Finding your software version in Windows
The fastest way to check a software version depends on where the program stores that information. Most Windows programs show their version number in the About menu, accessible from the Help menu or by right-clicking the program icon. Some programs display the version in Settings or Preferences instead. A few older or simpler programs hide the version number entirely, but you can usually find it by looking at the program's file properties on your hard drive.
The method that works most often is opening the program, clicking the menu button (usually three horizontal lines or dots in the top corner), and looking for "About [Program Name]". This window displays the exact version number, the release date, and sometimes build information that tells you whether you have the latest update installed.
Key Takeaways
- The About menu inside most Windows programs shows the version number in one click, and is the fastest way to check.
- Right-clicking a program's shortcut or executable file and selecting Properties reveals version details stored in the file itself.
- Windows Settings shows installed versions for Microsoft programs like Office, Edge, and Windows Defender.
- Some programs require checking the installation folder directly, usually found in Program Files or Program Files (x86).
- Version numbers follow a pattern like 23.1.4, where each number indicates major updates, minor updates, and bug fixes.
Using the About menu inside the program
Open the program you want to check. Look for a menu button, usually represented by three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) or three dots, typically in the top right corner of the window. Click it and scroll down until you see "About" or "About [Program Name]".
A window will pop up showing the version number prominently. It may also display the build number, release date, and sometimes a link to check for updates. Write down the version number or take a screenshot if you need to compare it to the latest version available on the program's website.
If the program has a traditional menu bar at the top (File, Edit, View, Help), click Help instead and look for About in that dropdown. Some programs like Microsoft Office hide the version in File > Account or File > Help instead of a traditional Help menu.
Checking file properties on your hard drive
If the program does not have an About menu or it is not working, you can find the version by looking at the file itself. Right-click the program's shortcut on your desktop or in your Start menu, then select "Open file location". This opens the folder where the program is installed.
Find the program's main executable file (usually the one with the program's icon). Right-click it and select Properties. Click the Details tab. The File Version field shows the version number, and the Product Version field shows what the developer calls it. These numbers may look slightly different from what the About menu displays, but they refer to the same release.
If you cannot find the shortcut, search for the program name in the Windows search bar, right-click the result, and select "Open file location". This takes you directly to the installed program folder.
Finding versions in Windows Settings
Microsoft programs and Windows system tools often list their versions in Settings rather than in the program itself. Open Settings (press Windows key + I) and go to Apps > Installed Apps. Search for the program name in the list. Click it and you will see the version number displayed.
For Microsoft Office specifically, open any Office program like Word or Excel, click File, then Account. The version number appears under Product Information on the right side of the screen. For Windows Defender and other security tools, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security, then click Virus & Threat Protection. The version appears under Virus & Threat Protection Updates.
This method works for most built-in Windows programs and Microsoft's own software. Third-party programs may not appear in Settings with version information, so the About menu or file properties method works better for those.
Understanding version numbers and what they mean
Version numbers follow a pattern like 24.3.1 or 2024.01.15. Each number represents a different level of change. The first number is the major version, which changes when the program has significant new features. The second number is the minor version, which increases for smaller updates and new capabilities. The third number is the patch or build number, which changes for bug fixes and security updates.
Some programs use the year and month instead, like 2024.01 for January 2024. Others add a fourth number for internal builds. The important thing to know is that a higher version number means a newer release. If your version is 23.1.4 and the website shows 24.2.1 available, you are running an older version and may want to update.
Build numbers sometimes appear in parentheses after the version, like "24.3.1 (Build 19045)". These are internal tracking numbers used by developers and do not affect how you understand whether your version is current.
What to do if you cannot find the version number
Some very old programs or portable programs that run without installation do not store version information in the standard places. If the About menu is empty or missing, try right-clicking the executable file and checking Properties > Details as described above.
If that does not work, visit the program's official website and look for a Downloads or About page. Compare the file size and release date of your installed program to what the website shows. You can also check the program's installation folder name — some developers include the version in the folder name, like "Program Name v3.2" in Program Files.
As a last resort, you can contact the program's support team or check their documentation. They can tell you how to find the version for that specific program.
Checking for updates once you know your version
Once you know your current version, visit the program's official website to see what the latest version is. Most programs have a Downloads page or Release Notes that list the current version number. Compare the numbers to see if you are behind.
Many programs have a built-in update checker. In the About menu, look for a button that says "Check for Updates" or "Update Now". Clicking it will tell you whether a newer version is available and let you read it directly from within the program. This is faster and safer than searching the web for updates.
If the program is old and no longer maintained, the version number may be the same on the website as what you have installed. In that case, you have the final version released for that program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do different places show different version numbers for the same program?
The About menu, file properties, and Settings sometimes display version numbers in different formats. One might show 24.3.1 while another shows 24.3.1.19045. They are the same release — the longer number just includes the build identifier. The important digits are the first three.
Does a higher version number always mean the program is better?
A higher version number means newer, not necessarily better for your needs. New versions add features and fix bugs, but they also sometimes change how the program works or require more system resources. Check the release notes on the program's website to see what changed before updating.
Can I have two different versions of the same program installed?
Normally no — installing a new version replaces the old one. Some programs like Python or Node.js are designed to let you install multiple versions side by side for development purposes, but regular Windows software does not work that way. Uninstalling the old version happens automatically during the update.
What if the About menu shows a version but Windows Settings shows a different one?
This usually means the program has not fully updated or Settings is showing cached information. Restart the program and check the About menu again. If Settings still shows a different number, restart your computer. If the discrepancy persists, the program may have a background component that updated separately from the main program.
Is it safe to ignore version numbers and never update?
Older versions can have security vulnerabilities that newer versions fix. For programs that handle sensitive information like browsers, email, or banking software, staying current matters. For straightforward utility programs you rarely use, an older version is usually safe, but security updates are still worth installing.