Check your Windows version in Settings

The fastest way to find your Windows version is through the Settings app. Press the Windows key and the letter I at the same time, or click the Start button and select Settings. Then go to System, scroll down, and click About. You will see your Windows version listed as "Edition" — it will say Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows 12, depending on what you have.

Below the edition, you will also see your OS Build number. This is the specific update level of your Windows version. If you are troubleshooting a problem or checking whether you have the latest patches, the build number matters more than the edition number. Write both down if you are asking someone for help with your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to System, scroll to About, and read the Edition line to see whether you have Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows 12.
  • The OS Build number below the edition tells you which update level you are on, which matters for security patches and bug fixes.
  • You can also right-click This PC or My Computer on your desktop and select Properties to see the same information.
  • Knowing your exact version and build number helps you understand which programs will run on your computer and whether you need to update.

Use the System Information window for more detail

If you need more technical details about your Windows installation, the System Information window shows everything. Press the Windows key, type "System Information," and press Enter. The window that opens displays your edition, build number, and also tells you how much RAM you have, what processor is installed, and when your system was installed.

This window is useful if you are buying new software or a hardware upgrade and need to verify that your computer meets the requirements. Most programs list a minimum Windows version they need to run — knowing your exact build number means you can check the publisher's website and confirm compatibility before you buy.

Right-click This PC to see version information

An older method that still works is to right-click This PC (or My Computer on older systems) on your desktop, then select Properties. A window opens showing your Windows edition and some system details. This method takes one extra step compared to Settings, but it works the same way and shows the same information.

If you do not see This PC on your desktop, you can also open File Explorer, look for This PC in the left sidebar, right-click it, and select Properties. The Properties window will display your Windows version and build number in the same location.

Understand what the version number means

Windows comes in numbered versions: Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the most common right now, with Windows 12 arriving later. Each version number represents a major release with significant changes to how the system works. If you have Windows 10, you cannot upgrade to Windows 11 features without doing a full upgrade — you have to go through the Windows Update process or read the upgrade installer from Microsoft's website.

Within each version, Microsoft releases updates throughout the year. These updates are identified by the OS Build number, which looks like 22621.1928 or similar. You do not need to do anything special to get these updates — Windows Update handles them automatically. The build number tells you how current your system is, and it matters when you are checking whether a security patch has been installed or whether a bug you experienced has been fixed.

Check if you have a Home, Pro, or Enterprise edition

Windows comes in different editions, and the edition you have affects which features are available. Windows 10 and Windows 11 both come in Home, Pro, and Enterprise versions. Home is the standard version most people have. Pro adds features like remote desktop access, the ability to join a domain, and better backup tools. Enterprise is for large organizations and is not sold to individual users.

You can see which edition you have in the same Settings window where you checked your version. The Edition line will say "Windows 11 Home" or "Windows 11 Pro," for example. If you need a feature that is only in Pro, you can upgrade from Home to Pro through the Microsoft Store, though this costs money. Most people never need to upgrade — Home has everything needed for everyday use.

Update Windows if you are on an old build

If your OS Build number is more than a few months old, you may be missing security updates. Open Settings, go to Update & Security (or System > Windows Update on Windows 11), and click Check for Updates. Windows will read and install any available patches. You may need to restart your computer after the update finishes.

Keeping your build number current is one of the most important things you can do to keep your computer running smoothly and safely. Old builds can have bugs that slow down your system, and they lack security patches that protect against new threats. If you have not updated in several months, running an update check is worth doing right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

Yes, but your computer must meet Microsoft's system requirements, which include a compatible processor, at least 4 GB of RAM, and a specific type of firmware called UEFI. You can check whether your computer qualifies by opening Settings, going to System > About, and looking for a message about Windows 11 compatibility. If your computer does not meet the requirements, you cannot upgrade.

What is the difference between a version and a build number?

The version (like Windows 11) is the major release. The build number (like 22621) is the specific update within that version. You can have Windows 11 with dozens of different build numbers depending on when you last updated. The build number matters more for security and bug fixes, while the version matters for which programs will run.

Do I need to upgrade to the latest Windows version?

Not when ready, but eventually you will need to. Microsoft stops supporting old versions after a certain date — Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. After that date, you will not receive security updates, which makes your computer vulnerable. You have time to plan an upgrade, but waiting until the last minute means you might rush into it.

Why does my build number keep changing?

Windows Update installs new builds automatically in the background. Each build includes security patches, bug fixes, and sometimes small feature improvements. You do not need to do anything — the updates happen on their own. If you want to see what changed, you can check the Windows Release Health dashboard on Microsoft's website, though most updates are small and you will not notice any difference.

What if Settings does not show my Windows version?

This is rare, but if Settings is not working, try the System Information window instead. Press Windows key + R, type "msinfo32," and press Enter. The System Information window will show your version and build number. If neither method works, your Windows installation may be corrupted, and you may need to reinstall Windows or contact a technician.