How to Check Which Version of Windows You Have

There are many different versions of Windows. Each new release comes with new features, interface changes, and performance improvements (at least, supposedly). This guide will show you how to check which version of Windows you have installed on your computer. This includes which major release you have (e.g., Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11) and the specific build you’re currently running.

Why know which version of Windows you have?

Knowing which version of Windows you have is important. First, it can help you troubleshoot problems with your operating system. Not all versions of Windows are compatible with specific software and hardware, so you can determine if a particular application can work. Finally, some Windows features are only available in specific versions, so you can decide if you want to upgrade (or downgrade) accordingly.

Check Windows version using the “winver” command

This method will work in every version of Windows. The only difference is the way you execute the search.

1. Open the Search menu.

   

2. In the search box, type “winver” and select the first option, or click Enter.

   

3. A window displaying the version of Windows you are running (including the build) will open.

   

Check Windows version using “This PC”

“This PC” is another simple and easy way to check your Windows version.

1. Right-click the This PC icon on your Windows desktop (or File Explorer) and select Properties.

   

2. The System > About window will open. Then, under the Windows specifications section, you will see the Windows version installed on your computer.

   

Check Windows version using Settings

The Settings app is the central location of managing your computer’s settings. Here you can find information about your system, devices, network, etc. You can easily find your Windows version in Settings

1. Click (Windows key + I) to open the Settings window. Alternatively, you can launch it by searching for “Settings” using Window’s search feature.
2. Under System, scroll down and select About.

   

3. The About window will open. Then, under the Windows specifications section, you will see the Windows version installed on your computer.

   

Check Windows version using Control Panel

Control Panel contains all the options to configure and control your computer, from adding new users to changing your desktop appearance. You can use Control Panel to find the operating system and build you’re running quickly.

1. Open the search box and type “control panel,” then click Enter.

   

2. In the Control Panel window, click System and Security.

   

3. Under the System and Security section, select System.

   

4. The System window will open. Under the Windows specifications section, you will see the Windows version installed on your computer.

   

Check Windows version using System Information

The System Information window contains detailed information about your system, including the type of processor, amount of RAM, and Windows version.

1. Open search in the start menu and search for “system information.”

   

2. Click on the System Information application.

   

3. The System Information window will open. On the right-hand side, you can find the Windows edition and version.

   

Check Windows version using Command Prompt

You can use Command Prompt with any version of Windows, including Windows 10, 8, and 7. So, regardless of your operating system, this method should work.

1. Click (Windows key + R) to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

   

3. In the Command Prompt windows, type the following command and press Enter. The ver command will display your current Windows version and build.

   ver