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 — that's your Windows version, like Windows 11 Home or Windows 10 Pro. You'll also see your OS Build number there, which tells you which update you're on.

If Settings doesn't open, you can also right-click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen and select System from the menu that appears, then follow the same steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Windows key + I to open Settings, then go to System > About to see your exact Windows version and edition in one place.
  • Your Edition (like Home, Pro, or Enterprise) and your OS Build number both appear on the About page and tell you different things about your system.
  • If you need to know your version number for software compatibility or troubleshooting, the About page shows it clearly without any extra steps.
  • You can also use the Run dialog (Windows key + R) and type winver to open a smaller window with the same information.

What each piece of information means

The Edition line tells you which tier of Windows you own. Windows 11 comes in Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, and Enterprise versions. Windows 10 has the same tiers. Home is the standard consumer version; Pro adds features like BitLocker encryption and Remote Desktop. Enterprise is for large organizations. Your edition determines which features are available to you.

The OS Build number is different from your edition — it's a code that shows which monthly update you're running. Build 22621 might be from one month, and 22631 from the next. This matters when you're troubleshooting a problem, because support staff or online forums often ask for your build number to know exactly which version of the software you have.

You'll also see a Version number, like 23H2 or 22H2. This is the major update cycle — Windows releases a big update roughly twice a year, and each gets a version number based on the year and half (H1 or H2) it came out.

Using the Run dialog for a quick check

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type winver and press Enter. A small window opens showing your Windows version, edition, and OS Build number. This is faster if you only need the information once and don't want to navigate through Settings.

The winver window is read-only — you can't change anything from there. It's just a display of your current system information. Close it when you're done by clicking the X button.

Finding your version in System Information

Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. This opens System Information, a detailed window with much more data about your computer than you probably need. Look for OS Name (your Windows version), System Type (32-bit or 64-bit), and OS Build. This tool is useful if you need technical details beyond just your version number, like your processor type or installed RAM.

System Information is most helpful when you're troubleshooting with tech support or checking whether your computer meets the requirements for new software. The About page in Settings covers what most people need to know.

Why you might need to know your version

Software companies list system requirements by Windows version — a program might say it needs Windows 10 or later, or specifically Windows 11 Pro. Knowing your exact edition and build helps you confirm compatibility before you download. Some older software only runs on Windows 10, not Windows 11, so checking first saves you the frustration of installing something that won't work.

Tech support also asks for your version and build number when you report a problem. Different builds have different bugs and fixes, so they need to know exactly which one you're running. If you're troubleshooting online, having this information ready speeds up the process.

The difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows

The About page also shows whether you're running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows. Most computers sold in the last ten years run 64-bit, which can use more RAM and run more modern software. If you see "32-bit" listed, your computer is older or was set up with a 32-bit version of Windows. This matters because some newer programs only work on 64-bit systems.

You can't easily change from 32-bit to 64-bit without reinstalling Windows, so if you're hitting compatibility problems because of this, you'd need to back up your files and do a full reinstall. Check your version first before buying software that requires 64-bit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's 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 (like TPM 2.0 and specific processors). Windows 10 is still supported and widely used. Both are legitimate versions; Windows 11 isn't automatically better for everyone. Check which one you have in Settings > System > About under Edition.

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

You may be able to, but only if your computer meets Windows 11's hardware requirements. The About page doesn't tell you if you're compatible — you'd need to check your processor and other specs against Microsoft's official requirements. Some older computers can't run Windows 11 even if you want to upgrade.

What does "OS Build" mean and why does it change?

OS Build is a version number for monthly updates that fix bugs and add security patches. Microsoft releases updates regularly, and each one gets a new build number. You don't need to do anything — updates install automatically. The build number just identifies which month's update you're on.

Is my Windows version the same as my edition?

No. Version refers to Windows 10 or Windows 11 (the major release). Edition refers to Home, Pro, or Enterprise (the tier you own). You need both pieces of information to fully describe what you're running — for example, "Windows 11 Pro" or "Windows 10 Home."

Why does my build number keep changing?

Windows updates automatically every month or so, and each update changes your build number. This is normal and expected. You don't need to do anything — the updates happen in the background. If you want to see when the last update happened, that information is also on the About page.