Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

Find operating system info in Windows 10

To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK.

Here’s how to learn more:

Select the Start button > Settings > System > About .

Under Device specifications > System type, see if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

Under Windows specifications, check which edition and version of Windows your device is running.

Related links

If you’re having a problem with activation, see Activate in Windows 10.

If you forgot the password you use to sign in to Windows devices or email, see How to reset your Microsoft password.

For info about updating Windows, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Find operating system info in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1

To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK.

If your device is running Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, here’s how to learn more:

If you’re using a touch device, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings. Continue to step 3.

If you’re using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.

Select PC and devices > PC info.

Under Windows you’ll see which edition and version of Windows your device is running.

Under PC > System type you’ll see if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

Related links

If you’re having a problem with activation, see Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1

If you forgot the password you use to sign in to Windows devices or email, see How to reset your Microsoft password.

For info about updating Windows, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Find operating system info in Windows 7

Select the Start button, type Computer in the search box, right-click on Computer, and then select Properties.

Under Windows edition, you’ll see the version and edition of Windows that your device is running.

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 10 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

Related links

If you’re having a problem with activation, see Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

If you forgot the password you use to sign in to Windows devices or email, see How to reset your Microsoft password.

For info about updating Windows, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Computer Basics —

Understanding Operating Systems

Computer Basics: Understanding Operating Systems

Lesson 8: Understanding Operating Systems

What is an operating system?

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer’s memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer’s language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

Watch the video below to learn more about operating systems.

Looking for the old version of this video? You can still view it here.

The operating system’s job

Your computer’s operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer’s central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs.

Types of operating systems

Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it’s possible to upgrade or even change operating systems. The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text.

Each operating system’s GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic principles are the same.

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There have been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 10 (released in 2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

Check out our tutorials on Windows Basics and specific Windows versions for more information.

macOS

macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some of the specific versions include Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra (2017), and Sierra (2016).

According to StatCounter Global Stats, macOS users account for less than 10% of global operating systems—much lower than the percentage of Windows users (more than 80%). One reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. However, many people do prefer the look and feel of macOS over Windows.

Check out our macOS Basics tutorial for more information.

Linux

Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many different distributions—or versions—you can choose from.

According to StatCounter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of global operating systems. However, most servers run Linux because it’s relatively easy to customize.

To learn more about different distributions of Linux, visit the Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora websites, or refer to our Linux Resources. For a more comprehensive list, you can visit MakeUseOf’s list of The Best Linux Distributions.

Operating systems for mobile devices

The operating systems we’ve been talking about so far were designed to run on desktop and laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3 players are different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed specifically for mobile devices. Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS and Google Android . In the screenshot below, you can see iOS running on an iPad.

Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren’t as fully featured as those made for desktop and laptop computers, and they aren’t able to run all of the same software. However, you can still do a lot of things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and play games.

To learn more about mobile operating systems, check out our Mobile Devices tutorials.

How to Determine Your Operating System

Content Type Product Information & Documentation

Article ID 000018246

Last Reviewed 02/11/2020

Follow these steps to determine which Windows* operating system is running on your computer.

Windows® 10

1. Click the Start or Windows button (usually in the lower-left corner of your computer screen).
2. Click Settings.
3. Click About (usually in the lower left of the screen). The resulting screen shows the edition of Windows.

Windows 8* or Windows 8.1*

Option 1: From the desktop

1. Swipe in from the upper-right corner of the screen while viewing the desktop to open the menu, and then touch Settings.
2. Select PC Info. Under Windows edition, the Windows version is shown.

Option 2: From the Start Screen

1. While on the Start screen, type computer.
2. Right-click the computer icon. If using touch, press and hold on computer icon.
3. Click or tap Properties. Under Windows edition, the Windows version is shown.

Windows 7*

1. Click the Start or Windows button (usually in the lower-left corner of your computer screen).
2. Right-click Computer and choose Properties from the menu. The resulting screen shows the Windows version.

Note	Intel® WiDi isn’t supported on Windows XP* or Windows Vista*.

See the Microsoft sites below for more details:

Operating system

The «Operating system» provides utilities to optimize your system, monitor its operation and manage your files.

WinRar x64 (64 bit)

WinRAR is a program to compress and decompress files. Its main function is.

License: Shareware OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 5.71

MSI App Player

MSI App Player is an Android emulator that offers a very decent gaming.

License: Free OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 2020

Blackmagic Disk Speed Test

Blackmagic Disk Speed Test is a tool for checking the performance of a hard.

License: Free OS: Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 2.1

Startup Sound Changer

Startup Sound Changer as the name suggests, will allow you to change the.

License: Free OS: Windows 7 Language: EN Version: 1.0

Windows Installer

Windows Installer is Windows’ resident software that is responsible for.

License: Free OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 6.0

Windows XP SP3 Service Pack

Note: This version is only valid only for a 32-bit system. It will not offer.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Language: EN Version: Service Pack 3

Windows Mobile Device Center

Windows Mobile Device Center is for managing your Windows Mobile powered.

License: Free OS: Windows Vista Language: EN Version: 6.1

Microsoft Fix It

Disclaimer: This software is no longer supported by Microsoft. This page is.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Language: EN Version: 2012

Windows 7 USB/DVD Tool

Windows 7 USB/DVD Tool is a tool that allows you create a copy of your.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Language: EN Version: 1

Display Brightness

Display Brightness is a simple tool that aims to help you modify the.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Language: EN Version: 1.0.1

Bluestacks

Bluestacks is a smartphone emulator that allows you to enjoy the.

License: Free OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 4.140

DriverPack Solution

Virus attacks can really damage your operating system, installed.

License: Free OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 17.11.5

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool is a Windows-based formatting utility for.

License: Free OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 2.2.3

Comfort On-Screen Keyboard Pro

Comfort On-Screen Keyboard Pro is a full virtual keyboard on your screen.

License: Shareware OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 9.1

Roxio Easy Media Creator

Roxio Easy Media Creator is a disc burner software designed by Roxio.

License: Shareware OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 10.0

WinRAR 32 Bits

WinRAR is a popular and effective file compressor and decompressor. Its main.

License: Shareware OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 5.91

HDD Regenerator

HDD Regenerator by Dmitriy Primochenko, is a software with a dual function.

License: Shareware OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 1.51

Hiren’s BootCD

Hiren’s BootCD includes lots of elements designed to solve issues related to.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 15.2

PowerISO (32-bit)

PowerISO is an application that enables you to manage pictures on CD/DVD/BD.

License: Demo OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 7.8

abgx360

Abgx360 is a software programmed to verify the integrity of copies of Xbox.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 2000 Windows 7 Language: EN Version: 1.0.6

CPUID HWmonitor

CPUID HWMonitor is a hardware monitoring software that reads your PC.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 2000 Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 1.43

Free — Speed Up PC 3X Faster

Speed up PC 3X Faster is a software whose purpose is to speed up your.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Windows 2000 Language: EN Version: 4.75

Mobile SIM Card Reader Tool

Once data stored in our Sim Cards are deleted, there is almost no way to.

License: Shareware OS: Windows XP Windows 2000 Language: EN Version: 3.0.1.5

Windows XP SP2

Disclaimer: Support for Windows XP was discontinued on 8 April 2014. Windows.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Language: EN Version: Service Pack 2

Parted Magic

In order to partition a hard drive, generally, the system reinstallation is.

License: Free OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Mac OS X Language: EN Version: 2020.08.23

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Edition

Disclaimer: the product has been discontinued in January 2020. Thus, the.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 2000 Language: EN Version:

A Bootable USB

A Bootable USB is a utility that allows you to create a bootable USB stick.

License: Free OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 0.9.4.344

RAR Password Unlocker

RAR Password Unlocker is a practical utility that allows you to recover your.

License: Shareware OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 Language: EN Version: 5.0

PF Auto-Typer

Note: it seems that the version linked to this page is the last version of.

License: Shareware OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 2000 Language: EN Version: 4

Zip Files Opener

Disclaimer: the official Compress Files Tech. website is closed, thus the.

License: Free OS: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 2000 Windows 7 Language: EN Version: 1.0