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 on the left side, 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 you're on an older computer, you can also right-click the Start button, select System, and scroll to the bottom of the window. The same information appears there.

Key Takeaways

  • Settings > System > About is the standard way to find your Windows version, edition, and build number in one place.
  • Your Edition (like Windows 11 Home or Windows 10 Pro) determines which security features and updates you receive.
  • The Version and OS Build numbers tell you whether you have the latest security patches installed.
  • If you see a version number older than a few months, Windows Update may have pending patches you need to install.

What the version numbers actually mean

Windows comes in different editions — Home, Pro, Enterprise — and each one gets the same security updates but with different features available. Home is what most people have. Pro adds features like remote desktop and encryption. The edition you have doesn't change how often you get security patches, but it does change what tools you have to manage them.

The Version number (like 23H2 or 22H2) tells you which major update cycle you're on. Microsoft releases these roughly twice a year. The OS Build number is more specific — it's the exact patch level. Two computers with the same Edition and Version but different Build numbers have different security patches installed.

Why checking matters for security

Your Windows version determines whether you still receive security updates at all. Windows 10 stopped receiving updates in October 2025, which means computers still running it no longer get patches for new threats. Windows 11 is the current supported version and receives updates every month.

If you're on Windows 10, you should plan to upgrade to Windows 11 or replace the computer, because running an unsupported operating system leaves you exposed to viruses and malware that Microsoft no longer patches. Check your version now so you know whether this applies to you.

How to read the About screen

When you open Settings > System > About, you'll see several lines of information. The most important ones are:

  • Edition: Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 Home, etc. This is what you have.
  • Version: A number like 23H2 or 22H2. Newer numbers mean more recent updates.
  • OS Build: A five-digit number like 22621.3737. This is the exact patch level.
  • System type: Either 64-bit or 32-bit. Most modern computers are 64-bit.

You don't need to understand every line on this screen. The Edition and Version are what matter for knowing whether you're supported and up to date.

Checking if you need to update

After you find your version, you can check whether Windows has newer patches waiting. Press the Windows key, type "Update", and select Check for updates. Windows will scan for any patches newer than what you have installed. If it finds any, click read and install. This usually takes 10 to 30 minutes, and your computer may restart.

If you're on Windows 10, the update check will tell you that you're on an unsupported version. At that point, you have two choices: buy a new computer with Windows 11 already installed, or buy a Windows 11 license and install it on your current machine if your hardware supports it.

What to do if you can't find the About screen

On very old computers or if Settings is broken, you can check your version another way. Right-click on This PC or My Computer on your desktop or in File Explorer, select Properties, and look for the Windows version near the bottom of the window. This shows less detail than Settings does, but it tells you the Edition and Version.

You can also press the Windows key and R together to open the Run box, type winver, and press Enter. A window will pop up showing your Edition, Version, and Build number. This method works on almost every Windows computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Version and OS Build?

Version is the major update cycle (like 23H2), released roughly twice a year. OS Build is the exact patch number within that version. You can have the same Version as someone else but a different Build if you haven't installed the latest monthly patches yet.

Do I need to upgrade if I have Windows 10?

Yes. Windows 10 stopped receiving security updates in October 2025. Running it now means new viruses and malware won't be patched. You'll need to upgrade to Windows 11 or get a new computer.

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on my current computer?

Maybe. Windows 11 requires specific hardware, including a compatible processor and TPM 2.0 chip. Check the About screen to see your processor, then search online for whether it's on Microsoft's supported list. If it's not, you'll need a new computer.

How often does Windows release new versions?

Microsoft releases major versions (like the jump from 22H2 to 23H2) roughly twice a year. Security patches come out monthly. You should check for updates at least monthly to stay protected.

What does "64-bit" or "32-bit" mean on the About screen?

This describes how your processor handles data. 64-bit is newer and faster, and almost all modern computers use it. 32-bit is older and slower. This doesn't affect security, but it does affect which programs you can install.