Check your Windows version in Settings

The fastest way to find your Windows version is through the Settings app. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type "settings," and open the Settings process. Once it opens, click on "System" in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click "About" at the bottom of that list.

On the About page, look for the line that says "Edition." This tells you whether you run Windows 10 or Windows 11. Just below that, you'll see "Version" — this is the specific update number of your system. Write down both pieces of information; you'll need them if you ever contact support or check whether a security patch applies to your machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Windows version number determines which security updates your laptop receives, so knowing it helps you understand what protections are active.
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 receive updates on different schedules, and older versions of either one stop receiving security patches after a set date.
  • You can find your version in Settings > System > About in under one minute.
  • If your version is no longer supported, your laptop remains vulnerable to newly discovered threats that Microsoft no longer patches.

Use the Run command for a faster shortcut

If you prefer a quicker route, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "winver" and press Enter. A window will pop up showing your Windows edition and version number in seconds.

This method shows the same information as Settings but skips the navigation steps. Some people find it faster once they know the shortcut exists.

Check the version number on your login screen

Before you even log in to your laptop, you can see your Windows version. Look at the bottom right corner of the login screen — you'll see small text that says something like "Windows 10" or "Windows 11." This doesn't show you the specific version number, but it tells you which major release you're running.

This method is useful if your laptop won't start normally or if you're troubleshooting a problem before logging in. The version number itself (the update number) still requires you to use Settings or the Run command.

Understand what your version number means for security

Windows 10 and Windows 11 both receive monthly security updates, but the version number tells you how current your patches are. A version number like "22H2" means you're running the latest major update released in the second half of 2022. If your version is much older, you may be missing months of security fixes.

Microsoft stops supporting older versions of Windows entirely. Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, meaning no new security patches will be released after that date. If you're still running Windows 10 at that point, your laptop becomes vulnerable to threats that Microsoft will no longer fix. Windows 11 has a longer support window, but individual versions within Windows 11 also age out and stop receiving updates.

Knowing your version number lets you check Microsoft's support page to see when your specific version stops receiving updates. This is the single most important reason to know what you're running.

Update to the latest version if yours is outdated

If you discover your version is old, you can update it through Settings. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click "Check for updates." Windows will read and install the latest version for your edition.

Updates usually require a restart, and the process can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed and how many updates are pending. Plan for this when you're not in the middle of work. If you see a message that says updates are available but not yet installed, restart your laptop — the installation often happens during the restart.

What to do if Windows says your version is no longer supported

If you check your version and find that Microsoft no longer supports it, you have two options. The first is to update to a newer version of the same Windows edition — if you're on Windows 10, you can update to the latest Windows 10 version, which will buy you more time before support ends.

The second option is to upgrade to Windows 11 if your laptop meets the hardware requirements. Windows 11 has stricter requirements than Windows 10 (it requires a compatible processor and TPM 2.0 chip), so not every older laptop can run it. You can check whether your laptop qualifies by going to Settings > System > About and looking for a line that says "Windows 11 upgrade available" — if it appears, your hardware supports the upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Windows edition and version number?

Edition tells you which product you own — Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 11 Home, or Windows 11 Pro. Version number tells you which update of that edition you're running. You need both pieces of information to understand your security status.

Does my version number affect which programs I can run?

Rarely. Most programs care whether you're on Windows 10 or Windows 11, not the specific version number. However, some older software may not run on Windows 11 at all, so the edition matters more than the version in that case.

How often should I check my Windows version?

You don't need to check it regularly. Windows updates automatically by default, so your version advances on its own. Check it once if you're concerned about security, or if you're troubleshooting a problem and support asks what version you're running.

Can I see my Windows version on a Mac or Chromebook?

No. This process only works on Windows laptops. Mac users check their version in System Settings > General > About, and Chromebook users check in Settings > About Chrome OS.

What if Windows Update says my version is up to date but I'm still worried about security?

If Windows says you're on the latest version, you have the most recent patches available for your edition. The only remaining concern is whether your edition itself is still supported by Microsoft — check the support end date for your Windows 10 or Windows 11 version on Microsoft's website.