Welcome to our article that will help you find out what version of Windows you are using. It may seem like a trivial task, but knowing the correct version of Windows is important for troubleshooting, updating, and upgrading your operating system. In this article, we will provide you with 12 easy-to-follow steps to discover what version of Windows you are running.
Steps to Find What Version of Windows You Have
Step 1: Open the Start Menu and Click on “Settings”
The first step is to open the Start menu and click on “Settings.” This will take you to the main settings page of your Windows operating system.
Step 2: Click on “System”
On the settings page, click on the “System” option. This will allow you to access different system settings related to your operating system.
Step 3: Click on “About”
After clicking on “System,” click on the “About” option. This will provide you with information regarding your device’s hardware, Windows specifications, and more.
Step 4: Look for the Edition Section
In the “About” section, locate the “Edition” section. Here, you will find the specific edition of Windows that is installed on your device, such as “Windows 10 Home” or “Windows 10 Pro.”
Step 5: Identify the Version Number
Next, you need to identify the version number. The version number provides more specific information about the version of Windows you are using. It is typically listed as a series of numbers followed by a letter, such as “Version 21H1.”
Step 6: Use the “Winver” Command
Another way to identify the version of Windows you are using is to use the “Winver” command. Open the Run command prompt by pressing the “Windows key + R” keys on your keyboard, and type “winver” into the field. Press “Enter” to run the command.
Step 7: Look for the Version and Build Number
After running the “Winver” command, a dialog box will open that contains the version and build number of your operating system.
Step 8: Use the Command Prompt
You can also use the Command Prompt to find the version of Windows you are using. Open the Command Prompt by typing “cmd” into the search bar on the Start menu. Type “systeminfo” into the Command Prompt and press “Enter.”
Step 9: Check the “OS Name” and “Version” Fields
After using the “systeminfo” command, look for the “OS Name” and “Version” fields. These fields contain information regarding the version and edition of Windows you are using.
Step 10: Access the Registry Editor
The Registry Editor is another method to discover your version of Windows. Press “Windows key + R” to open the Run command prompt, type “regedit” into the field, and press “Enter.”
Step 11: Navigate to the “CurrentVersion” Key
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion” key. This key contains information about your version of Windows, including the edition, version number, build number, and more.
Step 12: Check the “EditionID” and “CurrentBuild” Fields
Once you have accessed the “CurrentVersion” key in the Registry Editor, look for the “EditionID” and “CurrentBuild” fields. These fields provide information on the edition and build number of the Windows version you are using.
Other Tips and Tricks
1. Check your computer properties
In addition to the methods mentioned above, you can also check your computer properties to find out what version of Windows you are using. To do this, right-click on “This PC” and select “Properties.”
2. Use a third-party app
There are several third-party apps available that can quickly identify the version of Windows you are using. Some popular options include “Speccy” and “Belarc Advisor.”
3. Check your installation media
If you still have your original installation media, such as a DVD or USB drive, you can also check the version of Windows from there.
4. Look at the System Information tool
The System Information tool can provide you with comprehensive information about your device’s hardware and software, including the version of Windows you are using.
5. Check the System Properties window
In addition to checking your computer properties, you can also find the edition and version of Windows in the System Properties window. To access this window, press “Windows key + Pause/Break.”
6. Ask for help
If you are still having trouble finding the version of Windows you are using, ask for help from a tech-savvy friend, family member, or professional.
7. Keep your Windows up-to-date
It is essential to keep your Windows operating system up-to-date to ensure optimal performance and security. Make sure to install any available updates regularly.
8. Upgrade to the latest version
If you are still using an older version of Windows, consider upgrading to the latest version to take advantage of new features, security improvements, and bug fixes.
9. Back up your important data
Before making any significant changes to your operating system, always make sure to back up your important data to avoid data loss.
10. Use a reliable antivirus software
Protect your device from malware and other online threats by using a reliable antivirus software.
In conclusion, finding what version of Windows you are using does not have to be a challenging task. With the 12 easy-to-follow steps and additional tips and tricks we provided in this article, you can easily identify the edition and version of Windows that is installed on your device. Regularly keeping your Windows up-to-date, upgrading to the latest version, and using reliable antivirus software can help ensure your device’s optimal performance and security.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Knowing How to Find What Version of Windows
Advantages
1. Identification of the operating system version of your computer allows you to determine if your device is still supported by the manufacturer. You can avoid wasting your time searching for solutions for an outdated version of Windows.
2. Knowing the version of Windows that you are using helps you find the correct drivers for your hardware and software. This can ensure that your computer operates smoothly and efficiently.
3. Being familiar with how to find your Windows version is useful for troubleshooting problems related to software installation or system updates. This knowledge can help you identify the root of the problem and address it accordingly.
4. Some software tools and utilities may require a specific version of Windows to run correctly. Knowing how to find your Windows version can ensure that the required version is installed before attempting to use these tools.
5. Keeping track of your Windows version can help you plan for upgrading to a newer version in the future. This can allow you to stay up-to-date with the latest features and security updates.
Disadvantages
1. Some users may find it confusing to determine which version of Windows they are using. This can be especially true for beginners who are not familiar with the operating system’s interface.
2. Focusing too much on the version of Windows can distract from other equally important aspects of computer maintenance and security.
3. Knowing the version of Windows does not necessarily guarantee that your computer is secure. Users should still take proper security measures to ensure protection against cyber threats.
4. In some cases, knowing the version of Windows may not be relevant or necessary. This can make the effort to find the information a waste of time.
5. Some users may mistakenly think that having the latest version of Windows automatically equates to having the best computer performance. This is not always the case as hardware and other system configurations play a big role in computer performance as well.
FAQ
1. How do I find out what version of Windows I have?
You can find out what version of Windows you have by following these steps:
- Click on the Start button on your desktop.
- Select Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on About.
- The version number of your Windows will be shown in the “Windows specifications” section.
2. What is Windows 10?
Windows 10 is the latest version of the Windows operating system, released by Microsoft in 2015. It is an updated and faster version of Windows 8 and comes with many new features and enhancements.
3. Can I upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 10?
No, you cannot upgrade directly from Windows XP to Windows 10. You will need to upgrade to a newer version of Windows like Windows 7 or 8 first, and then upgrade to Windows 10 from there.
4. How do I upgrade to the latest version of Windows?
You can upgrade to the latest version of Windows by following these steps:
- Click on the Start button on your desktop.
- Select Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click on Check for updates.
- If there are updates available, click on Download and Install.
5. What is the difference between Windows 32-bit and 64-bit?
The main difference between Windows 32-bit and 64-bit is the amount of memory they can use. A 32-bit version of Windows can use up to 4GB of RAM, while a 64-bit version can use much more, depending on the version of Windows.
6. How do I know if my computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows?
You can find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows by following these steps:
- Click on the Start button on your desktop.
- Select Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on About.
- Look for the “System type” entry.
- If it says 32-bit operating system, then your computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows.
- If it says 64-bit operating system, then your computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows.
7. Can I install a 64-bit version of Windows on a 32-bit processor?
No, you cannot install a 64-bit version of Windows on a 32-bit processor. Your processor must support 64-bit architecture to run a 64-bit version of Windows.
8. How do I find out if my processor can support a 64-bit version of Windows?
You can check if your processor can support a 64-bit version of Windows by checking the specifications of your processor on the manufacturer’s website.
9. What is the difference between Windows Home and Windows Pro?
The main difference between Windows Home and Windows Pro is the number of features they offer. Windows Pro offers more advanced features for businesses, while Windows Home provides basic features for home users.
10. How do I know if my version of Windows is Home or Pro?
You can find out if your version of Windows is Home or Pro by following these steps:
- Click on the Start button on your desktop.
- Select Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on About.
- Look for the “Edition” entry.
- If it says Windows 10 Home, then you have the Home version of Windows.
- If it says Windows 10 Pro, then you have the Pro version of Windows.
11. How do I find my Windows product key?
You can find your Windows product key by following these steps:
- Click on the Start button on your desktop.
- Select Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Activation.
- Your product key should be listed under “Product key”.
12. Can I use the same product key for multiple installations of Windows?
No, you cannot use the same product key for multiple installations of Windows. Each installation requires its own unique product key.
13. Can I change my Windows product key?
Yes, you can change your Windows product key by following these steps:
- Click on the Start button on your desktop.
- Select Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Activation.
- Click on Change product key.
- Enter your new product key and click on Next.
How to Find What Version of Windows
If you have recently bought a new computer or are simply curious about what version of Windows is running on your current machine, you have come to the right place. There are a few simple ways to find out what version of Windows you are using, and we are here to guide you through the process.
Conclusion and Closing
In conclusion, finding out what version of Windows you are using is a simple process that can be carried out in a few different ways. Whether you use the System Properties method or the About Windows method, the information you need is right at your fingertips. So, next time you want to update your computer or simply satisfy your curiosity, use these methods to find out what version of Windows you are running. Thank you for reading, and until next time!