Check your Windows version in three clicks

Open the Start menu, type "winver" into the search box, and press Enter. A window will appear showing your Windows version number, your build number, and your system name. That single window tells you everything you need to know about which Windows you are running.

If that does not work, you can also right-click "This PC" on your desktop or in File Explorer, select Properties, and scroll down to the "Windows specifications" section. Both methods show the same information — the version number is what matters most.

The version number looks like "Windows 10" or "Windows 11" followed by a build number like "22631". The version tells you which major release you have. The build number tells you how many updates have been installed since that version launched. You need the version number to know whether your hardware can run new software or whether your computer will receive future updates.

Key Takeaways

  • Type "winver" in the Start menu search to see your exact Windows version and build number in seconds.
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the two current versions; older versions like Windows 7 and 8 no longer receive security updates.
  • Your version number determines whether new software will run on your computer and when Microsoft will stop supporting your system.
  • The build number shows how many updates you have installed, but the version number is what you need when buying software or checking compatibility.

Why your Windows version matters

Software companies write programs for specific Windows versions. A program built for Windows 11 may not run on Windows 10, and older software written for Windows 7 may not work on either. Knowing your version prevents you from downloading something that will not install or run on your machine.

Microsoft also stops supporting older versions on specific dates. Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. Windows 7 stopped receiving updates in January 2020. Once support ends, your computer no longer receives security patches, which means hackers can exploit known weaknesses. Knowing your version tells you how much longer your system will be protected.

Your version also affects which hardware upgrades are worth making. Windows 11 requires specific processor features that older computers do not have, so upgrading to Windows 11 may require replacing your entire machine rather than just updating the operating system.

The difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 11 is the newer version, released in 2021. Windows 10 was released in 2015 and is still widely used. The main visible difference is the Start menu location — Windows 11 moved it to the center of the taskbar, while Windows 10 keeps it on the left. Windows 11 also requires a processor from roughly 2017 or newer, while Windows 10 runs on much older hardware.

If you have a computer more than five or six years old, you almost certainly have Windows 10. If you bought your computer in the last two or three years, you likely have Windows 11. Both versions receive regular updates, but Windows 10 updates will stop in October 2025.

What the build number tells you

The build number is a longer string of digits that appears below your version number. It tracks how many updates Microsoft has released for your version. A higher build number means you have installed more recent security patches and bug fixes.

You do not need to memorize your build number, but it is useful information to give to technical support if something is not working correctly. Support staff can use the build number to see whether a known bug has already been fixed in your system or whether you need an update.

Where to find your version if you cannot use winver

If the winver command does not open a window, try the Settings route instead. Open Settings, go to System, then select About. Scroll down and you will see "Windows specifications" with your version and build number listed.

On older computers or in rare cases, you might see "Windows 7" or "Windows 8" instead of Windows 10 or 11. These versions are no longer supported by Microsoft and no longer receive security updates. If you see either of these, your computer is at risk from known security problems, and upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 should be a priority.

What to do once you know your version

Once you have your version number, you can check whether software you want to install will run on your computer. Most software websites list their system requirements, including the minimum Windows version needed. Match your version to those requirements before you read.

You can also check how much longer your version will be supported. Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025. Windows 11 support extends to October 13, 2026, though that date may shift. If your version is approaching its end date, you have time to plan an upgrade to a newer computer or a fresh installation of a newer Windows version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on my current computer?

Not always. Windows 11 requires a processor from around 2017 or newer and at least 4 GB of RAM. If your computer is older, it may not meet these requirements. You can check your processor model in the same Settings > About menu where you found your version number, then search online to see whether it is compatible with Windows 11.

What does the build number mean, and do I need to update it?

The build number tracks how many updates you have installed. A higher number means you have more recent security patches. Windows automatically downloads and installs updates, so you do not need to do anything manually. Checking for updates in Settings > Update & Security ensures you have the latest build.

Is Windows 7 or Windows 8 still safe to use?

No. Both versions stopped receiving security updates years ago. Windows 7 ended support in January 2020, and Windows 8 ended in January 2016. Without updates, your computer is vulnerable to known security exploits. If you have either version, upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 should be your next step.

Why does my version number stay the same even after I install updates?

The version number (like "Windows 10" or "Windows 11") stays the same across many updates. Only the build number changes. Microsoft releases major version changes infrequently — Windows 10 has been the current version since 2015. The build number is what actually changes with each monthly security update.