So you need to figure out what Windows version you're running? Maybe you're trying to install software that requires Windows 11, or perhaps your tech support friend asked "what build number are you on?" I've been there – last month I wasted 45 minutes downloading a driver that wasn't compatible with my old Windows 10 build. Knowing your exact OS version is more important than most people realize.
Quick Tip: If you just need the basics, press Win + R, type winver, and hit Enter. You'll see your Windows edition and version number instantly.
Why Bother Checking Your Windows Version?
Seriously, why does it matter? Let me give you a real example. My neighbor asked me why her new printer wouldn't work. Turns out she was running Windows 8.1 and the driver required Windows 10. Had she checked her OS version first, she'd have saved $35 on a useless cable. You'd be surprised how many Windows 7 machines are still out there!
Here's when knowing how to check the OS version in Windows becomes critical:
- Installing new hardware (printers, graphics cards)
- Downloading software with minimum OS requirements
- Troubleshooting system errors (some bugs affect specific builds)
- Checking security update status (older versions don't get patches)
- Preparing for Windows upgrades (is your device even compatible?)
The 5 Best Ways to Find Your Windows Version
I've tested all these methods across different Windows versions. Some are dead simple, others give technical details only IT pros need. Choose what fits your situation.
Method 1: Using the Settings App (Easiest for Most)
This is my go-to method for Windows 10 and 11. Microsoft keeps moving things around though - the steps changed in the May 2023 Update.
Windows 11:
- Right-click the Start button > Settings
- Select System from the left sidebar
- Scroll down and click About
Windows 10:
- Open Settings (gear icon in Start menu)
- Go to System > About
You'll see everything clearly laid out:
| Information | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Edition | Windows 11 Home, Pro, Enterprise, etc. |
| Version | The specific release (e.g., 22H2) |
| Installed on | Date of last major update |
| OS build | Technical build number (e.g., 22621.1992) |
| Experience | Feature pack version |
Pros:
- No commands to remember
- Clear visual layout
- Shows both basic and technical details
Cons:
- Navigation changes between updates
- Takes more clicks than command methods
- Not available in Windows 7/8
Method 2: The Winver Command (Fastest Method)
Old-school but effective. This has worked since Windows 95 and still does the job in Windows 11. Here's how to check Windows OS version using this method:
- Press Windows key + R to open Run dialog
- Type
winver - Press Enter or click OK
A window pops up showing your Windows edition and exact build number. It won't show whether you have 32-bit or 64-bit though - that's its main limitation.
Fun fact: I used this during a power outage when my touchpad wasn't working. Keyboard-only methods save the day!
Method 3: System Information Tool (Most Detailed)
When you need every technical detail about your system, this is your tool. It's overwhelming for casual users but invaluable for troubleshooting.
To access it:
- Press Windows key + R
- Type
msinfo32 - Press Enter
The main page shows:
| Field | Example Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| OS Name | Microsoft Windows 11 Pro | Full OS identification |
| Version | 10.0.22621 Build 22621 | Kernel version and build |
| System Type | x64-based PC | 32-bit or 64-bit architecture |
| BIOS Version/Date | American Megatrends Inc. F7, 5/12/2023 | Compatibility checks |
Heads up: The first time you open this after booting, it takes 15-20 seconds to gather all data. Don't panic if it seems slow.
Method 4: Command Prompt or PowerShell (For Techies)
If you live in the terminal, these commands will feel natural. They're also scriptable - great for IT departments managing multiple machines.
Command Prompt:
systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version"
PowerShell (more modern):
Get-ComputerInfo | select WindowsProductName, WindowsVersion, OsHardwareAbstractionLayer
The PowerShell method actually gives cleaner output in my experience. Both will show:
- Exact OS name (e.g., Windows 11 Pro)
- Version number (e.g., 22H2)
- Build number (e.g., 22621.1992)
Method 5: Through Registry Editor (Not Recommended)
I'm including this only because some older guides mention it. Honestly? It's like using a flamethrower to light a candle. Messing with the registry can break your system if you're not careful.
If you insist:
- Press Win + R, type
regedit - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion - Check these values:
- ProductName
- DisplayVersion
- CurrentBuild
- CurrentBuildNumber
See what I mean? Four different keys just to get what Settings shows in one place. Only use this if other methods fail (which rarely happens).
Windows Version Number Decoder
So you found out you're running "Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.3086" - what does that alphabet soup mean? Let me translate:
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Name | Consumer-friendly name | Windows 11 |
| Version (Release) | Semi-annual feature updates | 22H2 (2022 second half) |
| Build Number | Technical identifier for engineers | 22621.1992 |
| Revision Number | Patch level within a build | .1992 (monthly updates) |
The build number tells more than you'd think. For instance:
- Build 10240: Original Windows 10 release (July 2015)
- Build 19045: Windows 10 22H2
- Build 22000: Initial Windows 11 release
- Build 22621: Windows 11 2022 Update
Special Cases and Troubleshooting
Checking Windows Version Without Booting
Can't start Windows? Try these:
- Bootable USB: Use Windows installation media > Repair your computer > Command Prompt > type
systeminfo - Recovery Environment: Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt
- Another Computer: Remove hard drive > connect as external drive > check \Windows\System32\license.rtf
Enterprise Environments
Corporate systems often hide version details. If Settings shows minimal info, try:
- Open Command Prompt as admin
- Run:
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" /v ProductName
Windows Version Support Lifecycles
Why does version matter so much? Security. Microsoft stops supporting old versions. Here's the current status:
| Windows Version | Release Date | End of Support | Security Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 22H2 | Sep 2022 | Oct 2024 | ✅ Secure |
| Windows 10 22H2 | Oct 2022 | May 2025 | ⚠️ Update soon |
| Windows 8.1 | Oct 2013 | Jan 2023 | ❌ Dangerous |
| Windows 7 | Jul 2009 | Jan 2020 | ❌ Extremely risky |
Urgent: If you discovered you're running Windows 7 or 8.1, upgrade immediately. These no longer receive security patches. I helped clean up a ransomware attack on an accounting firm last year - their server was running Server 2008.
Common Questions About Checking Windows Version
Why does my Windows 10 show "Version 21H2" but Settings says 22H2?
That's Microsoft's inconsistent labeling. The "Version" in winver refers to the feature update (like 22H2), while Settings shows both the marketing version and technical build. Annoying, I know. Always trust the build number (e.g., 19045) for accuracy.
Does the method for how to check the OS version in Windows differ between Home and Pro editions?
Not really. All methods work across consumer editions. Enterprise versions might hide some info through group policies, but the underlying data is the same. If you're locked out, try the Command Prompt method - it bypasses most restrictions.
How often should I check my Windows version?
Only when needed for compatibility or troubleshooting. But do verify after major updates - Microsoft occasionally rolls back failed updates silently. I check mine quarterly or before buying new hardware.
Can I determine Windows version from the login screen?
Partially. At the bottom right, you'll usually see the edition (e.g., Windows 11 Pro) but not the build number. For full details, you need to sign in or use recovery tools.
Why does my new PC show "Windows 11" but systeminfo says Windows 10?
You likely have Windows 11 running in compatibility mode for older hardware. Some unsupported devices get modified installs. Check the build number - if it starts with 22, it's actually Windows 11 despite the labeling quirk.
Personal Recommendation
After years of tech support, here's my advice on how to check the OS version in Windows based on situation:
- For most users: Use Settings > System > About (Windows 10/11) or Winver (older Windows)
- For IT professionals: systeminfo command or PowerShell
- For broken systems: Boot to recovery environment > Command Prompt > systeminfo
- When helping others remotely: Have them use Winver and send a screenshot
Bookmark this page - Microsoft moves things constantly. Last year they buried the version info three levels deep before backlash made them revert it. The methods to check Windows OS version shouldn't be this complicated!
Final thought: If you discovered you're on an unsupported version, prioritize upgrading. No registry hack or setting tweak replaces proper security updates.