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's your Windows version. You'll see something like "Windows 11 Home" or "Windows 10 Pro".

If Settings doesn't open, you can also right-click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen and select System directly. The About page will show the same information.

The version number appears on the same page as Edition. Windows 11 might show "23H2" or "22H2" — these are update numbers that change throughout the year. Windows 10 shows similar numbers. Both tell you how current your system is, though you don't need to memorize them.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Windows version appears in Settings under System > About, labeled as Edition.
  • Windows 11 and Windows 10 are the two current versions; older versions like Windows 7 or 8 are no longer supported by Microsoft.
  • The number after your version (like 23H2) is an update number that changes when Microsoft releases patches and improvements.
  • Knowing your version matters because some programs only run on Windows 10 or Windows 11, and some features only work on newer versions.

Why your Windows version matters

Your version determines which programs will run on your computer. Some newer software requires Windows 11, while older programs might not work on Windows 11 at all. If you're trying to install something and it won't work, the version mismatch is often the reason.

Microsoft also stops supporting old versions. Windows 7 and Windows 8 no longer receive security updates, which means your computer becomes more vulnerable to attacks the longer you use them. Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. If you're still on Windows 10 after that date, you won't get patches for new security problems.

Your version also affects which features you can use. Windows 11 has features like Copilot (an AI assistant) and improved touchscreen support that don't exist in Windows 10. If you need those tools for work, you need Windows 11.

The difference between Edition and version number

Edition is the product you bought: Home, Pro, Enterprise, or Education. Version is the release year or generation — Windows 10 versus Windows 11. The update number (like 23H2) is the most recent patch Microsoft installed on your machine.

Think of it this way: Edition is like the model of a car (sedan, SUV, truck). Version is the year (2020, 2024). The update number is the service record (last oil change in March).

You need to know your Edition if you're buying software licenses or checking whether a program supports your setup. You need to know your Version if you're troubleshooting compatibility problems. The update number matters mostly to IT professionals and when you're reporting a bug to Microsoft.

Where to find your version if Settings won't open

If the Settings app crashes or won't respond, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type winver and press Enter. A window will pop up showing your Edition, Version, and OS Build number all at once.

This method works even if Settings is broken. The information is identical to what you'd see in Settings, just displayed differently. Write down the numbers if you need to share them with technical support.

Another option: right-click This PC or My Computer on your desktop (if you have it there), select Properties, and scroll down. You'll see Edition and Version listed. This route takes longer but works on every Windows machine.

What to do if you see an unfamiliar version number

If your version number is very old (like 21H2 when the current version is 23H2), Windows Update may not have run recently. Open Settings, go to Update & Security (Windows 10) or System > Windows Update (Windows 11), and click Check for updates. Let it run to completion — this can take 30 minutes or longer.

Don't shut down your computer during an update. If the update fails, Windows will try again the next time you restart. If it fails repeatedly, note the error code shown on screen and search for it online, or contact Microsoft support with that code.

Keeping your version current matters because each update includes security fixes. Delaying updates leaves your computer exposed to known problems that hackers can exploit.

Windows 10 versus Windows 11: which one do you have

Windows 11 has a redesigned Start menu in the center of the taskbar instead of the left corner. The Settings app looks cleaner with larger text and different icons. Windows 10 has the Start menu on the left and older-looking Settings screens.

If you're not sure which you have, the Edition line in Settings will say "Windows 10" or "Windows 11" clearly. You can't accidentally have both — your computer runs one or the other.

Windows 11 requires newer hardware than Windows 10. If your computer is more than five or six years old, it might not meet Windows 11's requirements even if you wanted to upgrade. Checking your version is the first step to knowing whether an upgrade is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Windows version?

You can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 if your hardware supports it, but you cannot downgrade back to Windows 10 without erasing your drive and reinstalling. Changing Edition (Home to Pro, for example) requires a license key but doesn't erase your files. Both processes are complex — contact Microsoft support before attempting either.

What does the build number mean?

The build number (shown as OS Build in Settings) is Microsoft's internal tracking code for each update. You don't need to understand it, but it's useful when reporting problems to support. Each build number represents a specific set of patches and fixes released on a specific date.

Why does my version number have letters like H1 or H2?

H1 and H2 stand for the first and second half of the year. Windows 23H2 means the second-half 2023 update. This naming helps Microsoft track which updates were released when, but you only need to know whether your number matches the current one — if it's older, run Windows Update.

Is my Windows version still supported?

Windows 11 is currently supported. Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. Windows 8 and earlier are no longer supported and no longer receive security updates. If you're on Windows 10 or earlier, check your version now and plan to upgrade before support ends.