How to Determine Which Version of Windows You Have

• Table of Contents

  • How to Determine Which Version of Windows You Have
  • Method 1: Using the “Winver” Command
  • Method 2: Using the System Information Tool
  • Method 3: Checking the About Settings
  • Method 4: Checking the Control Panel
  • Method 5: Checking the Desktop Background
  • Summary
  • Q&A

Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, with millions of users relying on it for their daily computing needs. However, many users are often unsure about which version of Windows they are using. Whether you need to troubleshoot a problem, install a specific software, or simply satisfy your curiosity, knowing how to determine which version of Windows you have is essential. In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding out which version of Windows you are running.

Method 1: Using the “Winver” Command

One of the easiest ways to determine your Windows version is by using the “winver” command. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “winver” (without the quotes) in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
3. A small window will appear, displaying the version and build number of your Windows installation.

For example, if the window displays “Version 10.0 (Build 19042)”, it means you are running Windows 10 version 20H2.

Method 2: Using the System Information Tool

Another way to find out which version of Windows you have is by using the System Information tool. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msinfo32” (without the quotes) in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
3. The System Information window will open, displaying various details about your computer.
4. Look for the “OS Name” and “Version” fields, which will indicate the version of Windows you are using.

For instance, if the OS Name is “Microsoft Windows 10 Pro” and the Version is “10.0.19042 Build 19042”, it means you are running Windows 10 version 20H2.

Method 3: Checking the About Settings

If you prefer a more user-friendly approach, you can check the About settings in Windows. Here’s how:

1. Click on the Start button, then click on the Settings (gear) icon.
2. In the Settings window, click on “System”.
3. In the left sidebar, click on “About”.
4. On the right side, under the “Windows specifications” section, you will find the version and build number of your Windows installation.

For example, if it displays “Windows 10 Pro Version 20H2 (OS Build 19042.123)”, it means you are running Windows 10 version 20H2.

Method 4: Checking the Control Panel

If you are more comfortable using the Control Panel, you can also find your Windows version there. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “control” (without the quotes) in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
3. The Control Panel window will open.
4. Click on “System and Security”.
5. Under the “System” section, click on “System”.
6. The version and edition of your Windows installation will be displayed under the “Windows edition” section.

For instance, if it displays “Windows 10 Pro”, it means you are running Windows 10.

Method 5: Checking the Desktop Background

If you are unable to access the above methods or prefer a quick visual check, you can determine your Windows version by looking at your desktop background. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select “Personalize”.
2. In the Personalization settings window, click on “Background” in the left sidebar.
3. Scroll down and look for the “Windows wallpaper” section.
4. The image displayed in this section often corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.

For example, if you see the iconic Windows 10 default wallpaper, it means you are running Windows 10.

Summary

Determining which version of Windows you have is crucial for various reasons, including troubleshooting, software compatibility, and staying up to date with the latest features and security patches. In this article, we explored five different methods to help you identify your Windows version:

• Using the “winver” command
• Using the System Information tool
• Checking the About settings
• Checking the Control Panel
• Checking the desktop background

By following these methods, you can easily find out which version of Windows you are running and ensure that you have the necessary information for any troubleshooting or software installation needs.

Q&A

1. Why is it important to know which version of Windows I have?

Knowing your Windows version is important for troubleshooting issues, ensuring software compatibility, and staying up to date with the latest features and security patches.

2. Can I upgrade to a newer version of Windows?

Yes, you can upgrade to a newer version of Windows if your current version is eligible for an upgrade. Microsoft provides upgrade options for eligible Windows versions.

3. How often does Microsoft release new versions of Windows?

Microsoft typically releases major Windows updates twice a year, known as feature updates. These updates introduce new features, improvements, and security enhancements.

4. Can I downgrade to an older version of Windows?

Downgrading to an older version of Windows is possible, but it requires a clean installation of the desired version. It is recommended to backup your data before downgrading.

5. What if I am unable to determine my Windows version using these methods