How to Check Your Windows Version

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you're doing some troubleshooting for your computer, you may need to know what version and build of Windows you are running. This can help others narrow down your problems based on what version you are using. Finding your Windows version, and whether you have a 32-bit operating system or a 64-bit operating system , only takes a minute. This wikiHow teaches you how to identify which version of Windows you are already running.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Finding Your Windows Version in Run

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-1-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-1-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-1-Version-7.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-1-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This opens the Run dialogue box on Windows. [1]
    • Alternatively, you can right-click the Start menu button and click Run .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":349,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":552,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This opens "About Windows" in a separate window. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-3-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-3-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-3-Version-6.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-3-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your Windows release will be displayed at the top of the About Windows window. Your Windows version is displayed next to "Version" and your build number is displayed next to "Build" to the right of "Version. (e.g. "Version 6.3 (Build 9600)"). As of January 2022, the latest version of Windows 10 is Version 21H2.
    • If you are not running the latest version of Windows, it's recommended that you update Windows immediately.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Find Your Windows Version in Settings

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-4-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-4-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-4-Version-6.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-4-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the button with the Windows logo. By default, it's in the lower-left corner in the Windows taskbar. This displays the start menu. [3]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-5-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-5-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-5-Version-6.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-5-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the sidebar to the left of the Windows Start menu. This displays the Settings menu. [4]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-6.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's next to an icon that resembles a laptop computer. It's the first option in the Windows Settings menu. [5]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-7.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the last option in the sidebar to the left. This displays information about your system. [6]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-8.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This information is displayed on the "About" page in Windows Settings. As of May 2020, the latest version of Windows 10 is Version 2004.
    • Your system type (i.e. 32-bit/64-bit) is displayed next to System Type below "Device Specifications".
    • Your Windows Edition (i.e. Windows 10 Home) is displayed next to Edition below "Windows Specifications".
    • Your Windows version is displayed next to Version below "Windows Specifications".
    • Your Windows Build number is displayed next to OS Build , below "Windows Specifications".
    6. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Determining if Windows is 32-Bits or 64-Bits

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-9.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the button with the Windows logo. By default, it's in the lower-left corner in the Windows taskbar. This displays the start menu. [7]
    • Alternatively, you can press the Win + Pause keys to display the System Information screen in the Control Panel.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-10.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This displays the Control Panel in the Start menu.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-11.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It has an icon that resembles a blue screen with graphs. This opens the Control Panel.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-12.jpg\/aid1074259-v4-728px-Check-Your-Windows-Version-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You will find your system information displayed in this Window. [8]
    • Your Windows Edition (i.e. Windows 10 Home) is displayed below "Windows edition".
    • Your system type (i.e. 32-bit/64-bit) is displayed next to System Type below "System".
    5. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Check Main System Information in System Information

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Open-system-infor.png\/460px-Open-system-infor.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Open-system-infor.png\/718px-Open-system-infor.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":359,"bigWidth":718,"bigHeight":560,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Open System Information . Click on the Search bar and type “ System Information ” in its search box. Select it from the result. [9]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/3-system-summary.png\/460px-3-system-summary.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/3-system-summary.png\/713px-3-system-summary.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":361,"bigWidth":714,"bigHeight":560,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Select a tab to view. There are three tabs listed in the top-left corner under System Summary which are Hardware Resources , Components and Software Environment . Click on “ + ” in front of each tab to select and view a subcategory.
    3. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I check my download speed?
    Community Answer
    Google "test my internet speed", and click on one of the links to a internet speed test. The test usually tests upload and download speeds.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 12
  • Question
    How do I install my updates?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your version, but usually you'd go to Control Panel or Settings and choose Windows Update.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
  • Question
    My mouse suddenly goes to upper left of screen and I can't control it. Advice?
    ッRosie~Dosieッ
    Community Answer
    If that happens, it might mean that your PC is hacked. Check the security On your PC and scan it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Navigate the Windows Directory
      How to
      Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC: 8 Simple Tricks
      How to
      Find Your Windows Product Key
      Easily Download and Install FFmpeg on a Windows PC
      How to
      Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      How to
      Start Windows in Safe Mode: 6 Easy Options
      4 Easy Ways to Access the Boot Options Menu in Windows
      How to
      Access the BIOS on Any PC: Guide + Troubleshooting
      2 Ways to Alter the Size of Your Windows Desktop Taskbar
      How to
      Disable BitLocker Encryption in Windows 10 and 11
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      Installing Windows After Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
      2 Ways to Turn Off S Mode on a Windows 11 PC
      How to
      Stop Windows from Freezing: Easy Troubleshooting Guide
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/which-version-of-windows-operating-system-am-i-running-628bec99-476a-2c13-5296-9dd081cdd808
      2. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/client-tools/windows-version-search
      3. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/client-tools/windows-version-search
      4. ↑ https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000018246/emerging-technologies.html
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/which-version-of-windows-operating-system-am-i-running-628bec99-476a-2c13-5296-9dd081cdd808
      6. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/which-version-of-windows-operating-system-am-i-running-628bec99-476a-2c13-5296-9dd081cdd808
      7. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/32-bit-and-64-bit-windows-frequently-asked-questions-c6ca9541-8dce-4d48-0415-94a3faa2e13d
      8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/32-bit-and-64-bit-windows-frequently-asked-questions-c6ca9541-8dce-4d48-0415-94a3faa2e13d
      9. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/view-your-system-info-a965a8f2-0773-1d65-472a-1e747c9ebe00

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Click the Windows Start button.
      2. Click the Gear/Settings icon.
      3. Click System .
      4. Click About .
      5. Check your Device and Windows specifications.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,067,444 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Victor Carr

        Aug 20, 2016

        "I was one of those lucky people and took advantage of Windows 10 when it first hit my computer saying it was free. ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement