The fastest way to check your Windows version

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the first result. Go to System on the left side, scroll down, and click About. Look for the line that says "Edition" — that tells you whether you have Windows 10, Windows 11, or an older version. Below that, "Version" shows the specific build number your computer is running.

That's the method most people use because Settings is already on your computer and takes about 30 seconds. If Settings doesn't open or you need more detail, the other methods below will work.

Key Takeaways

  • Settings > System > About shows your Windows edition and version number in one place.
  • The "Edition" line tells you if you have Windows 10, Windows 11, Home, Pro, or Enterprise.
  • The "Version" number below Edition shows which build update your computer is running.
  • If Settings won't open, right-click "This PC" on your desktop and select Properties to see the same information.

Using the Run command for a faster shortcut

Press Windows key + R to open the Run box. Type winver and press Enter. A window will pop up showing your Windows version, edition, and build number all at once. This method skips the Settings menu entirely and works on almost every Windows computer.

The winver window also shows your system name and the date you installed Windows, which can be useful if you need to troubleshoot or contact support. Close the window when you're done — there's nothing to save.

Right-clicking This PC if Settings is frozen

If your Settings app won't respond, right-click the "This PC" icon on your desktop (or in File Explorer on the left side). Select Properties at the bottom of the menu. A window opens showing your Windows edition under "System" near the top. Scroll down to find "Windows specifications" for the version and build number.

This method works even when Settings is slow or crashing. If you don't see "This PC" on your desktop, open File Explorer, look for it in the left sidebar, right-click it there, and choose Properties the same way.

Understanding what the numbers mean

Windows comes in different editions: Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education are the most common. Home is what most personal computers ship with. Pro adds features like remote desktop and encryption. Enterprise and Education are for businesses and schools. Your edition determines which features you can use, so it matters when you're deciding whether to upgrade or troubleshoot a missing feature.

The version number (like 22H2 or 21H2) tells you which major update your computer has installed. Microsoft releases these updates twice a year, usually in spring and fall. The build number is even more specific — it's the exact patch level. You don't usually need to memorize it, but support staff sometimes ask for it when you're troubleshooting a bug.

What to do if you see an unfamiliar edition name

Some computers show "Windows 10 Enterprise" or "Windows 11 Education" instead of Home or Pro. These editions are typically installed on work or school computers by an IT department. You can still use all the troubleshooting steps above to see which one you have, but you may not be able to change settings that are locked by your organization's policies.

If you're on a work computer and a setting is grayed out, contact your IT support team — they control those restrictions. If you're on a personal computer and see Enterprise or Education, your computer may have been set up with a volume license, and you should check with whoever set it up originally.

Checking if you need to update Windows

Once you know your version number, you can see if an update is available. Go back to Settings > System > About and look for a button that says Check for updates. Click it, and Windows will tell you whether you're on the latest version or if a newer one is waiting to install.

If an update is available, Windows will usually download it automatically and ask you to restart at a convenient time. You don't have to rush — updates stay available for weeks. If you want to delay, you can usually choose a time that works better for you, though Windows will eventually require the restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to know my Windows version?

Support staff ask for it when you're troubleshooting a problem, because some bugs only affect certain versions. Knowing your version also tells you whether you're may be able to access for new features — Windows 11 requires specific hardware, so older computers stay on Windows 10. Some software also requires a minimum Windows version to run.

What's the difference between version and build number?

Version (like 22H2) is the major update released twice a year. Build number is the exact patch level, updated more frequently with security fixes. You usually only need the version number unless you're working with technical support on a specific bug.

Can I change my Windows edition from Home to Pro?

Yes, but it costs money — you'll need to purchase a Pro license through Microsoft or a retailer. Go to Settings > System > About and look for an "Upgrade now" button if your computer supports it. Some older computers can't upgrade to Pro due to hardware limits.

What if the Settings app won't open at all?

Try the Run command method (Windows key + R, then type winver) or right-click This PC and select Properties. If neither of those works, your Windows installation may have a serious problem, and you should contact Microsoft support or a local technician.

Is my Windows version the same as my build number?

No — version is the major release (like Windows 11 22H2), and build is the specific patch level underneath it. Think of version as the year of a car model and build as the exact production date. You need the version for most purposes, but support may ask for the build number too.