If you are troubleshooting your computer, installing software, checking compatibility, or following a Windows tutorial, you may first need to know which version of Windows is installed.
Microsoft has released several Windows versions over the years, including Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and earlier editions. Even if you know that your PC runs Windows, you may not know the exact version, edition, or build number.
The good news is that you can check this information in just a few seconds. Windows provides several built-in methods to find the installed version of Windows without downloading any additional software.
What Information Can You Check?
When checking Windows, you may see several different details:
- Windows edition – such as Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro
- Windows version – identifies the current Windows release
- OS build – shows the specific build installed
- System type – tells you whether the PC uses a 64-bit or 32-bit operating system
- Device specifications – includes processor and installed RAM
The easiest method for most people is to use the About section in Windows Settings.
How to Check Which Windows Is Installed Using Settings
Windows 10 and Windows 11 provide an easy way to check the operating system through Settings.
On Windows 11
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select System.
- Scroll down and select About.
- Look under Windows specifications.
You can see information such as:
- Edition
- Version
- Installation date
- OS build
For example, your computer might show Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.
On Windows 10
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Click About.
- Scroll to the Windows specifications section.
This displays the Windows edition, version, and build information.
This is one of the safest and easiest methods for seeing complete Windows information in one place.
How to Check Windows Version Using the Winver Command
Another quick method is the winver command. It works on supported Windows versions and displays the Windows version in a small window.
Steps to Use Winver
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
winver
- Press Enter.
- A window called About Windows will appear.
The window shows the Windows version and OS build.
For example, you may see information indicating that the computer is running Windows 11 along with its version and build number.
The winver method is particularly useful when you need to quickly confirm the Windows version without opening Settings.
How to Check Which Windows Is Installed From System Information
Windows also includes a built-in tool called System Information.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
msinfo32
- Press Enter.
- Wait for the System Information window to open.
- Look for OS Name and Version.
The OS Name tells you which Windows edition is installed, while the Version field provides additional version and build information.
You can also find hardware information such as:
- Processor
- Installed physical memory
- System manufacturer
- System model
- BIOS information
- System type
This method is useful when you need both Windows and hardware details.
How to Check Windows Version Using Command Prompt
If you prefer using commands, Command Prompt provides another way to identify Windows.
1. Use Winver
Open Command Prompt and enter:
winver
You can also use the command:
systeminfo
The systeminfo command displays detailed information about the operating system and computer.
Review the results for information on the operating system, version, and system configuration.
Command Prompt is especially useful when you’re troubleshooting a computer and want to collect several system details at once.
How to Check if You Have Windows 11 or Windows 10
If you only want to know whether your computer is running Windows 11 or Windows 10, the Settings method is usually enough.
Check Through Settings
- Press Windows + I.
- Select System.
- Select About.
- Find Windows specifications.
- Check the Edition and other Windows information.
You can also press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.
The About Windows window will identify the Windows version installed on the PC.
How to Check if Windows Is 32-Bit or 64-Bit
Sometimes knowing the Windows version is not enough. You may also need to determine whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit.
On Windows 11
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select About.
- Find System type under device specifications.
The information may indicate that the computer has a 64-bit operating system.
On Windows 10
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Choose About.
- Find System type.
This tells you whether the installed operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit.
You may need this information when downloading software because some applications provide separate installers for different system types.
How to Check Windows Edition
Windows comes in several editions, including Home and Pro versions.
To check your edition:
- Press Windows + I.
- Open System.
- Select About.
- Look under Windows specifications.
- Find Edition.
You may see an edition such as:
- Windows 11 Home
- Windows 11 Pro
- Windows 10 Home
- Windows 10 Pro
The edition can matter because some Windows features are available only in specific editions.
How to Check Windows Build Number
The Windows build number can be useful when troubleshooting software or checking whether a particular Windows update is installed.
Using Winver
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter winver.
- Press Enter.
- Check the information displayed in the About Windows window.
Using Settings
You can also open:
Settings → System → About
Then look under Windows specifications for the OS build.
When troubleshooting, provide the complete Windows version and build number rather than simply saying that you have Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Check Windows Version Without Opening Settings
If you want the fastest possible method, use winver.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type winver.
- Press Enter.
- Check the About Windows window.
This is often the quickest way to answer the question, “Which Windows do I have?”
How to Check Windows Version on an Older Computer
If the computer is running an older version of Windows and the Settings layout looks different, you can still use the winver command.
Press:
Windows + R → type winver → Enter
The resulting window provides the Windows version information.
You can also open System Information by pressing Windows + R, entering msinfo32, and pressing Enter.
Windows Version vs. Windows Edition vs. Build
These terms can sometimes be confusing.
| Information | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Windows version | The particular Windows release installed |
| Edition | Home, Pro, Enterprise, and other editions |
| OS build | The specific Windows build |
| System type | Whether the operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit |
For example, a computer can have Windows 11 Pro as its edition while also having a specific Windows version and OS build.
What If You Cannot Find Windows Version Information?
If you cannot find the information in Settings, try running winver.
Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.
If that does not provide enough information, open System Information with msinfo32.
If the computer is managed by a workplace or school, some settings may also be restricted. In that situation, you may need assistance from the organisation’s administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have Windows 10 or Windows 11?
Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter. The About Windows window will identify the Windows version installed.
How do I check my Windows edition?
Open Settings → System → About and look under Windows specifications. The Edition field shows whether you have a version such as Home or Pro.
How do I check my Windows build number?
Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter. You can also find the OS build under Windows specifications in Settings.
How do I check if Windows is 64-bit?
Open Settings → System → About and look for System type under device specifications.
Can I check my Windows version without Settings?
Yes. Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter. You can also use the msinfo32 command to open System Information.
