The quickest way to check your Windows version

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the result. 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 10, Windows 11, or an older version. The number next to "Version" shows which update you're running.

If you need to know this for a security reason — like checking whether your version still receives updates — this About page also shows your "OS Build" number. That build number is what Microsoft uses to track which security patches you have installed.

The Settings method works on every recent Windows computer and takes about 30 seconds. If Settings won't open or you're on an older machine, the other methods below will work instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Windows version appears in Settings under System > About, in the line labeled "Edition".
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the two versions most people use; anything older than Windows 10 no longer receives security updates.
  • The OS Build number on the same page shows which monthly security patch you have installed.
  • If Settings won't open, you can find the same information by right-clicking "This PC" or "My Computer" and selecting Properties.

Using the System Properties window if Settings doesn't work

Right-click on "This PC" (Windows 10) or "My Computer" (older versions) on your desktop or in File Explorer. Select Properties from the menu. A window will open showing your Windows version at the top, usually listed as "Windows 10" or "Windows 11" next to a version number.

This method is older but more reliable on computers where Settings is slow or broken. The information you see here is identical to what appears in Settings — same version number, same build number — just displayed in a different window.

Checking the version using Command Prompt or PowerShell

If you're comfortable typing commands, this method gives you the most detail. Press the Windows key, type "Command Prompt" or "PowerShell", and open it. Type systeminfo and press Enter. The window will display a list of information about your computer, including "OS Name" (which shows your Windows version) and "OS Version" (which shows the build number).

You can also type winver and press Enter, which opens a small window with just your version and build number. This command is faster if you only need the version, not other system details.

Understanding what the version number means

Windows versions are named by year: Windows 10 was released in 2015, and Windows 11 in 2021. Within each version, Microsoft releases updates roughly every month, and each update gets a build number. A build number like "22621" or "19045" tells you which month's security patches you have installed.

If your build number is more than a few months old, Windows Update may have new patches waiting. You can check for updates by opening Settings, going to Update & Security (Windows 10) or System > Windows Update (Windows 11), and clicking Check for updates.

Knowing your exact version and build number matters for security because older builds stop receiving patches. Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, meaning computers still running Windows 10 after that date will no longer get security updates. Windows 11 will continue receiving updates for years beyond that.

What to do if you find an old version

If your version is Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, your computer no longer receives any security updates from Microsoft. These versions reached "end of support" years ago, meaning no new patches are released even when security problems are discovered. Using an unsupported version puts your computer at risk because attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities that will never be patched.

The practical solution is to upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11. If your computer is very old and won't run Windows 11 (which requires specific hardware), Windows 10 is still supported and will be until October 2025. You can purchase a Windows license from Microsoft or an authorized retailer, or you can buy a new computer with Windows 11 already installed.

Finding your version on a work or school computer

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, the IT department may have locked down Settings or Command Prompt to prevent changes. Try the Settings method first — it usually works even on managed computers. If that doesn't work, right-click "This PC" and select Properties, which almost always works because it's a basic Windows feature.

If both methods fail, contact your IT support team and ask them directly. They have tools to see your version and build number remotely, and they can tell you whether your computer is set to receive updates automatically or on a schedule they control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro?

Both are Windows 10 and receive the same security updates. The Edition line in Settings shows which one you have. Pro includes extra features like remote desktop and encryption, but for security purposes, both versions are equally protected as long as they're on the same build number.

What does "Version" mean compared to "OS Build"?

Version is the release number Microsoft assigns to major updates (like 22H2 for Windows 11). OS Build is the specific patch number. You need the build number to know whether you have the latest security patches; the version number is less important for security.

Can I check someone else's Windows version remotely?

Not without their permission or special software. If you have remote access to their computer through Windows Remote Desktop or a similar tool, you can check their version the same way you'd check your own. Otherwise, you'd need to ask them to tell you or send you a screenshot.

Why does my build number keep changing?

Microsoft releases security updates roughly once a month, and each one increments your build number. This is normal and expected. A changing build number means your computer is receiving patches, which is what you want for security.

What if Settings shows two different version numbers?

You're probably looking at "Version" and "OS Build" — these are two different things and both are correct. Version is the release name (like 22H2), and OS Build is the patch number (like 22621.1234). Both together tell you exactly which Windows you have.