Knowing exactly which Windows you run helps with updates, software requirements and support calls. Windows describes itself with three details: the edition (such as Home or Pro), the version (such as 25H2 or 26H2) and the OS build, which changes every month with updates. This guide shows every quick way to find them, what they mean and how to tell whether your version is still supported.
Quick Answer
Press Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter. The About Windows box shows the version and OS build. For the edition and system type, open Settings, System, About.
Method 1: winver (Fastest)
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run box. You can also type winver into Start search.
- Type
winverand press Enter. - Read the first lines of the About Windows box. The logo tells you whether it is Windows 10 or Windows 11, and the line underneath shows the Version and OS Build.
Method 2: Settings (Full Details)
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to System, then About. On Windows 10 it is also under System, About.
- Under Device specifications, check System type to see whether you have a 64-bit or Arm-based PC.
- Under Windows specifications, note Edition, Version, Installed on and OS build.
- Click Copy to put the details on the clipboard, which is handy for support requests.
Method 3: Command Prompt or PowerShell
Open Terminal, Command Prompt or PowerShell and run one of these:
vershows the build number in one line.systeminfolists OS Name, OS Version, System Type and much more. Scroll to the top for the edition and build.
The command line is useful when you are helping someone remotely or checking a PC over a remote session.
Method 4: System Information
Type System Information into Start search (or run msinfo32). The System Summary page shows OS Name, Version, System Type, BIOS details and installed memory on one screen, which makes it a good choice when you need hardware details at the same time.
What Each Detail Means
| Detail | Example | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Edition | Windows 11 Home or Pro | Which features you have, such as BitLocker and Remote Desktop hosting on Pro |
| Version | 25H2 | The yearly feature update. H2 means the second half of the year. |
| OS build | 26200.xxxx | The exact patch level. The number after the dot rises with monthly updates. |
| System type | 64-bit, x64 or Arm-based | Which app and driver downloads to choose |
How to Tell Windows 10 From Windows 11
The quickest clue is the taskbar: Windows 11 centres the Start button and icons by default, while Windows 10 keeps them on the left. For a definite answer, use winver; the logo and the product name at the top of Settings, System, About will say Windows 10 or Windows 11. Windows 11 build numbers start at 22000, while Windows 10 builds are lower; the final Windows 10 version, 22H2, is build 19045.
Is Your Version Still Supported?
Microsoft supports each Windows 11 Home and Pro version for about two years. These are the end dates from Microsoft’s lifecycle page:
| Windows 11 version (Home and Pro) | End of servicing |
|---|---|
| 26H2 | October 10, 2028 |
| 26H1 (select new devices) | March 15, 2028 |
| 25H2 | October 13, 2027 |
| 24H2 | October 14, 2026 |
| 23H2 and earlier | Ended |
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027 for PCs on Windows 10 version 22H2.
How to Update to the Latest Version
Open Settings, Windows Update and click Check for updates. When a new feature update is ready for your PC, it appears with a Download and install option. If you want it as soon as it is available, turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available on the same page. Restart when prompted, then run winver again to confirm the new version.
Troubleshooting
- winver shows Windows 10: your PC has not been upgraded. Check Windows Update or the PC Health Check app to see if it can run Windows 11.
- Version looks old: install pending updates and restart; some feature updates arrive in stages.
- Edition shows S mode: you can only install Store apps until you switch out of S mode in Settings, System, Activation.
Related: Tell if you have Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does H2 mean?
It stands for the second half of the year. 25H2 is the feature update released in the second half of 2025.
How do I find out if I have Windows Home or Pro?
Open Settings, System, About and read the Edition line, or run winver and look for the line that names your edition, such as The Windows 11 Pro operating system.
How can I tell if my Windows is 64-bit?
Settings, System, About shows it next to System type. Windows 11 is only available as a 64-bit system, on x64 or Arm processors.
Is my copy of Windows activated?
Go to Settings, System, Activation. It shows Active when Windows is activated.
Summary
- Run winver for the version and build.
- Open Settings, System, About for the edition and system type.
- Use ver, systeminfo or msinfo32 for more detail.
- Compare your version with Microsoft’s support dates.
- Update through Windows Update if your version is out of support.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.