The fastest way to check your Windows version

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select it from the results. Go to System in the left menu, scroll down, and click About. Look for the line that says Edition — that tells you whether you have Windows 11, Windows 10, or an older version. Below that, Version shows the specific update number, and OS Build shows the exact build you're running.

If Settings doesn't open or feels slow, you can also press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. A window will pop up showing your edition, version, and build number in seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Settings > System > About shows your Windows edition and version number in one place.
  • The winver command opens a quick window with the same information if Settings is slow or unresponsive.
  • Edition tells you Windows 10 or 11; Version tells you the update number; OS Build tells you the exact build.
  • You may also see a Release ID, which is another way Microsoft labels versions — both the Version and Release ID refer to the same update.

Understanding what each number means

Edition is the broadest category. Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 Home, and Windows 10 Pro are the most common editions you'll see on personal computers. Enterprise and Education editions exist but are typically used by organizations, not individual users.

Version refers to the update cycle. Windows 10 and 11 receive major updates roughly twice a year, and each one gets a version number. Version 22H2 means the second half of 2022; Version 23H2 means the second half of 2023. Knowing your version matters because older versions eventually stop receiving security updates, usually around 18 months after release.

OS Build is the most specific number. It changes with every patch and security update. If you're troubleshooting a problem or reporting a bug, the build number is what support staff will ask for first, because it tells them exactly which fixes and patches are installed on your machine.

Other places to find your Windows version

If you're at the login screen and haven't signed in yet, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then select Sign out. On the login screen, look at the bottom right corner — you'll see a small line of text showing your Windows edition and build number.

You can also right-click This PC or My Computer on your desktop or in File Explorer, select Properties, and scroll down. The System section will show your edition and OS build, though this method is slower than Settings or winver.

Command Prompt and PowerShell both have commands that show version information. Open Command Prompt (search for "cmd") and type systeminfo, then press Enter. Look for the line that says "OS Name" and "OS Version" — this gives you the edition and build. PowerShell users can type Get-ComputerInfo for the same information.

What to do if you're running an old version

If your version number is more than 18 months old, Windows will stop sending you security updates within the next few months. You don't need to do anything immediately, but you should plan to update soon. Open Settings, go to Update & Security (Windows 10) or System > Windows Update (Windows 11), and click Check for updates. Windows will download and install the latest version automatically, though you may need to restart your computer.

If you're running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, those versions no longer receive any security updates at all. Microsoft stopped supporting them years ago. You should consider upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 to keep your computer secure, though this may require purchasing a new license or a new computer depending on your hardware.

Why your version matters

Your Windows version determines which security patches you receive. Older versions stop getting updates, which means new viruses and security holes won't be patched. Software companies also stop supporting old versions — some programs won't run on Windows 7 anymore, and fewer programs will run on Windows 10 as time goes on.

Your edition (Home, Pro, etc.) determines which features you can use. Windows 11 Pro includes tools like BitLocker encryption and Group Policy that Home doesn't have. If you need those features for work, knowing your edition tells you whether you need to upgrade.

Checking version on a work or school computer

If your computer is managed by an organization, you may see additional information in the About section, such as a device name or organization name. The version and build numbers work the same way. If you need to update and your computer is managed, contact your IT department or help desk — they may control when updates happen, or they may have already scheduled updates for you.

Some organizations lock certain settings, so you may not be able to check for updates yourself. If you see a message saying updates are managed by your organization, that's normal and expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Version and OS Build?

Version is the update cycle (like 22H2 or 23H2), which changes roughly twice a year. OS Build is the exact patch number, which changes with every security update. Both refer to the same update, just at different levels of detail. Support staff usually ask for the build number because it's more specific.

Do I need to update if my version is old but my computer works fine?

Yes. Old versions stop receiving security patches, which means new viruses and hacking methods won't be fixed. Your computer may work fine today, but it becomes more vulnerable over time. Updates are free and usually take 30 minutes to an hour.

Can I downgrade to an older version of Windows?

Downgrading is possible but difficult and not recommended. You would need to back up your files, erase your hard drive, and reinstall an older version from scratch. Most people should update instead. If you have a specific program that doesn't work on your current version, contact the software maker to see if they have an update.

Why does my computer show two different version numbers?

You may see both a Version number (like 23H2) and a Release ID (like 23H2). These refer to the same update — Microsoft just labels it two ways. Both are correct. The OS Build number is the most specific and is what changes with each security patch.

Is it safe to update Windows?

Yes. Updates fix security problems and bugs. The main inconvenience is that your computer will restart, which can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many updates are pending. Back up important files before updating, though data loss during updates is rare.