The fastest 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. Below that, you'll see "Version" (a number like 22H2) and "OS Build" (a longer number). Write these down or take a screenshot.

If Settings doesn't open, try the older method: press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. A window will pop up showing your edition and build number in plain text.

Both methods take less than a minute. You need this information because Microsoft stops sending security updates to older versions, and knowing your exact build tells you whether you're current or running on outdated patches.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Windows Edition (10, 11, or older) and Version number (like 22H2) determine which security updates you receive and for how long.
  • Settings > System > About is the quickest way to find this information on any modern Windows laptop.
  • Windows 10 stops receiving updates in October 2025, and Windows 7 and 8 no longer receive any security patches at all.
  • If your version is more than a year old, Windows Update may have new patches waiting — check for updates in Settings > Update & Security.

Why your Windows version number matters for security

Each Windows version receives security patches on a schedule. Windows 11 gets updates monthly, but Windows 10 support ends in October 2025 — after that date, no new patches will be released, even for serious vulnerabilities. Windows 7 and Windows 8 stopped receiving patches years ago, which means any new attack method discovered will work against them forever.

Your specific build number (the OS Build line in About) tells you whether you're current within your version. If you're on Windows 10 Version 22H2 Build 19045, you're on the final version before support ends. If you're on Build 19041 from 2020, you're missing two years of patches. The gap matters because attackers often target known vulnerabilities in older builds.

Knowing your version also helps you understand what features you have access to. Windows 11 includes security features like TPM 2.0 and find Boot that Windows 10 does not require. If you're on Windows 7 or 8, you're missing years of security architecture improvements.

What to do if your Windows version is outdated

If you're on Windows 7, 8, or an old build of Windows 10, the first step is to check for updates. Open Settings, go to Update & Security, and click Check for updates. Windows will read and install any patches available for your current version. This can take 15 minutes to an hour depending on how many updates are waiting. Restart your laptop when prompted.

After updates finish, go back to About and check your build number again. If it has changed, the patches installed successfully. If you're still on Windows 7 or 8, updates will no longer be available — those versions reached end of support in 2020 and 2016. At that point, your main protection is keeping your browser and other software current, using strong passwords, and being cautious about what you read.

If you're on Windows 10 and want to move to Windows 11, check whether your laptop meets the hardware requirements first. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor. You can check this in Settings > System > About by looking for "System type" — if it says "64-bit operating system", you're on the right architecture. For TPM, press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. If a window opens showing TPM 2.0, you meet that requirement.

Understanding the difference between Edition and Version

Windows comes in different editions, and they matter for what you can do with your laptop. Windows 10 Home is the standard version most people have. Windows 10 Pro adds features like BitLocker (full-disk encryption) and Group Policy, which are useful for work but not necessary for home use. Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro follow the same pattern. If you see "Enterprise" or "Education", you're on a version managed by your workplace or school.

The Edition doesn't change how often you get security updates — Home and Pro both receive patches on the same schedule. It only changes what features are available to you. For security purposes, what matters is whether you're on Windows 10 or 11, and whether your build number is current.

How to read your build number and what it tells you

Your OS Build number looks like 19045 or 22621. These numbers are sequential — higher numbers are newer. You can compare your build to Microsoft's official list to see how far behind you are. For Windows 10, the final build is 19045. For Windows 11, builds are in the 22000s and higher. If your build is significantly lower, you have pending updates.

The Version number (like 22H2 or 21H2) is easier to understand — it's the year and half-year of the release. 22H2 means the second half of 2022. 21H2 means the second half of 2021. A version from 2021 on a 2024 laptop means you haven't installed updates in years.

You don't need to memorize these numbers. The important thing is: if your build is more than a few months old, run Windows Update. If you're on Windows 7 or 8, your build will never change again, and you should plan to replace or upgrade that laptop within the next year or two.

Checking Windows version on older laptops

If you're on Windows 7 or 8, the process is the same: Settings > System > About, or Windows key + R, then type winver. The information will look slightly different because the interface is older, but you'll still see Edition and Build number.

For Windows XP or Vista (rarely seen now), right-click My Computer on the desktop, click Properties, and look for the version information in the window that opens. These versions are so old that they pose a real security risk — they no longer receive any patches, and modern malware is often designed to target them specifically.

What happens if you don't update your Windows version

If you stay on an outdated version, your laptop becomes more vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and data theft. Attackers find vulnerabilities in old code and publish exploits — tools that automatically break in. If your Windows version doesn't receive patches, those exploits work forever. A single malicious email attachment or compromised website can give an attacker full control of your laptop.

The risk is not theoretical. Hospitals, schools, and businesses that failed to update from Windows 7 were hit hard by ransomware attacks in the years after support ended. Your personal laptop is a smaller target, but it's still a target — especially if it contains financial information, photos, or login credentials for other accounts.

Updating takes an hour or two and requires a restart. Not updating puts you at ongoing risk. The choice is yours, but the math is straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my Windows version without opening Settings?

Yes. Press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. A window will pop up showing your edition and build number. You can also right-click on This PC or My Computer on your desktop and select Properties, though this method is slower.

What if Windows Update says I'm already up to date but my build number is old?

This usually means you're on the latest build available for your current version. If you're on Windows 10 and the build is 19045, you're on the final version — no newer builds exist. If you want newer security features, you would need to upgrade to Windows 11. If Windows says updates are available but won't install, restart your laptop and try again, or check for updates multiple times over a few days.

Does my Windows version affect my antivirus protection?

Partially. Windows Defender (the built-in antivirus) works on all versions, but it relies on Windows security updates to stay effective. If your Windows version is outdated, Defender can't protect you against vulnerabilities in Windows itself — only against malware it recognizes. An old Windows version is like having a security guard who can spot pickpockets but can't stop someone from breaking down the door.

What if my laptop is too old to upgrade to Windows 11?

If your hardware doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements, you have two choices: stay on Windows 10 and keep it updated until October 2025, or replace the laptop. Staying on Windows 10 is safe as long as you install updates regularly. After October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive patches, and the risk increases significantly. At that point, upgrading the hardware becomes the better option.

Is it safe to skip a Windows update?

No. Each update patches vulnerabilities that attackers are actively exploiting. Skipping updates leaves those holes open. Updates can occasionally cause problems with specific software, but this is rare — the security benefit of updating far outweighs the small risk of a compatibility issue. If an update does break something, you can usually fix it by reinstalling the problematic software or rolling back the update.