The quickest way to identify the version of Windows installed on a PC is the winver command. Windows Settings can then provide additional details such as the edition, OS build, and system architecture.
Check your Windows version with winver
- Press Windows+R.
- Type winver.
- Press Enter.
- Read the Windows edition, version, and OS build shown in the About Windows dialog.
Find more information in Settings
Open Settings > System > About. The Windows specifications section shows operating-system details, while Device specifications includes information about the computer itself.
Version, edition, and build are different
Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro are editions. The version identifies a feature-release generation, while the OS build is a more precise number that changes as Windows receives updates. When troubleshooting, providing the edition and OS build is more useful than saying only that the computer runs Windows 11.
Check System type for architecture
The System type entry under Device specifications can show whether the installed operating system and processor use a 64-bit architecture. This matters when selecting some installers and drivers, but it is separate from the Windows version number.
Why the version matters
Software, drivers, and Windows features can require a particular release or build. Windows 10 also reached the end of standard support in October 2025, so identifying an older Windows installation can help you determine whether the computer should be moved to a supported Windows 11 release.
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.
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