The quickest way to find your Windows version

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and the letter I at the same time. In the left sidebar, click System, then scroll down and click About. Look for the line that says "Edition" — that tells you whether you have Windows 11, Windows 10, or an older version. Below that, you will see "Version" and "OS Build", which show you the exact update level of your system.

If you need this information quickly and Settings feels slow on your computer, you can also right-click the Start button and select System directly. The About page opens the same way.

Write down or take a screenshot of your Edition, Version, and OS Build number. You will need these details if you ever contact Microsoft support, buy software, or troubleshoot a problem with a technician.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Windows key + I, click System, then About to see your Windows edition and version number in one place.
  • The Edition line tells you Windows 11, Windows 10, or older; the Version and OS Build lines show how up-to-date your system is.
  • You can also right-click the Start button and select System to reach the same information without opening Settings.
  • Save your Edition and OS Build number somewhere you can find it later, because support staff and software installers often ask for it.

What the version numbers actually mean

Windows comes in different editions, and knowing which one you have matters for compatibility. Windows 11 Home is the standard version most people buy with a new computer. Windows 11 Pro includes extra security features and the ability to connect to a work domain. Windows 11 Enterprise is for large organizations. If you see Windows 10 instead, the same three editions exist for that version.

The Version number (like 23H2 or 22H2) tells you which major update your system has installed. The OS Build number is more specific — it changes with every small patch and security update. A higher build number means your computer has received more recent fixes. If your build number is very old, your computer may be missing important security patches.

Finding your version if Settings does not open

If the Settings app is frozen or will not start, you can find your Windows version through the Run dialog. Press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. A window titled "About Windows" will pop up showing your Edition, Version, and OS Build.

This method works even when Settings is slow or broken, because it runs a small built-in program instead of loading the full Settings interface. Write down the information the same way you would from Settings.

Checking your version from the Command Prompt

If you are comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can see your version there too. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. In the black window that opens, type systeminfo and press Enter. The list that appears includes "OS Name" (your edition), "OS Version" (your version number), and "System Boot Time" and other details.

The Command Prompt method shows more technical information than Settings does, but for finding your Windows version, the Settings app is usually faster and easier to read.

Why you need to know your Windows version

Software installers often ask which Windows version you have before they let you read a program. Some older software only works on Windows 10, while newer programs may require Windows 11. Knowing your edition and build number ahead of time means you can check compatibility before you start the read.

If your computer has a problem and you contact Microsoft support or a technician, they will ask for your OS Build number first. This number tells them exactly which updates your system has and which bugs or fixes may explore to your situation. It also helps them tell you whether a patch is already installed or still needs to be downloaded.

Keeping track of updates to your version

Windows updates your OS Build number automatically when you install security patches and feature updates. You can see when the last update happened by going back to Settings > System > About and looking at the "Last checked for updates" date. If that date is more than a month old, your computer may not have the latest security fixes.

To check for updates manually, open Settings, click Update & Security (or System > Windows Update on Windows 11), and click Check for updates. Windows will read and install any patches your system is missing. Your OS Build number will increase after each update, and you can return to the About page to confirm the new number.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the newer version with a redesigned Start menu, better security features, and improved performance on newer computers. Windows 10 still receives security updates but will stop being supported in October 2025. If you have Windows 10, you can check whether your computer meets the hardware requirements to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.

Does my version number change when I restart my computer?

No. Your Edition and Version stay the same unless you install a major Windows update. Your OS Build number only changes when Microsoft releases a patch or security update. Restarting your computer does not change any of these numbers.

Why does my OS Build number look like a long string of numbers?

Microsoft changed how it labels builds over time. Older Windows 10 builds show as numbers like 19045, while newer Windows 11 builds show as 23H2 or 22H2. Both formats mean the same thing — they identify which version of Windows you have installed.

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 reinstall Windows 10 from scratch using installation media, which erases your files. Most people stay on Windows 11 once the 10-day window closes.

What if the About page shows a version number I do not recognize?

Windows releases new version numbers every few months. If your number is unfamiliar, it straightforward means your computer has a recent update. You can search the version number online to see what features or fixes came with that release.