How to determine the version of Windows on a computer

Due to there being numerous versions of Windows, you may want to know what version you’re running. The following sections shows you which version of Windows is currently installed on your computer (e.g., Windows Vista or Windows 10), and the specific version and build numbers.

You must be logged in to Windows to utilize any of the methods listed below.

See our Windows definition for more information about Microsoft Windows, including its versions and history.

Determine the version of Windows

1. Press the Windows key + R to bring up the Run window.
2. Type winver in the text field and press Enter .

1. A window appears that shows the version of Windows you’re running at the top, and then the version and build numbers in the section below.

If you’re curious about whether it’s 32-bit or 64-bit, see: How to determine if you have a 32-bit or 64-bit CPU.

Alternative methods

Some network administrators restrict access to the run prompt. In this case, you can find Windows version info using the alternative methods below.

Find version in System

Open the System window by pressing the Windows key and Pause key at the same time. The version is listed on the right side under the Windows edition section.

Find version in System Information

Press the Windows key , type System Information, and then press Enter . The version of windows and its build number can be found by clicking System Summary on the left side of the window.

Find version using the Command Prompt

1. Press the Windows key , type cmd, and then press Enter .
2. Type ver and press Enter .
3. The version of Windows is displayed on the next line.

Determine Windows version on mobile devices

If you’re running Windows CE on a mobile device, such as a cell phone or PDA, you can determine the version by following the steps below.

1. Click Start, Settings, and then Control Panel.
2. Click the Systems icon.
3. In the System Properties window, you’ll see the version and build number of Windows CE.

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.

What Windows Do I Have? 4 Ways To Know Your Windows Version And OS Build?

W ith around 36% market share, Windows is the second most used operating system in the world. In 2017, it was outperformed by Google’s Android which has reached many people as the flood of Android-powered smartphones and tablets spread across the globe.

Windows is mostly the first choice of everyday users who want to enter into the world of computers. One big reason has been the lack of comparable alternatives. MacOS is beyond the reach of many and Linux is perceived as a tougher replacement to Windows. Lately, the Microsoft-owned OS has started to face competition from Chrome OS, at least in the education sector.

Anyway, even after all these years of existence, many users often ask what version of windows do I run? That shouldn’t be something we should call naive because knowing the exact version of your Windows OS is important.

It’s required when you need to check software compatibility for apps and drivers. Installing wrong drivers could even break some stuff on the computer which many won’t want.

What version of Windows do I have?

The old school way – Check File Explorer Properties

Just like you did in the past on Windows 7 and older versions, you can right-click on This PC/My Computer and go to Properties. Here, details like your Windows version and edition, product ID are displayed. It also shows your RAM capacity, processor model, and whether you’re using a 64-bit processor or not. Nowadays, there is hardly any PC left that’s not running a 64-bit processor, unless you’ve one from your grandpa’s time.

Check Windows version in the Settings app

With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft has added one more place where it lists system details.

To know some extra information about your Windows PC, open the Settings app. Go to System > About. Here, you’ll also see things like your Windows 10 version, OS build number, and when the latest update was installed.

If you’re running build number 17134, that means the April 2018 Update is installed on your PC.

Use the System Information app to find Windows version

If you remember, Windows comes with a built-in app called System Information that displays information about your PC.with an extra level of detail You can find the app using Windows Search.

By firing up the System Information app, you can know almost everything about the hardware and software present on your PC, not just the Windows version.

Check Windows version and OS build using CMD

To check the version of your Windows OS, you also take the help of the Command Prompt. You can use the popular command called winver. A pop box will appear displaying the Windows version and build number. However, the information is not as detailed as the above-mentioned options.

If you want, you can type the winver command directly in the Start Menu search bar and click on the result.

Is My Windows 32-bit or 64-bit?

The File Explorer Properties page and the About page in the Settings app tell you whether you’re running 32-bit or 64-bit version of the Windows. You can read our detailed post on 32-bit and 64-bit Windows to know the difference.

So, you might have found the answer to the question “What version of Windows do I have?”. But there some other things about Windows OS that you might want to know.

Windows 10 Release Date – When did it come out?

Another important piece of information you might want to know is when did Windows 10 come out. Microsoft made a big change in the development of Windows, the company now promotes Windows as a service which is loaded with feature updates every six months.

Windows 10 was released for general public on July 29, 2015.

What’s the newest Windows OS?

April 2018 Update is what you can call the newest Windows. Of course, it was released in the month of April. The update brings the Timeline feature among the big changes.

Is Windows 10 free?

The answer has changed over time. Initially, Windows 10 was offered for free to any user having a valid copy of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. Microsoft literally forced Windows 10 on the users.

Later, the company pulled the free upgrade offer but it was officially available for people, who use accessibility tools, until last year.

How much is Windows 10’s price tag?

If you missed the upgrade deadline, you can purchase Windows 10 Home single PC license for $119.99 and Windows 10 Pro for $199. Alternatively, Windows 10 is now shipped with many laptops and desktops which makes it a somewhat cheaper deal.

What about the updates?

Once you have genuine Windows 10 running on your machine, the updates are pushed for free. Microsoft has rolled out five feature updates till now, including the April Update. The next major update, codenamed Redstone 5, will come out later this year.

So, this was a small piece on how you can check Windows version, build number, and whether it’s a 64-bit or 32-bit Windows. If you have something to add, drop your thoughts below.

How to download Windows 10?

If you’re already running Windows 10, the latest update might have installed on your computer if haven’t stopped automatic updates. If that’s not the case, you can visit Microsoft’s website and click Update now.

You can also download and install Windows 10 manually using the Media Creation Tool and create a bootable USB.

The tool also works if you have a genuine Windows 7 or 8 product key. However, you should have upgraded to Windows 10 at least once during the free upgrade period. It’s known that Windows 10 free upgrade offer still works if you have a key. So, give it a try.

How to check which version of Windows your computer is running

• If you need to check your version of Windows, you can find out by typing «winver» in the Start menu search box.
• Depending upon which version of Windows you have, you might also be able to open a window that displays additional information.
• This information is important if you have Windows 7, because support for that operating system ends in January 2020.
• Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

Do you know which version of Windows you’re running? Most of the time, there’s little reason to care. But sometimes you need to know. Some programs and computer hardware will only work with a specific version of Windows, for example.

You might also need to know if it’s time to upgrade. Microsoft generally supports each version of its operating system for about ten years, and «extended support» for Windows 7 ends on January 14, 2020 .

That means Microsoft won’t offer any updates or technical support after that date. If you have Windows 8, you have a little more time – support ends for that operating system on January 10, 2023.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 Home (From $139 at Best Buy)

How to check which version of Windows you’re running

1. Click the Start button.

2. Type «winver» in the search box and press Enter.

3. You should see the About Windows box with your Windows version information.

If you want to know more than simply the version of the operating system, you can display a dialog box with additional information, but the process varies depending upon which version of the OS you are running.

How to get additional information about Windows 10

1. Click the Start button.

2. Click the Settings icon (which looks like a gear and is above the power icon).

3. Click «System.»

4. In the left pane, click «About.»

How to get additional information about Windows 8

1. Move the mouse to the lower-right corner of the screen and swipe it up to display the sidebar.

2. Click «Settings» and then click «Change PC settings.»

3. Click «PC and devices,» and then click «PC info.»