The fastest way to check your Windows version
The quickest method is to press Windows key + R on your keyboard, type winver, and press Enter. A window will open showing your Windows version (like Windows 10 or Windows 11), your build number, and your OS build. This takes about five seconds and works on every Windows machine.
If you prefer not to use the Run command, you can also right-click the Start button, select Settings, then go to System > About. Scroll down and you will see "Windows specifications" with your edition and version listed there.
Key Takeaways
- Press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter to see your version and build number in seconds.
- Your version number (like 22H2) tells you which major update you are running; your build number is more specific.
- Settings > System > About shows the same information if you prefer not to use the Run command.
- Knowing your build number helps you troubleshoot problems and understand whether your PC has the latest security patches.
What the version number and build number mean
Windows displays two different numbers, and they mean different things. The version is the major release—Windows 10 version 22H2 or Windows 11 version 23H2, for example. The build number is more specific and changes more often. A build number like 19045.3693 tells you exactly which update your system has installed, including security patches released since the version came out.
The build number matters because Microsoft releases security updates throughout the year without changing the version number. Two computers both running Windows 11 version 23H2 might have different build numbers if one received updates more recently. When you contact support or search for a problem online, the build number is usually what you need.
Checking version through Settings
Open the Start menu and type Settings, then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click System on the left side. Scroll down and click About. Under "Windows specifications" you will see your edition (Home, Pro, Enterprise), your version number, and your OS build.
This method is useful if you are already in Settings for another reason, but the winver command is faster if you only need to check the version. Both show you the same information.
Finding your version in System Information
System Information is a more detailed tool that shows not just your Windows version but also your processor, RAM, and other hardware details. Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for "OS Name" (which shows your edition and version) and "OS Version" (which shows your build number).
Most people do not need System Information just to check the version—winver is simpler. But if you are troubleshooting a hardware or driver problem, System Information gives you everything in one place.
Why you might need to know your Windows version
Your version number tells you whether your PC is running a current, supported version of Windows. Microsoft stops supporting older versions after a certain date, which means no more security updates. If you are running an unsupported version, you should plan to update to a newer one.
Your build number also matters for troubleshooting. If you search online for a problem you are experiencing, knowing your exact build helps you find solutions that explore to your specific setup. Some problems are fixed in newer builds but not older ones, so the build number tells you whether an update might solve your issue.
Checking if you need a Windows update
Once you know your version and build, you can check whether updates are available. Go to Settings > System > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Windows will tell you whether your build is current or whether newer updates are waiting to install.
Microsoft typically releases updates on the second Tuesday of each month (called "Patch Tuesday"), though security updates can come at other times. If your build number is several months old, checking for updates is a good idea—you may be missing security patches.
Understanding Windows 10 versus Windows 11
Windows 10 and Windows 11 are different operating systems with different version numbering. Windows 10 versions are numbered like 21H2 or 22H2. Windows 11 versions look similar (23H2, for example) but they are for a different OS. The winver window clearly shows which one you have at the top, so there is no confusion.
If you are running Windows 10, Microsoft stopped supporting it in October 2025, which means no more security updates. If your version check shows Windows 10, you should plan to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase a new computer with Windows 11 already installed. Your version check tells you whether this is urgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between version and build number?
Version is the major release (like Windows 11 23H2). Build is more specific and includes security patches released after the version came out. Two computers with the same version may have different builds if one received updates more recently.
Can I check my Windows version without opening Settings?
Yes. Press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. This opens the About Windows dialog in seconds and shows your version, build, and release date without navigating through menus.
What should I do if my Windows version is old?
Go to Settings > System > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Windows will read and install the latest version and build for your edition. If you are running Windows 10, you should upgrade to Windows 11 since Windows 10 is no longer supported.
Does my build number affect how my computer runs?
Not directly, but older builds may be missing security patches that newer builds include. If your build is several months old, updating ensures you have the latest security fixes. Performance and features are usually the same across builds of the same version.
Where do I find my Windows edition (Home, Pro, etc.)?
Open Settings > System > About and look under "Windows specifications." Your edition is listed there. You can also see it in the winver window, though it is smaller and easier to spot in Settings.