How to Check the Version of Any Software on Windows

Knowing which version of a software application you're running matters more than most people realize. It affects compatibility, security patching, troubleshooting accuracy, and whether a feature you've read about actually exists on your install. Windows gives you several ways to find this information — and which method works best depends on the software itself.

Why Software Version Numbers Matter

Software versioning isn't just bookkeeping. Version numbers tell you where a program sits in its development lifecycle — what bugs have been fixed, what features are available, and whether your copy is still receiving security updates.

When you contact support, the first thing most tech teams ask is: what version are you running? When you read a tutorial, the steps often only apply to specific versions. When a vulnerability is disclosed, the patch coverage is defined by version number. Getting this information quickly and accurately is a basic but valuable skill.

Method 1: Check Through the Application's Own Menu

The most straightforward approach for most desktop software is to look inside the program itself.

Steps:

Open the application
Click Help in the menu bar (or the application's name on some newer apps)
Look for About [App Name] or About This Program
The version number is typically displayed prominently on the screen that opens

This works reliably for most traditional Windows desktop applications — browsers, office suites, media players, design tools, and more. The version string may appear as a simple number like 14.0, a build number like 14.0.7268.5000, or a release name alongside a number.

Some applications display this under File → Help, others under a gear icon or hamburger menu. Modern apps that follow a ribbon or minimal-chrome design (like Microsoft Edge or newer Office apps) often place it under Settings → About.

Method 2: Use Windows Settings (For Installed Apps) ⚙️

Windows keeps a registry of installed applications, and you can browse version numbers directly from Settings.

On Windows 10:

Open Settings → Apps → Apps & Features
Scroll to find the application
Click on it — some apps display the version directly beneath the name; others require clicking Advanced options

On Windows 11:

Open Settings → Apps → Installed Apps
Scroll or search for the application
Version information appears beneath the app name for most entries

This method is especially useful when you need to check the version of a program without opening it, or when an app doesn't have a traditional menu structure.

Method 3: Check File Properties in File Explorer

Every executable file on Windows carries metadata, including version information embedded by the developer at build time.

Steps:

Navigate to the application's installation folder (commonly C:Program Files or C:Program Files (x86))
Find the main .exe file for the application
Right-click the file → select Properties
Click the Details tab
Look for File version or Product version

File version refers to the specific build of that executable. Product version refers to the broader release of the software product. These numbers are sometimes identical, sometimes different — particularly in larger software suites where individual components are updated independently.

This method works even for portable apps (software that doesn't install formally) and gives you granular version data that the in-app "About" screen sometimes rounds or summarizes.

Method 4: Use PowerShell or Command Prompt for Precision

For IT professionals, developers, or anyone managing multiple machines, the command line offers fast, scriptable version lookups.