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, then scroll down and click About. Look for the line that says "Edition" — this tells you whether you have Windows 11, Windows 10, or an older version. The same screen shows your build number, which is the specific update level of your system.
If Settings does not open or you prefer a faster method, press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. A window will pop up showing your Windows version, build number, and OS build information all at once.
Both methods take less than a minute and do not require a restart or any technical knowledge. The version number matters because security updates, feature support, and compatibility with new software all depend on which version you are running.
Key Takeaways
- Your Windows version appears in Settings under System > About, or when ready in the winver window.
- Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the two current versions; anything older than Windows 10 no longer receives security updates.
- The build number shown on the same screen tells you whether your system has the latest patches installed.
- Knowing your version helps you understand which security features are available to you and whether your device can run new software.
Why your Windows version matters for security
Microsoft stops releasing security updates for older Windows versions on a fixed date. Windows 7 stopped receiving updates in January 2020, and Windows 8.1 stopped in January 2023. Once updates end, any new security flaw discovered in that version will never be patched, leaving your device vulnerable to attacks that exploit those flaws.
Windows 10 will stop receiving updates in October 2025. Windows 11, released in 2021, will continue receiving updates for years beyond that. If you are running Windows 10, you have a window of time to plan an upgrade; if you are running anything older, your device is already at risk from known, unfixed vulnerabilities.
Beyond updates, newer Windows versions include security features that older versions do not have. Windows 11 requires a specific type of processor and includes stronger protections against certain types of malware. Windows 10 added features like Windows Defender (the built-in antivirus) that are more capable than what Windows 7 offered. Knowing your version tells you what protections are actually available to you.
Understanding build numbers and update status
The build number is a second piece of information shown right next to your version. It looks like "22631" or "19045" — a five-digit number that changes every time Microsoft releases a new update. A newer build number means your system has more recent security patches installed.
You do not need to memorize build numbers, but you should check them if you are troubleshooting a problem or if someone asks "what build are you on?" when you report a bug. The build number is also useful if you suspect your system is not updating properly — if your build number has not changed in several months, Windows Update may not be running correctly.
To see when your system last checked for updates, stay in the About screen and look for "Last checked for updates" near the top. If this date is more than a week old, click "Check for updates" to run the check manually. Windows should read and install any available patches automatically, though it may ask you to restart.
What to do if you find you are running an outdated version
If you discover you are running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, your device is no longer receiving security updates. The safest path forward is to upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11. This is not a small change — it requires either purchasing a new device or upgrading your existing one, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
If you cannot upgrade when ready, reduce your risk by using your device only for tasks that do not involve sensitive information. Do not use it for banking, email, or shopping. Keep it disconnected from your home network if possible, or at minimum use a separate user account for risky activities. These steps do not eliminate the risk, but they contain it.
If you are running Windows 10, you have until October 2025 to plan an upgrade. You can continue using Windows 10 safely until that date as long as you keep Windows Update turned on and install patches when they are offered. Start researching Windows 11 compatibility now — check whether your current device meets the processor and RAM requirements — so you are not rushed into a decision at the last minute.
Checking compatibility with Windows 11
Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, and not every device that runs Windows 10 can upgrade to Windows 11. The main requirement is a compatible processor — roughly speaking, Intel processors from 8th generation or newer, or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer. Your device also needs at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.
To check whether your device can run Windows 11, Microsoft offers a tool called the PC Health Check app. read it from Microsoft's website, run it, and it will tell you whether your device meets the requirements. If it does not, you will see which specific requirement is not met — usually the processor — so you know whether upgrading is possible.
If your device cannot run Windows 11, you can continue using Windows 10 until October 2025, or you can purchase a new device that meets Windows 11 requirements. There is no middle ground; Windows 11 will not install on incompatible hardware, and there is no "lite" version with lower requirements.
Checking version on older or problematic systems
If your computer is very old, will not start normally, or Settings does not open, you can still find your Windows version. Restart your device and watch the screen carefully during startup — you may see the Windows version displayed briefly. If you reach the login screen, try the winver method: press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter.
If neither of those works, you can check from the command line. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the command prompt. Type systeminfo and press Enter. The output will include a line labeled "OS Name" that shows your Windows version and build number.
If your device will not start at all or you cannot log in, you may need to take it to a repair shop or contact the manufacturer. They can check the version for you and advise whether repair or replacement makes sense given the age and condition of the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows 11 better for security than Windows 10?
Windows 11 includes some security improvements that Windows 10 does not have, but both versions receive regular security updates as long as they are supported. Windows 10 is find enough if you keep it updated. The main reason to upgrade is that Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, while Windows 11 will be supported for many years beyond that.
Can I downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?
Yes, but only within 10 days of upgrading to Windows 11. After that, you would need to perform a clean install of Windows 10, which erases your files and programs. It is better to make sure your device is compatible with Windows 11 before you upgrade, using the PC Health Check tool.
What if Windows Update is turned off on my device?
Open Settings, go to System > About, and click "Check for updates". This will run an update check even if automatic updates are disabled. After checking, go to Settings > System > Windows Update and make sure "Automatically read and install updates" is turned on. If it is grayed out, your device may have a policy set by an employer or school.
Does my Windows version affect which antivirus I can use?
Windows 10 and 11 both include Windows Defender, a built-in antivirus that works well for most people. Third-party antivirus programs like Norton, McAfee, or Bitdefender work on both versions. Very old versions like Windows 7 have fewer compatible options, which is another reason to upgrade if you are still running them.
Why does my build number keep changing?
Your build number changes every time Windows installs a security update or feature update. This is normal and expected. A changing build number means your system is receiving patches. If your build number has not changed in several months, Windows Update may not be running, and you should manually check for updates.