Where to find your Windows version in three steps

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click System in the left menu, then scroll down and click About. Your Windows version appears under "Edition" — it will say Windows 10. Below that, under "Version", you'll see a number like 22H2 or 21H2. That version number tells you which update you're running.

If you need the full build number as well — the longer string that looks like 19045.3693 — scroll down further on the same About page. You'll see OS Build listed there. Write down both the version and the build number if you're troubleshooting a problem or checking whether your system has a specific security patch.

The fastest way if you're in a hurry: press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. A small window pops up showing your version, build number, and release date all at once. This method works the same way on every Windows 10 machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Windows version number (like 22H2) appears in Settings > System > About under "Version".
  • The OS Build number on the same page is a longer code that identifies exactly which security updates you have installed.
  • Pressing Windows key + R, typing winver, and pressing Enter shows both your version and build in one small window.
  • Knowing your version and build matters because some security patches and program compatibility issues depend on which update you're running.
  • Windows 10 receives updates roughly every three months, so checking your version helps you know if you're current.

What the version number actually means

Windows 10 uses a two-part version system. The first part is the year and month of the update — 22H2 means the second half of 2022, 21H2 means the second half of 2021. The second part, the OS Build number, is more specific. It tells you exactly which patch level you're on within that version. Two machines running 22H2 might have different build numbers if one received a security update that the other hasn't downloaded yet.

The reason this matters: some programs won't run on older builds, and some security vulnerabilities only affect certain build numbers. When you contact support for a program that's crashing or not working, they'll often ask for your build number first. It's the fastest way for them to know whether the problem is something they've already fixed or something specific to your setup.

Checking if you're fully updated

After you find your version number, you can check whether Windows has more updates waiting. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Windows will scan for any patches newer than what you have installed. If it finds any, it will read and install them automatically, usually overnight or the next time you restart.

If you see a message saying "You're up to date", your version and build are current. If you see pending updates, Windows will install them the next time you shut down or restart your machine. You don't have to do anything — the updates happen in the background. However, if you're troubleshooting a problem and support asks you to update first, you can force a restart by going to the same Windows Update page and clicking Restart now.

Why your build number changes even when the version stays the same

Windows 10 receives major updates roughly every six months — those are the version changes (21H2 to 22H2). Between those major updates, Microsoft releases smaller security patches almost every month. Each patch bumps your build number up by one or two digits, but your version number stays the same. This is why two people both running "Windows 10 version 22H2" might have different build numbers — one person restarted their machine last week and got the latest patch, the other hasn't restarted yet.

You don't need to track every build number change. What matters is that you see updates available when you check, and you let them install. If you're the type who avoids restarting your machine for weeks, your build number will fall behind, and you'll be missing security patches. Restarting once a week keeps you current.

What to do if your version looks very old

If you check your version and see something like 21H1 or 20H2, your machine hasn't received updates in a long time. This usually means Windows Update is turned off, or your machine hasn't restarted since the last update was downloaded. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and look for any message about pending updates. If you see one, restart your machine — the update will install during the restart.

If Windows Update says you're up to date but your version is still old, your machine may have a problem downloading updates. Check your internet connection first — if it's working, try restarting anyway. If you restart and the version still doesn't change after a few days, you may need to run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, click Windows Update, and follow the steps. The troubleshooter can fix most update problems automatically.

Reporting your version to support or forums

When you post about a problem online or contact a company's support team, include both your version and your build number. Say it like this: "I'm running Windows 10 version 22H2, build 19045.3693." This tells support exactly what you have, and they can tell you whether the problem is known on your build or whether it's something specific to your setup.

If you're posting in a forum or on social media, include the version and build in your first message. Don't wait for someone to ask — it saves back-and-forth. You can copy the information directly from the About page or from the winver window, and paste it into your post. The more specific you are, the faster someone can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between Windows 10 version and Windows 10 build?

Yes. The version (like 22H2) is the major update you're on. The build (like 19045.3693) is the specific patch level within that version. Support usually needs the build number because it tells them exactly which security updates you have.

Will checking my version number change anything on my computer?

No. Looking at your version in Settings or running winver only shows you information — it doesn't install anything or change any settings. You can check as often as you want without any effect on your system.

What should I do if Windows Update won't let me update to a newer version?

First, restart your machine and check for updates again. If that doesn't work, make sure you have at least 10 GB of free disk space — updates need room to read and install. If you still can't update after restarting and freeing space, run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Can I downgrade to an older version of Windows 10?

You can go back to the previous version within about 10 days of updating, using Settings > System > Recovery > Go back. After 10 days, the old version is deleted and you can't downgrade. If you need to go back further than that, you'd have to reinstall Windows from scratch, which erases everything on your drive.

Does my version number affect which programs I can run?

Sometimes. Most programs run on any recent version of Windows 10, but some newer software requires a minimum build number. If a program won't install, check its system requirements — it might list a minimum build. Updating Windows usually solves this problem.