The quickest way to identify your Windows release is to run winver. It opens an About Windows dialog showing the Windows product name, version, and operating-system build. For hardware and edition details, the Settings app provides additional information.
Check your Windows version with winver
- Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Type
winver. - Press Enter.
- Read the Windows edition/version and OS build shown in the About Windows window.
- Select OK when finished.
Find more details in Settings
Open Settings > System > About. Depending on the Windows release, this page can show the edition, version, OS build, system type, processor, installed RAM, device name, and other specifications.
Why the build number matters
“Windows 10” or “Windows 11” alone may not be specific enough when troubleshooting. Support documentation and software requirements can refer to a particular version or OS build. Copy the full edition and build information when asking for technical help.
32-bit versus 64-bit is not the Windows version
System type describes the operating-system and processor architecture, while edition/version describes the Windows release. A computer can, for example, run a 64-bit edition of Windows 11. Do not confuse those fields when checking application compatibility.
If the PC reports Windows 10, remember that standard support ended October 14, 2025. Check whether the hardware supports Windows 11 or whether another supported operating-system plan is needed.
When documenting a support problem, include the edition, version, and OS build together. That gives a technician much more useful information than saying only that the computer runs “Windows.”
After completing the change, test the result in the application where you actually need it before making additional settings changes.
Check the version before following instructions
Windows menus and settings can move between major releases and feature updates. If a tutorial’s screenshots do not match your PC, compare its stated Windows version and build with your own before assuming a setting is missing. This is especially useful when troubleshooting older Windows 10 instructions on a Windows 11 computer.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.