How to Check Your Windows Version [5 Easy Ways]

Are you wondering how to check your Windows version? Worry not – we’ve got your back!

While you usually don’t need to care, it’s necessary. Software and hardware upgrades/repairs sometimes require you to know it.   

Luckily, we’ll show you multiple ways to double-check your computer’s Windows version. Moreover, you’ll learn how to determine whether it’s 64-bit or 32-bit. 

That way, you’ll be able to troubleshoot and fix your PC issues better. 

Let’s dive right in. 

How to Check Windows Version (All Editions)

Checking your Windows version is super easy. Any of the following methods should work:

1. Use Settings App

This is the quickest way to determine your Windows edition. It works perfectly on Windows 8, 10, and 11.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Click the Start button and type Settings. 
   
2. Locate and select the Settings App.
3. Find System on the Settings window.
   
4. Scroll down and click About.
   
5. Check Version under Windows Specifications details. 
   

This method provides vital details about your device. You can find the operating system (OS) build, Windows Edition, installation date, etc.

2. Run Winver Command

Can’t find the Settings App? Chances are you’re using an older PC. As such, run the winver command to find your Windows version. 

Just follow these steps: 

1. Open Run dialog box. You can do this using the keyboard shortcut Start + R. Alternatively, click the Start button and type/search for Run.
   
2. Key in winver and click OK or press Enter on your keyboard. 
   
3. Check the Windows version on the pop-up box that shows up.
   

The above solution works on all computers from Windows XP to the present. However, it only displays limited information about your PC.

3. Use This PC/Computer

Another trick that works on all Windows OSs is using This PC/My Computer/Computer. Check below for the breakdown:

1. Locate the This PC/My Computer/Computer icon on your desktop. Alternatively, locate it under the Start Menu. 
   
2. Right-Click on it, scroll down and select Properties.
3. You’ll see the version alongside all system information on Windows 7 to 11. 
   
4. Select the General tab for Windows XP under System Properties.
5. View information about your OS version.  

This procedure is pretty straightforward. However, locating This PC/My Computer/Computer icon can be problematic on some devices.

But we’re not done yet.

4. Via Control Panel

Lots of vintage PC users know about this hidden trick. Despite Windows undergoing major user interface (UI) upgrades, it still exists. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for the Control Panel app.
   
3. Select System and Security.
   
4. Scroll down and click on System.
   
5. A pop-up will show up, displaying your Windows version.
   

Note that this method works with all Windows editions. But it excludes some information like Service Pack on XP. 

5. Use Command Prompt/PowerShell

Command (cmd) prompt/PowerShell works in the same way as using winver. However, it displays your Windows version in a geeky text-based interface. 

Below is how to use it: 

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for the Command Prompt or PowerShell app.
   
3. Type ver orwinver and press Enter on the keyboard.
   
4. It will display your Windows version. 
   

Command prompt and PowerShell work with all PCs from old to new. The methods are simple, fast, and convenient.

Now you know how to check your Windows version. But why should you do it? 

That’s next.

Why Check Your Windows Version?

Checking your Windows version is necessary for several reasons like troubleshooting issues. You also need it to ensure you get compatible software with your system. Moreover, hardware upgrades require you to verify your PC’s OS edition before installation.

Let’s take a closer look: 

• Software/Hardware compatibility: Software and hardware have different system requirements. As such, vendors insist on checking your Windows version to ensure compatibility. This should prevent performance arising from improper configurations.
• Troubleshooting: Knowing your OS details makes looking for and fixing issues easier. That’s because some problems are specific to certain Windows editions. Accordingly, you’ll be able to get proper solutions that work.   
• Technical support: Your PC vendor or Microsoft may require your Windows version to assist you. Doing so enables them to run through and fix your problems fast.  
• Manage upgrades: You need to know the Windows version before upgrading it. This information lets you know the appropriate editions available for your device. But other times, your PC can automatically handle the process for you. 
• Security issues: Older copies of Windows may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Microsoft usually makes such information public and releases fixes through upgrades. As such, you must double-check your PC and update it whenever necessary. 
• New features: Windows version upgrades come with the latest and improved features. Accordingly, regularly check your edition to know when to upgrade. 

The above list may not be exhaustive. Still, it highlights the importance of knowing your Windows version. 

And one more thing.

Determining if Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit

Checking your Windows version isn’t the only thing you need to know. Determining whether it’s 32-bit or 64-bit is equally essential.

You can check it based om the following ways:

Windows 10 & 11

At present, all Windows 11 builds are 64-bit by default. You can confirm this by accessing the About section in your PC’s System settings.

The info is available under the Device specification details. All you need to do is locate the System type information. 

You can repeat the same process above if you’re on Windows 10. Unlike Windows 11, it comes in either 32-bit or 64-bit.

Windows 7 & 8

For Windows 7/8, you can find the details under the System type toolkit. To do this, access the Control Panel via the Start menu. 

Choose System and Security and select System. Then click View amount of RAM and processor speed link.

Locate System type to see if your PC is a 32bit or 64bit. Easy-peasy! 

Windows XP

A majority of Windows XP computers have a 32bit operating system. However, Microsoft did release a limited 64bit version back in 2003.

Accordingly, you can check for 64/32 bit compatibility under the System menu. Start by right-clicking My Computer and selecting Properties from the Context menu.

Pick System from the System Properties window. The action displays whether your device is 32bit or 64bit. 

And one more thing.

Use Command Prompt

Command Prompt provides the easiest way to check your Windows OS build. Begin with launching the utility tool by typing CMD under the Start menu. 

Press Enter on your keyboard for it to pop up. Then type/copy-paste the code systeminfo | findstr /B /C:”System Type” . 

Hit Enter once again to view the operating system version. Sounds simple, right?

Sadly, it’s time to sign off.

Wrap Up

Knowing how to check the Windows version is essential for everyday PC tasks. It helps with troubleshooting issues, installing software, upgrading hardware, etc. 

However, not everyone has an idea to check it. With Microsoft releasing newer operating systems, it gets more confusing.

Thankfully, our easy-to-follow explainers make the whole thing feel like child’s play. Now it’s your turn to go ahead and check it with confidence.