What Version of Windows Do I Have? On November 10, 1983, Bill Gates announced the first Microsoft Windows. Ever since every few years, it has released a new and updated version with the latest being Windows 10.
You may or may not have really thought about knowing your Windows build numbers. But if you feel the need to know, it can be done in a few clicks.
If you don’t have much clue about it, we will guide you every step of the way. But first, know that there are the “major” versions of Windows and each window has it’s own special editions.
Related read: How to Download and Install Apps in Windows 10
So, major Windows version include such as –
- Windows XP,
- Windows Vista,
- Windows 7,
- Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
- Windows 10.
Each Windows major version has their own special editions that are tailored for specific needs of our various customers, various device families and uses from personal users to small businesses to the big enterprises.
So, in the case of Windows 10 Editions, the special editions are –
- Windows 10 Home
- Windows 10 Mobile
- Windows 10 Pro
- Windows 10 Enterprise
- Windows 10 Education
- Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise
If you want to dive a bit deeper, whether you are running the 32-bit or 64-bit version.
In a nutshell, each application is made specifically either for a 32 or 64-bit version of Windows and if you’re trying to run an application made for a 64-bit OS, the application won’t be able to run.
Why It’s Important to Know Which Version of Windows You Have?
Everyone should know three things about their Window version:
- The major version of Windows – 10, 8, 7, etc.
- The edition of that Windows version – Home, Pro, Enterprise, etc
- 64-bit or 32-bit.
Knowing these 3 things about the Windows version they have installed will give you an understanding of which device driver to choose for an update and what software and application you can or not install.
Determine With Winver Command- The Quick method!
This first method is super simple yet fast, and it will determine the Windows Version that is on your PC on all, no matter what version of Windows you have.
- Press Windows + R
- Type “winver” and press OK.
- This will opens About Windows, where it will display your Windows 10 version along with the Windows 10 edition and it’s OS Build.
Settings App
Alternatively, you can use the new Settings app to check the Windows version, build, and edition.
- Press Windows+I or head to Start Button < Settings icon to open the Settings App.
- In the Settings window, head over to System < About. Scroll down a bit and you’ll see the info regarding your Device Specification and Window Specification.
- You’ll be able to see your Window “Editon”, “Version” and “Build” numbers, Installation date here.
Properties
Another way to determine the version of Windows is via the System Properties window.
- Open your File, Explorer. An alternative way to open the explorer is via its command prompt Windows Key + E.
- Right, Click on This PC.
- A new window will pop-up with your Window version, System type (34 or 64-bit), RAM info, etc.
Windows 10
Chances are you have Windows 10 if you have a Start menu like the above one with two panels side by side, with the left column showing the most and recently used apps, pinned, etc.
It also features a collection of election of live tiles that you can resize, customize and reorganize which includes your Apps, Games, etc.
If you just got a new PC, there’s a high chance that you may already have Windows 10 installed on your computer.
Not sure? Use any one of the above methods, whether it be the Winver, Settings App, or Properties Method to figure out your current Window Version.
Windows 8 or 8.1
If you don’t see a Start button at all on the desktop homepage, you have Window 8. But if you do have a Start Button, you have Windows 8.1 installed.
The “.1” may seem ineffective, but the update adds major features and functionalities in terms of hundreds to Windows 8 functionalities without removing any existing features.
Windows 7
I’m pretty sure, you don’t have Windows 7. But for this article’s sake, Window 7 Start buttons and Start menus kinda look very similar.
You’ll see a stack appear on the task bar, if you have multiple windows open.
You can check the Window 7 Version via Control Panel in the System applet. It also show you all of an application’s open windows, all at once.
Windows Vista
Windows Vista was launched in January 30, 2007 and is the successor to Windows XP.
It was available in six editions with their own benefits and limitations. Windows version 6.0 is named as Windows Vista.
You can find all the info from the System applet, in your Control Panel. Check whether if your Windows Vista is 32-bit or 64-bit.
Windows XP
If your Start button has a Windows logo and the word start, you are from the Past. Kidding!
With the future updated version, the word disappears from the button. The Windows XP Start button is quite unique with being horizontal with a curved right edge.
BTW, Windows XP is just the same as Windows version 5.1 and is a name given to it as Windows XP.
Final Words
That’s it! These are the 3 common methods to determine the Windows version of your computer that is running on your PC.
Let’s have a quick recap:
- Open your Control Command and Press”Winver”
- Head over to your “System” in your Control Panel: Settings < System < About.
- Right-click on “This PC” and click “Properties.”
Now that you know how to find the Windows version on your computer, before closing this article, share your Windows version in the comments section.
We are just curious to know which Windows version is the most popular version with our readers.
