The fastest way to check your Windows version

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard. Go to System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click About. Look for the line that says Edition — this tells you whether you have Windows 11, Windows 10, or an older version. The same screen shows your OS Build, which is the specific update number Microsoft has released for your version.

If Settings does not open, you can also right-click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen and select System directly. This takes you to the same About page.

Key Takeaways

  • Settings > System > About shows your Windows edition and OS build number in one place.
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the two current versions; older machines may have Windows 7 or Windows 8.
  • Your OS build number tells you which monthly security update you are running, which matters for troubleshooting and support.
  • You can also use the command line tool winver to see the same information in a separate window.

Understanding edition versus build number

The Edition is the broad category — Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 Home, or Windows 10 Enterprise. Home is the standard consumer version. Pro adds features like BitLocker encryption and Group Policy management, and is common on business machines. Enterprise is for large organizations and is rarely found on personal computers.

The OS Build is a five-digit number that changes roughly once a month when Microsoft releases security patches. For example, build 22631 is a Windows 11 update, while build 19045 is a Windows 10 update. Knowing your build number helps when you are troubleshooting a problem — support staff or online forums can tell you whether a fix applies to your specific update.

Using the command line to check your version

If you prefer the command line, type winver into the search box at the bottom of your screen and press Enter. A window opens showing your edition, version number, and OS build in a simple format. This method opens the same information in a separate dialog rather than in Settings.

You can also open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type systeminfo, then press Enter. This shows a longer list of system details, including OS name, version, and build. Scroll up in the window to find the line labeled OS Name and OS Version.

What to do if you see Windows 7 or Windows 8

If your About page shows Windows 7 or Windows 8, your machine is running an older version that Microsoft no longer updates with security patches. Windows 7 support ended in January 2020, and Windows 8 support ended in January 2016. Continuing to use these versions puts your computer at risk from viruses and malware.

You have two options: upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11 on your current machine, or purchase a new computer with a current version pre-installed. Upgrading is usually cheaper but requires your hardware to meet minimum requirements — Windows 11 in particular requires a processor from 2017 or later. Check Microsoft's official system requirements before attempting an upgrade.

Finding your system specifications alongside your Windows version

The About page in Settings also shows your processor type, installed RAM, and system type (32-bit or 64-bit). This information is useful when you are buying software or troubleshooting performance problems. The processor line tells you the brand and model — for example, Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 — and the RAM line shows how much memory your machine has.

If you need more detailed hardware information, right-click This PC or My Computer on your desktop and select Properties. This opens the same About page. You can also open Device Manager by right-clicking the Windows logo and selecting Device Manager to see a full list of every component in your computer, from your graphics card to your network adapter.

Checking for updates after you know your version

Once you know your Windows version and build number, you can check whether your machine is up to date. Go back to Settings, select System, then click Windows Update in the left sidebar. Click Check for updates to see whether Microsoft has released a newer build for your version.

If an update is available, Windows will download and install it, usually requiring a restart. If your build number is already the latest available for your edition, the page will say "You are up to date." Keeping your build current is important for security, even if you do not need new features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the newer version, released in 2021, with a redesigned interface and stricter hardware requirements. Windows 10 is still supported and receives security updates. Most software runs on both. If your machine is older than 2017, you likely cannot upgrade to Windows 11 without replacing your processor.

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free?

Microsoft offered a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for a limited time, but that period has ended. You can still upgrade if your hardware meets the requirements, but you may need to purchase a license. Check the Windows Update page in Settings to see whether your machine qualifies.

What does "OS Build" mean, and why should I care?

OS Build is the version number of your current update. It matters because security patches and bug fixes are tied to specific builds. If you are having a problem, knowing your build helps support staff or online communities tell you whether the issue is already fixed in a newer update.

Is my computer 32-bit or 64-bit, and does it matter?

The About page shows your system type. 64-bit is standard on modern machines and can use more than 4 GB of RAM. 32-bit is older and limits you to about 4 GB. Most software today requires 64-bit, so if you have 32-bit Windows, many newer programs will not run.

What should I do if Windows Update is not showing any available updates?

If your build number matches the latest available for your edition, your machine is current. Updates roll out gradually, so sometimes waiting a few days and checking again will show a newer build. You can also manually download updates from Microsoft's website if you need a specific build urgently.