | Average | Standard office work, HD streaming |
| 5–7 | Good | Gaming, programming, 1080p video editing |
| 7–9.9 | Very High | 4K/8K editing, VFX, 3D rendering, AI workloads |
Why Microsoft Hid WinSAT — But It Still Works
Microsoft removed the visual interface because users confused the score with overall system certification.
However, developers, system engineers, and IT professionals still use WinSAT through PowerShell.
How to Run WinSAT & WinSPRLevel Using PowerShell
Below is the simplest and fastest way to obtain your performance index.
Step 1 – Run PowerShell as Administrator
Search:
Start Menu → PowerShell → Run as Administrator
Step 2 – Run the WinSAT Command
WinSAT runs an assessment test:
winsat formal
This analyzes CPU, disk, memory, and graphics.
(You can skip this if Windows already has a recent assessment.)Step 3 – Fetch Your Performance Score
Now run:
Get-CimInstance win32_winsat
You’ll receive output similar to:| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| CPUScore | 8.9 |
| D3DScore | 9.9 |
| DiskScore | 8.65 |
| GraphicsScore | 8 |
| MemoryScore | 8.9 |
| TimeTaken | MostRecentAssessment |
| WinSATAssessmentState | 1 |
| WinSPRLevel | 8 |
Understanding Your WinSAT Output
This breakdown helps you understand what your hardware is capable of.
CPUScore – Processor Capability
A higher CPUScore (7–9.9) indicates strong multi-core and multi-thread computing power.
Suitable for:
- Programming
- AI model processing
- 4K/8K editing
- Virtualization
GraphicsScore – GPU Rendering Power
GraphicsScore reflects your GPU’s ability to handle Windows Aero graphics and desktop rendering.
Important for:
- Photoshop
- UI/UX design
- Light gaming
D3DScore – Gaming & 3D Performance
This is one of the most important scores for gamers and 3D designers.
Measures:
- DirectX rendering
- Real-time 3D graphics
- Game performance capability
A score of 9 or above indicates a high-end gaming or workstation GPU.
MemoryScore – RAM Speed & Multitasking
Higher MemoryScore indicates:
- Better multitasking
- Higher RAM bandwidth
- Faster application loading
8+ means your system is excellent for heavy multitasking.
DiskScore – SSD/HDD Speed
DiskScore measures:
- Disk read/write speed
- Boot time
- App loading time
SSD drives usually score 7+, while HDDs score much lower.
WinSPRLevel Score Range and What Your Laptop Is Suitable For
Let’s match your score with real-world workload capability:
WinSPRLevel 1–3: Low Performance
Suitable for:
- Browsing
- Emails
- Light MS Office work
Not ideal for gaming, editing, or development.
WinSPRLevel 3–5: Average Performance
Suitable for:
- Everyday office work
- HD streaming
- Basic multitasking
Not recommended for intense workloads.
WinSPRLevel 5–7: Good Performance
Suitable for:
- 1080p video editing
- Gaming
- Programming
- Graphic design
Most modern laptops fall into this range.
WinSPRLevel 7–9.9: Very High / Extreme Performance
Suitable for:
- 4K/8K video editing
- 3D rendering
- Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya
- AI/ML workloads
- Professional VFX
This score range typically comes from high-end gaming laptops or workstation PCs.
How to Improve Your WinSPRLevel Score
If your score is low, here are realistic upgrades:
Upgrade to an SSD (Biggest Impact)
Instant boost to DiskScore → faster boot, apps, overall responsiveness.
Add More RAM
Improves MemoryScore and multitasking.
Update GPU Drivers
Can help D3DScore and GraphicsScore.
Clean Windows
Remove startup programs, malware, heavy background apps.
Enable XMP / Overclocking (Advanced Users)
Boosts RAM & CPU speeds.
FAQs About WinSPRLevel & WinSAT
What is WinSAT?
It’s the Windows System Assessment Tool that calculates hardware performance scores.
Is WinSPRLevel accurate?
Yes. It’s used by IT professionals and engineers because it measures real hardware performance.
Is this safe to run?
Absolutely. WinSAT is a built-in Windows tool.
Why did Microsoft hide it?
The UI was removed, but developers still use the backend engine.
Does WinSPRLevel work in Windows 11?
Yes—PowerShell commands work perfectly.
