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.

How to Fix Windows not Remembering Window Positions and Sizes?

Microsoft’s Windows operating system is known for its unusual bugs and errors. However, the problem of it not remembering window positions and sizes appears to be more of a user experience issue (in most cases) rather than it being a definite bug. People who use Windows very often when working, generally open and close multiple windows (or tabs) at one time. They want Windows to remember the dimensions and position they chose for a distinct window so that they don’t have to do it all over again when they reopen the window. However, when they reopen (or open a new) window, it doesn’t appear how they want it to be.

What Causes Window Size And Positioning Issue?

We will now briefly list some of the causes of this issue:

• PC Reboot – Rebooting the computer makes you start all over. So you lose your previously saved size and position of the window.
• Updating Windows – Similarly, updating Windows means you have to restart your computer. It will also cause the issue.
• Interfering Software – There might be an installed software or virus interfering with your Windows settings which can cause this issue to happen.
• Lack of Understanding – Sometimes, users are not aware of how Windows manages the size and position settings of windows. Windows manages these settings uniquely for Windows XP and below, and differently for Windows 7 and afterward.

How Size And Position Changes Are Remembered In Windows 7 And 10?

Firstly, rather than thinking of it as an issue, if a user is aware of how Windows remembers its size and position settings, he/she will be in a better position to use it to his/her benefit. So let’s look into how Windows manages this. This is the rule:

“Windows 7 and 10 will remember the last window closed (of a single program) as a global position.”

Let’s simplify what that means. It basically means whatever window you last closed, the size and position you had chosen for it, will be used for the next window you open. Let’s take an example. For instance, you opened a folder named ‘Old Window’ and positioned it to the right side like this:

Resizing and Re-Positioning a Window

Now if you close it (or not), and open a new folder named ‘New Window’ here, It will automatically position and resize itself as the ‘Old Window’:

New Window positioned like Latter Window

If you keep this in mind, you will exactly know when Windows does the resizing/repositioning and when it doesn’t.

There is an important point to note. The remembrance part only works for a particular program type. For instance, if you close a window of File Explorer and open a new window of Photos, the auto-positioning and resizing won’t be the same for both Photos window and File Explorer window because both windows are of different programs.

So that’s how sizing and positioning work for windows. Now, if your Windows is not even remembering the last closed window size, then it means there is some issue that needs to be resolved. Lets, look at some of the possible solutions you can try.

Method 1: Cascading

Cascading is one possible fix to the issue. Follow the given steps below:

1. Firstly, Restart your computer. This is an optional step but it might help in some cases.
2. Now open any window(like File Explorer), of which size and position you want to remember.
3. Right-click on the Taskbar (the bar at the bottom of the screen).
4. Choose the Cascade windows option (in case of Windows 10). Cascade Windows Option
5. This will resize the window to a pre-defined size. After that, you can expand the window to your desired size and position. Then close it. It should open to that size and position next time you open it.

Method 2: Booting Windows In Safe Mode And Reproducing The Issue

If you are still encountering the issue of Windows not remembering window sizes and positions (even for the last closed window), then you could try booting your Windows in Safe mode:

Safe Mode Option

Steps to boot Windows 10 in safe mode are mentioned below:

1. 1. Click the Windows button in the bottom left corner.
   2. Now, click the Power Button.
   3. Hold down the Shift key and click Restart.
   4. Now, choose the Troubleshoot option and afterward, Advancedoptions.
   5. Now in advanced options, choose Start-up settings and then click the Restart button.
   6. Various options will be displayed on restart. Press F4 to boot Windows in safe mode.

Once booting your Windows in safe mode. Check if the issue persists.

1. 1. That is open a File Explorer window.
   2. Reposition it to the right side and maybe resize it.
   3. Close the window.
   4. Reopen it.
   5. If the window does not appear on the right with changed size. Then the issue still exists.

If booting fixed the problem, then it’s highly likely that some installed software is interfering with your Windows settings. You could also try doing a virus scan to help identify the issue.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Solutions

If no above solution works. Then you could always use third-party solutions such as WinSize2 that can help you with resizing and moving windows for multiple windows at once. WinSize2 is a free solution available for all Windows versions (as stated on their website). WinSize2 can help you remember window size and position changes for each window you open regardless of its type and opening sequence. How does it do that?

WinSize2 identifies a particular window position and its size by remembering its title. Each time when a user opens a window, WinSize2 matches the title with the internal record of titles stored within the software.

Installation:

1. To get started, download WinSize2 here.
   

WinSize2 Download

1. After downloading, unzip the file named “WinSize2_2.38.04.zip” which is likely placed in your downloads folder.
2. The next step would be to run “WinSize2_Update.exe” and follow the instructions to install the software. The program runs on the background when installed.

Usage:

A special hotkey Ctrl+Alt+Z manages all activities of WinSize2. Pressing the hotkey 1, 2 or 3 times calls these functions mentioned below:

• One time, you can store the position and size of any window or overwrite it.
• Two times, you can delete the list entry for a window which you saved to be remembered.
• Three times, you can change the Special Parameters, to set options for any title in the list of WinSize2.

You can find more details about WinSize2 here. There is also a guidebook available once you download the software.

Another well-recognized program you can use is WindowManager by DeskSoft. It’s not free but you can use it for a 30-day free trial.

Change or reset your Windows password

If you forgot or lost your password for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7, you may be able to change or reset it. To get started, choose your version of Windows from the Select Product Version drop-down menu.

If you already know your current password and want to change it

Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options . Under Password, select the Change button and follow the steps.

Reset your Windows 10 local account password

If you’ve forgotten or lost your Windows 10 password for a local account and need to sign back in to your device, the below options might help you get up and running. For more info on local standard vs. administrative accounts, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10.

Windows 10 version 1803 and later

If you added security questions when you set up your local account for Windows 10, then you have at least version 1803 and you can answer security questions to sign back in.

After you’ve entered an incorrect password:

Select the Reset password link on the sign-in screen. If you use a PIN instead, see PIN sign-in issues. If you’re using a work device that’s on a network, you may not see an option to reset your password or PIN. In that case, contact your administrator.

Note: If you don’t see security questions after you select the Reset password link, make sure your device name isn’t the same as your local user account name (the name you see when you sign in). To see your device name, right-click Start in the taskbar, select System, andscroll to the Device specifications section. If the device name is the same as your account name, you can create a new administrator account, sign in as an administrator, and then rename your PC (when you view your device name, you can also rename it).

Answer your security questions.

Enter a new password.

Sign in as usual with the new password.

Windows 10 before version 1803

For versions of Windows 10 earlier than 1803, local account passwords can’t be reset because there are no security questions. You can reset your device to choose a new password, however this option will permanently delete your data, programs, and settings. If you’ve backed up your files you’ll be able to restore your deleted files. For more information, see Recovery options in Windows 10.
To reset your device, which will delete data, programs, and settings:

Press the Shift key while you select the Power button > Restart in the lower-right corner of the screen.

On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

Select Remove everything.

Warning: Resetting your device will permanently delete data, programs, and settings.

Reset your Microsoft account password you use to sign in to your computer

On the sign-in screen, type your Microsoft account name if it’s not already displayed. If there are multiple accounts on the computer, choose the one you want to reset. Below the password text box, select I forgot my password. Follow the steps to reset your password.

Troubleshoot problems signing in

If you’re still having trouble signing to your account, see more solutions in Troubleshoot problems signing in.

Reset your password

Note: If you’ve forgotten your Windows 10 password, see Reset your Windows 10 local account password.

If you’ve forgotten your Windows 8.1 password, there are several ways to retrieve or reset it:

If your PC is on a domain, your system administrator must reset your password.

If you’re using a Microsoft account, you can reset your password online. For more info, see How to reset your Microsoft account password.

If you’re using a local account, use your password hint as a reminder.

If you still can’t sign in, you must reinstall Windows. For Windows RT 8.1, contact your PC manufacturer.

More help with passwords in Windows 8.1

If you forget or lose your password, see Reset your password above to reset or recover it.

If you think your Microsoft account password has been compromised or stolen by someone with malicious intent, we can help. For more info, see When you can’t sign in to your Microsoft account.

If you’re signing in to only your local PC, yes. However, we recommend that you keep your PC more secure by using a strong password. When you use a password, only someone who knows it can sign in. If you want to sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account, a password is required. For more info, see Can I sign in to Windows without a password? To learn more about Microsoft accounts and local accounts, see Create a user account.

Stronger passwords contain a variety of characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols or spaces. A strong password should also be something that is difficult for a stranger to guess or crack. It shouldn’t contain a complete word, or easy-to-find details like your real name, your user name, or your birth date.

If you’re signing in to a Microsoft account, your password is limited to 16 characters. For more info about Microsoft accounts, see Create a user account.

You can update your password regularly to keep it more secure. If your PC isn’t connected to a domain, follow these steps:

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(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.)

Tap or click Accounts, and then tap or click Sign-in options.

Tap or click Change your password and follow the instructions.

If your PC is connected to a domain, your system administrator might manage how frequently you must change your password. To do so, choose one of the following:

If you’re using a keyboard, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, tap or click Change a password, and follow the instructions.

If you’re using a tablet, press and hold the Windows button, press the power button, and then tap or click Change a password and follow the instructions.

It depends on whether you’re using a third-party email address. If your email address ends in outlook.com, hotmail.com, live.com, or another Microsoft service, changing the password for your Microsoft account also changes it for that email service.

But you can use any email address for your Microsoft account, even an email address from a third-party web-based mail service like Google Mail or Yahoo! Mail. When you choose a password for your Microsoft account, it doesn’t change the password you might need to use to sign in to web mail on a third-party site.

Create a picture password to sign in with gestures instead of by entering characters.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(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.)

Tap or click Accounts, and then tap or click Sign-in options.

Under Picture password, tap or click Add, and then follow the instructions.

When you choose a password for your user account, it’s important to pick something you can remember. You’re going to need it again later!

Of course, you can also write your password down and keep it in a safe place. Taped to the underside of your laptop or the inside of your desk drawer is probably not a good idea, however. If you do write your password down, be sure to keep it separate from your PC.

For added security, use different passwords for different purposes. For example, it’s a good idea to keep distinctly different passwords for a social networking account and your online bank account.

If you do forget or lose your password, there are still several things you can try to reset or recover it. For more info, see Reset your password above to reset or recover it.

Reset your password

My computer is on a domain

Select the Start button , select Control Panel, select User Accounts, select User Accounts, and then select Manage User Accounts. If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

On the Users tab, under Users for this computer, select the user account name, and then select Reset Password.

Type the new password, confirm the new password, and then select OK.

My computer is in a workgroup

If you type the wrong password when you attempt to log on, Windows displays a message that the password is incorrect. Select OK to close the message.

Select Reset password, and then insert your password reset disk or USB flash drive.

Follow the steps in the Password Reset wizard to create a new password.

Log on with the new password. If you forget your password again, you can use the same password reset disk. You don’t need to make a new one.

Note: If an administrator resets your password, you might lose access to some of your files.

Change your password

Press Ctrl+ Alt+ Delete, and then select Change a password.

Type your old password followed by a new password as indicated, and then type the new password again to confirm it.

Note: If you are logged on as an administrator, you can create and change passwords for all user accounts on the computer.

Warning: If you use an administrator account to change a password for another account, any encrypted files or e mail messages for that other account will no longer be accessible to the person who was using that account.